Eilat Mourns Rabbi Moshe Hadaya, City's Chief Rabbi for 70 Years
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Eilat is mourning the death of Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya, who served as the city's Chief Sephardic Rabbi for 70 years until his passing at age 91. He was credited with establishing key religious infrastructure and serving as a spiritual leader for all residents. His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaya, was recently elected to succeed him as chief rabbi. Rabbi Hadaya was born in Syria and immigrated to Israel, studying under prominent rabbis.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya, Eilat's Chief Sephardic Rabbi for 70 years, passed away at 91.
- He established the city's kashrut system, mikvahs, synagogues, and Torah study groups.
- Rabbi Hadaya was seen as a spiritual father figure by all residents of Eilat.
- His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaya, was elected to succeed him as chief rabbi four months prior.
- Rabbi Hadaya was born in Syria and immigrated to Israel in his youth.
- He was the grandson of Rabbi Shalom Hadaya, a Jerusalem rabbinic leader.
The world of rabbis is in mourning following the passing of Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya, the renowned Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Eilat and its region, who died on the Sabbath at the age of 91. Rabbi Hadaya served as the city's chief rabbi for approximately 70 years, dedicating his life to spiritual development in the southern city. He was instrumental in establishing the city's kashrut system, building mikvahs, founding synagogues and Torah study groups, and upholding Shabbat and Halakha.
Born in Syria in 1935, Rabbi Hadaya immigrated to Israel in his youth and studied under prominent rabbis of the generation, including Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Waldenberg, Rabbi Yaakov Klab, and Rabbi Shimon Ephrati. He was the grandson of Rabbi Shalom Hadaya, a Kabbalist and head of the 'Beit El' yeshiva, and related to Rabbi Ovadia Hadaya, author of 'Yaskil Avdi'.
Rabbi Hadaya was appointed to Eilat in 1955 when it was a developing town. Throughout his tenure, he was seen by residents, religious and secular alike, as a spiritual father figure with an open home. His efforts in outreach and making Judaism accessible were continued by his son, Rabbi Yair Hadaya.
Just four months ago, in June 2024, Rabbi Yair Hadaya was overwhelmingly elected as the new Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Eilat, succeeding his father. Rabbi Yair Hadaya, a student of Rabbi Avraham Shapira and Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul, previously headed a rabbinical kollel and served as the volunteer rabbi for the city's United Hatzalah chapter. During a special tribute event last summer celebrating Rabbi Moshe Hadaya's 70 years of service, he expressed his joy and blessings for his son's leadership.
Details regarding the funeral procession will be announced later. The community mourns the loss of a significant spiritual leader.
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