Leading Rabbis Eulogize Kabbalist Rabbi David Botzer

The prominent Kabbalist Rabbi David Botzer, head of the "HaShalom" yeshiva in Jerusalem, passed away at the age of 85. His funeral was attended by several leading rabbis who delivered eulogies, highlighting his deep scholarship in Kabbalah and his dedication to religious study and divine service.

Rabbi David Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, revealed that his father, the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, had personally instructed him to study Kabbalah under Rabbi Botzer. "My father told me to go and study Kabbalah, that the time had come," Rabbi Yosef recounted, adding that his father held Rabbi Botzer in high esteem and considered him a prime example of authentic Kabbalistic study. He described Rabbi Botzer as a "great minister and leader who has fallen today in Israel."

Rabbi Yaakov Ades, another prominent Kabbalist, focused on Rabbi Botzer's intense devotion, describing prayers accompanied by profound weeping and tears, even during private study sessions. He noted Rabbi Botzer's extensive knowledge of the writings of Rabbi Isaac Luria and other Kabbalistic texts, and his remarkable ability to explain complex concepts with clarity, making him a sought-after teacher.

Rabbi Binyahu Shmueli shared a deeply personal account of his relationship with Rabbi Botzer, emphasizing his complete dedication to divine service. "All his actions were for the sake of Heaven," Shmueli stated, adding that he had never witnessed such devotion. He also spoke of how Rabbi Botzer's presence provided him with strength during a difficult period when he joined the "Nahar Shalom" yeshiva.