Eilat's Chief Rabbi Moshe Hadaia, Who Served for 70 Years, Dies at 91
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaia, the Chief Rabbi of Eilat for nearly 70 years, passed away on Saturday at age 91. He was instrumental in establishing religious infrastructure in the southern city, including kashrut services and synagogues. His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaia, was elected to succeed him earlier this year. The Shas party mourned his death, highlighting his dedication to Torah and community.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaia, Chief Rabbi of Eilat for 70 years, died at 91.
- He was appointed to Eilat in 1956 by Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Halevi Herzog.
- Rabbi Hadaia established Eilat's kashrut system, mikvahs, and synagogues.
- His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaia, was elected to succeed him as Chief Rabbi.
- He was scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award in March 2025.
- The Shas party eulogized him as a spiritual leader and defender of tradition.
Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Hadaia, the Chief Rabbi of Eilat for approximately 70 years, passed away on Saturday at the age of 91. Born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1935, Rabbi Hadaia was a descendant of a distinguished rabbinical dynasty. He immigrated to Israel in his youth and studied in Jerusalem, receiving rabbinical ordination from prominent rabbis.
Rabbi Hadaia's pivotal role in Eilat began in 1956 when Israel's Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Halevi Herzog asked him to undertake a short mission to the then-remote development town. This mission, initially planned for three weeks, led to his nearly seven-decade tenure as the city's spiritual leader. During his service, he established the city's kashrut system, built mikvahs and synagogues, and led Torah classes, becoming a beloved spiritual figure for all residents.
His wife, Esther, previously served as a member of the Eilat City Council. In March 2025, Rabbi Hadaia was slated to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Eilat Municipality. His son, Rabbi Yair Hadaia, was overwhelmingly elected to succeed him as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Eilat in June 2024.
The Shas party issued a statement mourning his passing, eulogizing him as a pillar of Torah, a defender of religious observance, and a beloved figure who united hearts. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday night in Eilat, with a continuation in Jerusalem on Sunday.
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