I am not sure what to write at the moment; having learned from the teshuvot (responsa) of Rav Ovadia for more than 20 years, though, I feel, at least, that I must say this: For all of the strife of the last several years, and the debates over major communal issues that stretch back longer than that, Rav Ovadia was a true giant in his Torah scholarship, his ability to present it clearly for his students, and his dedication in that task. יהי זכרו ברוך.
Jerusalem Post
Jewish Press
New York Times
Monday, October 7, 2013
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Rav Ovadia, zt"l, isn't dead because he lives on through his writings. One hundred years from now someone will argue his point with support from the Yabia Omer by saying "Rav Ovadia says...". Not "Rav Ovadia said..." in the past tense but "says" in the present because he will still be alive through that.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, even the strife depicts an individual whose absolute conviction was the betterment of klal Yisrael. Whether or not we agree with his statements or policies, his unwavering dedication to doing the right thing defined him. It was his foremost concern to address the concerns of the growing charedi population, pasken a shaliah for a religious boys in the army, or maintain a connection with the Hasidic community.
ReplyDeleteNobody really is "dead" as long as the persons' legacy is carried on. However, the fact that Rav Ovadia Yosef is no longer with us "in the flesh" is reason enough for us to miss him. Olam Haba just got a treasure.
ReplyDeleteolam haba may have a treasure, but we have a nightmare of a terrible legacy that lives on through Shas party which drives a wedge through Israeli society.
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