Rabbi Avraham Menachem, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Migdal HaEmek, Passes Away

Rabbi Avraham Menachem, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Migdal HaEmek and founder of the "Ner HaTzafon" Torah and education institutions, has passed away after decades of spiritual leadership. Born in Morocco, he immigrated to Israel at age 15 and quickly became a central figure in strengthening Torah study and Jewish observance among the city's residents, especially Moroccan immigrants.

Serving for many years as the city's Sephardic rabbi, Rabbi Menachem worked alongside Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, to transform Migdal HaEmek into a beacon of Torah, kindness, and education in northern Israel. He established and led various institutions including Talmud Torah schools, kindergartens, the "Nezer HaTorah" yeshiva ketana, kollels, and the "Or HaEmek" synagogue, educating thousands of students who continue his legacy.

Known for his profound humility and open-door approach, Rabbi Menachem was beloved by all sectors of the community. His daily Torah lessons and Daf Yomi classes attracted many from the region. He leaves behind a blessed lineage of sons and grandchildren dedicated to Torah and mitzvot. His funeral procession departed from the "Ner HaTzafon" institutions to the local cemetery in Migdal HaEmek. May his soul be bound in the bond of life.