Longtime Eilat Chief Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya Passes Away at 90s
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya, who served as Eilat's Chief Sephardic Rabbi for nearly 70 years, has died. He arrived in Eilat in 1956 on a short mission that became a lifelong commitment, establishing the city's first women's mikveh. He was a beloved spiritual leader and established numerous religious institutions. His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaya, recently succeeded him as rabbi.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya, Eilat's Chief Sephardic Rabbi for 70 years, has passed away.
- He arrived in Eilat in 1956 on a short mission that became a lifelong commitment.
- During his initial visit, he established the city's first women's mikveh.
- He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Eilat Municipality last year.
- His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaya, was recently chosen to succeed him as Rabbi of Eilat.
Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaya, who served as the Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Eilat and the surrounding district for approximately 70 years, has passed away. He was a prominent spiritual leader in the southern city from its early days. Born in Aleppo, Syria, to a distinguished rabbinical family, Rabbi Hadaya immigrated to Jerusalem at a young age. He studied at the 'Sha'arei Tzion' yeshiva and received rabbinical ordination from prominent figures.
Rabbi Hadaya began his rabbinical career early, serving as the rabbi of Moshav Magdim at 18, and later in the towns of Yerucham and Dimona. A pivotal moment came in 1956 when Israel's Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac Halevi Herzog requested he travel to Eilat for a three-week mission. During this initial visit, Rabbi Hadaya established the city's first mikveh for women. What was meant to be a short assignment evolved into a lifelong commitment at the request of rabbinical leaders.
Rabbi Hadaya made Eilat his home, serving continuously as the city's rabbi until his retirement in 2024. His wife, Esther, previously served as a member of the Eilat City Council for the National Religious Party (Mafdal). Throughout his tenure, he guided the residents, established religious institutions, and became a beloved figure across all sectors of the community.
Last year, the Eilat Municipality honored Rabbi Hadaya with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his extensive contributions. Several months ago, his son, Rabbi Yair Hadaya, was chosen to succeed him as the Rabbi of Eilat, continuing his father's legacy.
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