Rabbi Yehuda Hayek, Former Chief Rabbi Candidate, Dies at 57
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yehuda Hayek, a 57-year-old resident of Katzrin and a former candidate for Sephardic Chief Rabbi, has died. He was known for his extensive Torah dissemination and religious outreach in northern Israel. Rabbi Hayek also gained public attention for his Knesset visit during his campaign and shared his personal journey from a secular background to religious observance. His funeral took place Sunday in Katzrin.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yehuda Hayek, a former Sephardic Chief Rabbi candidate, died at 57.
- He was a prominent figure in Torah dissemination and religious outreach in northern Israel.
- Hayek previously sought the Sephardic Chief Rabbi position and visited the Knesset.
- He spoke of his journey from secular life to religious observance.
- His funeral was held Sunday in Katzrin, Golan Heights.
Rabbi Yehuda Hayek, a resident of Katzrin in the Golan Heights who previously ran for the position of Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, has passed away at the age of 57. Rabbi Hayek was known for his extensive work over many years in spreading Torah, delivering lectures, and fostering connection throughout northern Israel. He was qualified by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to serve as a city rabbi and operated a YouTube channel to disseminate his teachings.
During his youth, Rabbi Hayek studied under prominent rabbis including Rabbi Yaakov Edelstein, Rabbi Avraham Dov Auerbach, and Rabbi Yaakov Singer. He also studied at the Slabodka Yeshiva and in Rabbi Yaakov Edelstein's kollel. His public profile increased when he visited the Knesset as part of his campaign for Chief Rabbi, where he spoke about his extensive religious background and his desire to improve religious services in Israel, particularly in areas like kashrut and agunot (chained women).
Rabbi Hayek shared a unique personal story, revealing that in his youth he was a singer and a school soloist at memorial ceremonies for IDF fallen soldiers before becoming religiously observant. He saw his family as a bridge between different segments of Israeli society, with sons serving in the IDF's Kfir Brigade, studying in hesder yeshivas, and others attending Haredi institutions.
The Katzrin Religious Council issued a statement of mourning. Rabbi Hayek's funeral was held on Sunday at 12:00 PM in the Katzrin cemetery, with the family observing shiva at their home.
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