Tens of Thousands Flock to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's Tomb for 13th Anniversary
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Tens of thousands of Israelis are visiting the grave of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in Jerusalem to mark 13 years since his passing. The large memorial event, "hillula," is drawing immense crowds and features heavy security. On the eve of the anniversary, Rabbi David Yosef encouraged thousands taking halachic exams, emphasizing his father's legacy. A government event honoring Rabbi Yosef was canceled due to election proximity concerns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tens of thousands are visiting Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's grave in Jerusalem for the 13th anniversary of his passing.
- The memorial event, a "hillula," is drawing massive crowds and is compared to the Baba Sali's "hillula."
- Rabbi David Yosef encouraged thousands taking halachic exams, stressing his father's dedication to Jewish law.
- A government event honoring Rabbi Yosef was canceled due to election-related concerns.
- Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri gave a rare interview about past elections for Chief Rabbi.
Tens of thousands of Israelis from across the country are converging on the old cemetery in Jerusalem's Sanhedria neighborhood to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the Possek Hador and President of the Council of Torah Sages. Pilgrims, including men, women, students, youth, and teenagers from all communities, are filling the cemetery and surrounding streets, reciting Psalms and praying for salvation, spouses, healing, and livelihood.
The large-scale memorial event, known as a "hillula," is accompanied by heavy security and emergency services, with many attendees noting the immense crowds and spiritual atmosphere, drawing comparisons to the massive gatherings for the "hillula" of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira (the Baba Sali) in Netivot.
On the eve of the anniversary, Rabbi David Yosef, the First to Zion and Chief Rabbi of Israel, visited the Chief Rabbinate's examination halls to encourage over 6,000 candidates taking halachic exams. He emphasized his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's, devotion to studying Jewish law, noting the significant growth in halachic studies, with an estimated seven thousand students expected to take exams this month.
Rabbi David Yosef highlighted the role of these examinees as future emissaries for "kiruv" (outreach) among the Jewish people. Meanwhile, a government-sponsored event in Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's memory, scheduled to take place in Jerusalem, was officially canceled due to legal concerns regarding its proximity to elections and the potential misuse of public funds for campaign purposes.
Additionally, Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri gave a rare interview discussing the behind-the-scenes events of the 2013 election for the First to Zion position.
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