Article published on December 18, 2024 in Iton Gadol
The Great Rabbi David Yosef was officially appointed as the new Chief Rabbi of Israel. The emotional ceremony took place at the over 300-year-old synagogue Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, in the Old City of Jerusalem. During the ceremony, Rabbi David Yosef received the traditional mantle from his respected father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef ZT”L, who was a key figure in the religious history of the Jewish people.
The ceremony, which followed traditional rituals, was attended by important figures from the religious and political spheres. Among those in attendance was the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog.
Rabbi Sacca was a fellow student of Rabbi David Yosef, and a favorite student of his father, Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Z”L. The two shared years of learning at the Yehavé Daat rabbinical academy, which added a personal and meaningful touch to the event.
In his speech, Rabbi Sacca highlighted the four challenges that the Chief Rabbi of Israel must face:
1. Foster the bond between Jewish tradition and the Jewish people, who are facing a process of cultural assimilation.
2. Strategically address the solution to the physical threats facing the Jewish people.
3. Promote and clarify the teaching of the Torah appropriately so that it does not become an ideology of superstition and miracles.
4. Promote ethical and moral values to the people of Israel and the entire world.
During the event, Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem Shelomo Amar read the coronation certificate, which was signed by the rabbis present and handed over to the new Chief Rabbi. In his speech, Rabbi David Yosef stressed the importance of fostering peace in the people and in the world as religious people and of following the legacy of his father, Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who was a fundamental pillar of Torah and teaching in Israel and in the diaspora.
The ceremony in the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem was attended by more than a thousand rabbis and another thousand guests, including public figures and guests from around the world, including ambassadors from various countries, ministers and the Argentine ambassador to Israel, Axel Wahnish.
