Leading Rabbis Mourn Kabbalist Rabbi David Botzer

Prominent rabbis eulogized Rabbi David Botzer, a leading Kabbalist and head of the "HaShalom" yeshiva in Jerusalem, who passed away at the age of 85. Rabbi David Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, revealed that his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, had personally instructed him to study Kabbalah under Rabbi Botzer, highlighting a deep respect and close friendship between the two.

"A prince and a great man has fallen today in Israel," Rabbi Yosef stated, lamenting the loss. He shared that Rabbi Ovadia Yosef held Rabbi Botzer in high esteem, considering him an exemplary figure for the true study of Kabbalah. Rabbi Yosef noted that due to the proximity of the funeral to a holiday and Shabbat, his remarks were a preliminary farewell, with a more comprehensive eulogy to follow.

Rabbi Yaakov Ades, another Kabbalist, focused on Rabbi Botzer's intense devotion to God, describing a life of minimal sleep and food, and prayers often accompanied by profound weeping. He recalled hearing Rabbi Botzer cry during private study sessions, emphasizing that these tears were part of a deep engagement with Kabbalah and divine service. Rabbi Ades also praised Rabbi Botzer's ability to explain complex Kabbalistic texts with clarity and simplicity, making him a sought-after teacher.

Rabbi Binyahu Shmueli spoke of his close relationship with Rabbi Botzer, observing his complete dedication to serving God. "All his actions were for the sake of Heaven," Rabbi Shmueli said, adding that he had never witnessed such devotion. He also recounted how Rabbi Botzer's presence provided him with strength during a difficult period when he joined the "Nahar Shalom" yeshiva, describing him as a pillar of support. Rabbi Shmueli expressed profound grief at the loss, listing Rabbi Botzer's immense prayerfulness, humility, and joy.