Ovadia Yosef

Ovadia Yosef

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Personal
Born	September 23, 1920 Baghdad, Iraq
Died	October 7, 2013 Jerusalem, Israel
Nationality	Israeli
Spouse	Margalit Fattal
Children	11
Denomination	Sephardic Judaism
Occupation	Rabbi, Posek

Ovadia Yosef (September 23, 1920 – October 7, 2013) was a prominent Sephardic Rabbi and Posek (Jewish legal scholar). He served as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel from 1973 to 1983. He was a highly influential figure in Israeli politics and Jewish law, known for his extensive writings and rulings on Halakha (Jewish law).

Early Life

Ovadia Yosef was born in Baghdad, Iraq, to a devout Jewish family. In 1924, his family immigrated to Jerusalem, then part of the British Mandate of Palestine. He studied at the Porat Yosef Yeshiva under the tutelage of Rabbi Ezra Attiya.

Rabbinic Career

Yosef was ordained as a rabbi at a young age and began his career in Cairo, Egypt, where he served as a judge in the local rabbinical court. Upon returning to Israel, he held various rabbinical positions, including serving as the head of the rabbinical court in Petah Tikva.

In 1973, Yosef was elected as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, a position he held until 1983. During his tenure, he worked to unify the Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities and made significant contributions to Jewish law.

Political Influence

Ovadia Yosef was a key figure in the founding of the Shas political party in 1984. The party aimed to represent the interests of Sephardic Jews in Israel and became a significant force in Israeli politics. Yosef's rulings and opinions often influenced the party's policies and decisions.

Writings and Legacy

Yosef was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books and responsa on Halakha. His most famous work is the multi-volume "Yabia Omer," which covers a wide range of topics in Jewish law. He was known for his lenient rulings, which often aimed to make Jewish observance more accessible to the broader community.

Ovadia Yosef passed away on October 7, 2013, in Jerusalem. His funeral was attended by hundreds of thousands of people, reflecting his significant impact on Jewish and Israeli society.

See Also

• Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel
• Shas
• Halakha
• Porat Yosef Yeshiva