Grandson Honors Rabbi Tzaban at Memorial Event in Netivot

Dozens gathered in Netivot over the weekend for the memorial event (hillula) of Rabbi Raphael Kedar Tzaban, the former Chief Rabbi of Netivot and a member of the Chief. Among the speakers were Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz, head of the Kiseh Rachamim Yeshiva, and Rabbi Pinchas Cohen, the current Chief Rabbi of Netivot.

Rabbi Raphael Yifrach, a grandson of Rabbi Tzaban and a student at the Mitzpe Ramon Yeshiva, spoke about his grandfather's legacy. Though he never met Rabbi Tzaban, having been born just six hours after his passing, Yifrach shared insights gained from family stories and his grandfather's teachings. He emphasized that Rabbi Tzaban's life was dedicated to the "Torah that is life, Torah that is all toil," highlighting the daily effort, diligence, and absolute devotion to sacred Torah study.

Yifrach stressed the importance of perseverance in Torah study, advocating for continuous effort and spiritual growth rather than settling for past achievements. He expressed a desire to follow in his grandfather's path, learn from his Torah, and continue to grow spiritually.

Rabbi Pinchas Cohen also addressed the gathering, sharing a novel interpretation of a passage concerning the prayers of Isaac and Rebecca for children. Citing the Talmudic principle that "one who prays for his fellow and needs the same thing is answered first," Rabbi Cohen explained that when Isaac and Rebecca prayed to have children, each could have focused on their own suffering. Isaac, busy with external affairs, could have prayed for Rebecca's barrenness, while Rebecca could have prayed for Isaac, who faced societal questions about their childlessness. Rabbi Cohen presented the idea that Rebecca's prayer for Isaac was the one answered, evidenced by the scripture stating "He answered him," referring to Isaac, implying the prayer was for him.