Rabbi Shaulian Recounts Family's Deep Connection to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef

On the occasion of the yahrzeit of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Rabbi Tal Shaulian, head of the Holon Yeshiva, shared personal memories of his family's profound relationship with the late Sephardic spiritual leader. Shaulian described how his father, who was not always strictly observant, viewed Rabbi Yosef with exceptional reverence, seeing him as an "angel" and someone "different." His father witnessed Rabbi Yosef's immense dedication to Torah study even in poverty, recalling him studying under streetlights and using a tub of ice water to stay awake during late-night learning sessions.

Shaulian explained that his father's admiration was not merely distant; Rabbi Yosef also held his father in high regard and drew him closer, even during periods when he was less observant. Rabbi Shaulian himself heard Rabbi Yosef deliver sermons during his lifetime, acknowledging that some of his pronouncements were harsh. However, Shaulian urged listeners to understand the context and pain behind such statements, suggesting that focusing solely on isolated remarks could lead to anger and a misunderstanding of Rabbi Yosef's true character and life's work.

According to Rabbi Shaulian, Rabbi Yosef's primary mission was "saving the masses" (זיכוי הרבים), a goal that defined his life. He concluded by sharing a deeply personal story about a dream his father had after Rabbi Yosef's passing. In the dream, Rabbi Yosef appeared joyful and danced with his father. Later, Shaulian's wife became pregnant, and his father, recalling the dream and Rabbi Yosef's implied message, requested that the child be named after the late rabbi. The son was ultimately named Yosef Ovadia, shortly after Shaulian's father passed away before meeting his grandson.