Spanish Rabbi Urges Focus on Torah Over Mysticism in Eulogy for Rabbi Amos Guetta

Rabbi Binyamin Hotha, a prominent Spanish halachic authority, delivered a eulogy marking the 30th day since the murder of the revered kabbalist Rabbi Amos Guetta of Netanya. In his address, Rabbi Hotha called on Rabbi Guetta's many followers to abandon mysticism and prioritize Torah study, emphasizing that this was the true legacy and life’s work of Rabbi Guetta.

Rabbi Hotha reflected on Rabbi Guetta’s intense dedication to Torah, describing him as a figure of spiritual asceticism who spent six days a week in the same seat, enduring physical pain while blessing others with deep intention. He recounted how Rabbi Guetta insisted that Torah study come before all else, including mystical practices, prayers, or rituals. Rabbi Hotha shared a personal anecdote about Rabbi Ovadia Yosef encouraging repeated study of difficult texts, underscoring the importance of perseverance in Torah learning.

Highlighting Rabbi Guetta’s unique approach, Rabbi Hotha noted that even during wedding ceremonies held at the synagogue, Rabbi Guetta prioritized Torah lessons over celebrations, insisting the bride and groom attend the study session first. He stressed that Torah is the remedy for the evil inclination, not merely visiting graves or wearing religious garments.

Rabbi Hotha urged the community, especially the youth of Netanya, to maintain the yeshiva and Torah classes established by Rabbi Guetta, warning that if the educational activities cease, the rabbi’s legacy will be broken. He concluded by encouraging everyone to commit to continuing Rabbi Guetta’s mission through regular Torah study, promising that this dedication would bring blessings from the late rabbi’s soul.

The full eulogy was recorded and shared with the community, reinforcing the call to uphold Torah study as the foundation of Rabbi Guetta’s spiritual heritage.