Rabbi Machfoud Weeps Recounting Rabbi Korach's Final Days
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A memorial gathering in Elad honored the eighth anniversary of Rabbi Shlomo Korach's passing. Rabbi Shlomo Machfoud delivered the main address, tearfully recalling Korach's dedication to Torah study and his final concerns about his unpublished works. The event also celebrated the launch of a new edition of Korach's 'Oreach Shulchan' series and highlighted the ongoing efforts to disseminate his teachings.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Shlomo Korach, former chief rabbi of Bnei Brak, was honored eight years after his passing.
- Rabbi Shlomo Machfoud emotionally recounted Rabbi Korach's final days and dedication to Torah.
- Rabbi Korach's last words expressed concern for his unpublished books and manuscripts.
- A new edition of Rabbi Korach's 'Oreach Shulchan' series was launched at the event.
- Rabbi Korach's son, Amram Korach, praised efforts to spread his father's teachings globally.
A central memorial gathering was held last Thursday in the city of Elad to mark eight years since the passing of Rabbi Shlomo Korach, the former chief rabbi of Bnei Brak and a prominent figure among Yemenite Jewry. The event was attended by rabbis, judges, yeshiva deans, scholars, family members, and students who gathered to remember his legacy.
The main address was delivered by Rabbi Shlomo Machfoud, Ga'avad of 'Yoreh De'ah' and a member of the Council of Torah Sages. He emotionally described Rabbi Korach's scholarly contributions and their decades-long friendship. "Rabbi Korach would innovate new insights; it was an integral part of him. He was a clear symbol of unceasing Torah study, innovating and clarifying complex issues," Machfoud stated, referencing Korach's extensive work which has resulted in 43 published books on Halakha, Torah, philosophy, and Kabbalah.
Rabbi Machfoud tearfully recounted Rabbi Korach's final days, when his strength waned. He shared Korach's poignant words, "I am not worried about myself, but about my books and my manuscripts that have not yet been printed," illustrating his deep devotion to Torah and his concern for its continued dissemination until his last moments.
During the event, a Torah scroll was written, and a new edition of the 'Oreach Shulchan' series was launched. Rabbi Amram Korach, Rabbi Shlomo Korach's son and successor as head of the 'Torat Chaim' community in Beitar Illit, spoke about his father's Torah work and legacy. He specifically praised Rabbi Yonatan Admoni, president of the 'Chayei Shlomo' institute, for his dedicated efforts in publishing Rabbi Korach's works and spreading his teachings globally.
Thanks were also extended to organizers Rabbi Chizkiyahu Samin and Rabbi Yaniv Shapira for their initiative in arranging the event. The gathering underscored the deep connection within the Torah world to Rabbi Shlomo Korach's legacy, with his teachings and writings continuing to guide Torah scholars and preserve tradition for future generations.