Renowned Cantor Rabbi Meir Avud Passes Away Suddenly at 75

Rabbi Meir Avud, a distinguished cantor and liturgical poet known for preserving the authentic Sephardic tradition of Halab, passed away suddenly at the age of 75. He was widely respected for his dedication to Torah study, his soulful prayer leadership, and his efforts to keep the musical heritage of Jerusalem's Jewish community alive. Avud served for about 30 years as the cantor and Torah reader at the Ner Yosef synagogue in Jerusalem, where his precise and heartfelt renditions deeply moved congregants.

On the evening of his passing, around 6:00 PM, Avud felt unwell at home and headed to a health clinic. While in the building lobby, he managed to call emergency services but collapsed shortly after and lost consciousness. Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts and urgent hospital transfer, he was pronounced dead, leaving behind a grieving family and community.

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Avud was known from a young age for his noble character and beautiful voice. He meticulously maintained the Sephardic musical tradition and was especially noted for his Torah readings that matched each biblical narrative with the appropriate maqam and melody. In 2005, he released the acclaimed album "Shirat HaMoedim," which helped spread the Halab and Jerusalem liturgical music across Israel.

Alongside his cantorial career, Avud worked as an accountant at Angel bakeries in Kiryat Moshe. He was remembered by peers for his humility, warmth, and joyous spirit. He is survived by his sons Rabbi Eliyahu, Rabbi Pinchas, and Rabbi Yishai, as well as sons-in-law who are Torah scholars. Cantor Yechiel Nahari eulogized him as a true tzaddik, deeply humble and beloved both above and below.

Thousands attended his funeral at Har HaMenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem late Tuesday night, mourning the loss of a beloved spiritual figure who inspired many through his devotion and artistry. May his memory be a blessing.