Celebrity Rabbi Continues Tradition, Gifts Sages Ethrogim for Sukkot

Rabbi Mordechai Hassidim, known as the 'celebrity rabbi,' continued a long-standing tradition by presenting esteemed Sephardic rabbis with choice etrogim (citrons) for the Sukkot holiday. Hassidim visited the sukkah of Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the current Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, presenting him with a Yemeni and a Moroccan etrog. During this visit, Hassidim also gifted Rabbi Yosef the book 'Mar'eh Kohen,' a comprehensive work on the life and teachings of the late Rabbi Shalom Cohen. In return, Rabbi Yosef presented Hassidim with his book 'Yalkut Yosef' on the laws of Sukkot and offered holiday blessings.

This act follows a tradition established by Rabbi Yosef's late father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a revered rabbinic authority. For years, Hassidim would visit Rabbi Ovadia Yosef before Sukkot to present him with high-quality hadassim (myrtle) and etrogim. Hassidim now continues this practice with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef.

Following his visit with Rabbi Yosef, Hassidim proceeded to the sukkah of Aryeh Deri, the chairman of the Shas party and a Member of Knesset. Hassidim showcased the special Moroccan etrog he had acquired for the holiday, which Deri admired, praising Hassidim for his meticulous attention to detail and his continuation of the tradition of beautifying the mitzvah (commandment).