Rabbi Ephraim Haddad, Preserver of Tunisian Jewish Heritage, Dies at 82
Rabbi Ephraim Haddad, who dedicated his life to preserving and disseminating the writings and heritage of Tunisian and Djerban sages, passed away at the age of 82. Throughout his life, Rabbi Haddad published and edited over 40 books, ensuring the legacy of prominent Jewish scholars from Tunisia and the island of Djerba reached future generations.
Born in Djerba, Tunisia, in 1944, Rabbi Haddad immigrated to Israel in his youth. His deep connection with the sages of Djerba began early and continued after his move to Israel, maintaining ties with community rabbis and scholars, including the late Rabbi Meir Mazuz. His grandson, Rabbi Itiel Sofer, stated that preserving the spiritual treasures of Tunisian Jewry and transmitting them to the next generation was the central focus of Rabbi Haddad's life's work.
Rabbi Haddad's literary endeavors included editing manuscripts and reissuing religious texts. He also translated stories and teachings from Arabic into Hebrew, making them accessible to a wider audience. His grandson noted that Rabbi Haddad would often share stories about the sages of Djerba and teachings from Sephardic rabbis at family events. He was also committed to maintaining traditional customs, such as reading the Book of Job on the Ninth of Av and the Song of Songs on Passover.
In his later years, Rabbi Haddad resided in the Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem, where he developed a close relationship with local rabbis, notably the late Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Rabbi Haddad would present each new book he published to Rabbi Yosef, who held him in high regard and occasionally invited him for visits. The connection extended to the previous generation, as Rabbi Yosef delivered a eulogy for Rabbi Haddad's father.
Rabbi Haddad is survived by seven daughters, one son, dozens of grandchildren, and dozens of great-grandchildren, totaling over 150 descendants. His grandson described him as a quiet and humble individual whose primary concern was the continuation of tradition and Torah study for future generations.
