Collection of selected stories about Maran Rav Ovadia Yossef ZTL
These stories are presented by the website Meshiv Kahalacha, on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the passing of Maran ZTL, the 3rd of the month of Heshvan.
These stories were compiled from 17 different books. At the end of each story, the source is indicated in parentheses, along with the author’s name. We group the stories into four chapters: 1. “Love for every Jew”, 2. “The genius of geniuses”, 3. “The great industriousness” and 4. “Above the natural”. You can find more stories in the “Hespedim on Maran” category told by the rabbanim of our institution and which are available on our website. You will also find a summary of the life story of our revered Rav ZT”L. Furthermore, stories about Maran zatsal are presented according to the order of the week’s parashiyot. May it be G-d’s will that these articles strengthen our attachment to Judaism and elevate the pure soul of our master Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yossef ben Georgia ZT”L, may his merit protect us and all of Israel, Amen.
Chapter caption (each chapter contains several stories on its respective theme):
Chapter 1 – Maran’s love for every Jew
Chapter 2 – The genius of geniuses
Chapter 3 – The Great Diligent
Chapter 4 – Above the Natural
Chapter 1 – Maran’s love for every Jew
A love and devotion even for one who has strayed from the paths of Torah.
Who among recent generations has been as great as our master Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L in divine service and the pure fear of G‑d? Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L restored the Torah in all its splendor and established an immense world of Torah. He was our master, our guide and our crown. Many stories have been told to testify to his greatness and virtues, but these represent only a small sample.
Here is an incredible and fascinating story, told by the author of the facts:
We formed a group of street children, generally described in the neighborhood as “delinquents”, “empty”, “street children”, “outlaw children”, etc. It was Shabbat afternoon, as we quietly played a game of football on the field near the synagogue. After all the worshipers left the synagogue, I decided to throw a ball in the direction of the Rav, a respected man who had just left the synagogue. The ball hit his hat and knocked him down. The group of boys burst into laughter at this amusing spectacle. After the Rav bent down to pick up his hat and place it back on his head, he headed toward our field.
The young man said: “When this man approached me, I prepared myself for an argument. I asked cheekily: “What do you want?! You want to give us Kiddush here?!” The whole group started laughing. I expected reproaches, reprimands, or complaints from him… But instead, the Rav turned to me with a soft, warm voice and asked me, “Have you eaten the Shabbat meal today?”
I looked into his eyes and I could feel warmth and affection in his eyes. The truth is that I was very hungry. I didn’t even have breakfast. In the dilapidated house where we lived, a hot meal was a distant and unrealistic dream… That man stood there in front of me, patiently waiting for my answer… I felt helpless, my attempts to ridicule and despise him were complete. in vain. With that soft voice… Thoughts raced through my mind. Anger and mockery gave way to shame… Finally I silently replied, “No.”
The Rav gently placed his hand on my shoulder and led me to his house… We entered the house, filled with the delicious smells of foods and dishes I didn’t know…
He made me sit at the prepared table, made Kiddush in wine… After making Hamotsi in bread, they served me a plate full of delicacies… I ate quickly to satisfy my hunger, and the plate was quickly emptied. The Rav turned to me and asked me if I wanted more… I nodded yes and he served me another dish… I also devoured this second dish with appetite… I then knew that I had eaten the Rav’s dish and that he was content with eating a bagel and some salads… I don’t remember ever having eaten such a good meal…
Then the Rav asked me if I was tired and if I wanted to sleep. I replied “Yes”. The Rav himself prepared a bed for me with clean sheets… I went to bed exhausted… When I woke up it was already the end of Shabbat. The Rav approached me and asked, “Now, what are your plans?” I replied, “I want to go to the cinema and watch a movie.” The Rav went to a drawer, took out a coin and asked, “Will this be enough?” I responded in surprise: “Yes.” Before leaving, the Rav asked me, “Will you come tomorrow too?” I replied, “Yes.” Little by little, I discovered that this wonderful Rav had twelve other boys like me who came to see him every day…
At a certain point, I no longer wanted to accept money from the Rav… The light of holiness and Torah that he radiated penetrated my imperfect soul… and caused a true revolution within me. I entered the yeshiva to study… until I became… a dayan!!!
After a twenty-five year legal career, Rav Ya’akov (this young man) retired from his high post as dayan in the rabbinic court and continued to assiduously study the Torah, thus following the path set out by his Master, Rav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L . May your merit protect us!
(Excerpt from the book ‘Einê Itshak by Raphael Itshak Levy)
Through rare humility, he cared for others without limit.
The Rav’s humility was exceptional. I remember a story where my wife, bless her memory, was lying in the Tel Hashomer oncology ward. A Rav heard of his illness and invited Rav Ovadia Yosef, who was in Bne Brak, to Tel Hashomer to give him his blessing. He entered the room and blessed. I still remember the way he blessed her, almost in tears, reciting a chapter of Tehillim and renewing his blessings several times. As soon as he left the room, he passed another room where someone called out to him, “Rav Ovadia, Rav Ovadia, bless me.” The Rav entered, blessed him and left.
The next day, the patient’s wife who was in the next room came to see me and said: “You know, my husband is an army officer, completely secular. For the past two weeks, he has not closed his eyes because of the pain of the serious illness. He couldn’t sleep. Yesterday, for the first time, after Rav Ovadia blessed him, he fell asleep and was able to sleep peacefully.” Another similar story goes back a few years. I was asked to bless a woman named Orah, daughter of Esther (or Esther, daughter of Orah, I don’t remember exactly). She had been suffering from postpartum depression for several months, without psychiatrists, psychologists or medication being able to help her. I advised them to go to synagogue on the following Motzשei Shabbos to hear Rav Ovadia broadcasting a talk via satellite. After a while, I asked them and they told me, “She was cured in two weeks.”
Each Jew was considered by the Rav to be a world unto himself. When the Rav blessed or spoke, he brought peace of mind. His breath spread calm and joy, brightening the hearts of those who heard him. It has always been like that. Noam Shalit came to him for help and comfort. The Rav welcomed him, crying over him as if he were his own son, embracing him with compassion. When he heard the wonderful news of his son’s return, he hurried to tell Rav Ovadia, because it was he who felt his pain from the beginning. Each Jew, to the Rav, was an entire universe, and he worked tirelessly to bring each person closer with kindness and mercy. The football players would go to the alyah the Torah on Shabbat, and he would bless them and wish them good luck in the match, but he would instruct them not to play on Shabbat, but only during the week. They left with the feeling that it didn’t matter what day it was as long as they had the Rav’s promise that they would make money, it didn’t matter if they played on Shabbat or during the week. Little by little, they did Teshuvah and learned the right path, as the Rav dedicated his soul to all the people of Israel, always with grace, mercy and humility. This was almost impossible to believe. His name, Ovadia Yossef, with the letter Vav, has the numerical value of “והיה ברכה”. Which means “you will receive the blessings”. He passed away during the week of Parashat Lech Lecha, where it says “you will hold the blessings”: which means “The blessings are in your hands”, as Rashi says.
(Extract from the book Keter Melucha edited by Kissé Rahamim)
He gave much tzedakah (charity) to the poor
There are people who dedicate themselves entirely to the study of Torah and the practice of Halacha. They are satisfied with their efforts and achievements, but remain modest and keep their knowledge to themselves. They do not seek to teach or impart their wisdom, but simply jealously guard their knowledge to themselves.
On the other hand, there are those who generously share their knowledge with others. They strive to spread their Torah and pass on its teachings. They have a talent for identifying promising disciples and guiding them on the path of Torah. Their desire is for Hashem’s glory to be magnified through these disciples. These people spare no effort, time and skills to support those who want to practice Torah. They provide them with all the help they need, removing any obstacles that may come in their way.
And there are those who go beyond that. In addition to teaching and imparting Torah wisdom, they also dedicate their time and talents to caring for the material needs of others. They care for their physical well-being and are actively involved in organizing and achieving their living conditions. They contribute financially and mobilize others to support those who aspire to Torah.
In short, there are three types of people: those who keep their wisdom to themselves, those who share it with others, and finally, those who go beyond teaching to ensure the material well-being of those who seek Torah.
A person who does these three parts is acceptable and pleasing in the eyes of G‑d, and Hashem grants him great and manifold success.
Rabbeinu performed these three parts:
About forty years ago, while serving as chief rabbi of the city of Tel Aviv, he sought financial assistance from one of the city’s richest men before Passover Seder night. His goal was to support the city’s Avrechim, who dedicated their days to the study of Torah. During a long discussion, he emphasized the importance of giving generously and quoted our sages, who say that Hashem says: “If you make those dear to me happy, I will make your (loved ones, family) happy.” However, the rich man refused to receive the blessing and left without making any financial contribution. He argued in vain that he didn’t make enough money and claimed he couldn’t make a donation. He even seemed to be hoping to feel sorry for himself to get a donation. Seeing this, the Rav turned to other wealthy people who were interested in the blessing promised by Hashem and who wanted to be true messengers of the Creator of the world by supporting the Avrehim. These people gave generously as Hashem gave them wealth.
The morning after the night of the Seder, the Rav saw the first rich man we spoke of earlier in the synagogue, with great sadness and a gloomy face. Approaching him, the Rav asked why he seemed so upset today. The rich man replied, “You know, Rav, last night I returned home after praying the Arvit prayer in the synagogue. Like all Jewish homes, the Seder table was set with Matsot and cups of wine. I then turned to my children and asked them why they hadn’t come to pray in the synagogue. Their reaction was violent, shouting at me and saying, ‘Who are you to tell us to come and pray in the synagogue?’ They then kicked me out and closed the door, leaving me to spend the entire night without celebrating the Seder, without the four bowls of wine, no matzah, no nothing. Meanwhile they sat and ate and drank and devoured everything.”
The Rav said to him, “What can I tell you? I am sincerely sorry for you. Isn’t that what I told you? G-d said, “If you make mine happy, I will make yours (loved ones, family members) happy.” You refused to make the young Avrehim happy, so G‑d did not allow you to joyfully live the most precious and joyful night for the people of Israel.”
(Extract from the book Sefer Toldot Maran by Rav Yehiel Michal Stern)
A private teacher
One of the students at the Yeshiva Or Hahaim branch in the Armon Hanatsiv neighborhood told me a moving story. One day, a young man from Eilat came to their house to study at the Yeshiva. Unfortunately, he quickly encountered great difficulties, particularly in studying the Gemara. Desperate, he turned to his Rav for help.
The Rav did his best to encourage the young man and gave him advice and support on how to study the Gemara, but all of his attempts to help him were in vain. One day the young man said to him: “Rabbi, please take me to Maran, Rabbi Ovadia.” The Rav explained that Maran was very busy with his Torah study and would not have time to worry about such matters, especially given his advanced age. However, the young man persisted: “Rav, either you take me to Maran, or I return to Eilat.” The Rav explained to him repeatedly that this was impossible.
The young man said to himself: “If I don’t help myself, who will?” He then made the decision to go to Rav Ovadia to Maran. He arrived at his home in the morning, when the Rav isolated himself to write and received no one. He started knocking on the door repeatedly, but no one answered.
Until he suddenly began to cry, a disciple of the Rav, who was in the house and watching through the camera screens, saw the young man crying. He immediately approached him and opened the door. The young man explained to him what was tormenting him and said, “Either I go to see the Rav now or I go back to Eilat.” The Rav’s disciple was frightened upon hearing this and decided to ask the Rav what to do. After hearing the situation, the Rav asked if the young man could enter. With great affection, the young man was received by the Rav who asked him how he could help him. The young man explained the difficulties he encountered in learning the Gemara. The Rav stood up immediately and brought out a Gemara of the Brachot treatise. They studied parts of Agadot from the Gemara together for about forty minutes and were filled with immense joy, as if they had just received these Torah passages from Mount Sinai. Then the Rav asked, “How do you feel now?” The young man replied that this study was wonderful for him. The Rav then told him: “For the next three months, you will sit down and study the Agadot of the Talmud in the book Ein Ya’akov, and only after that will you be able to begin studying the Gemara.” The young man was filled with joy and, with great emotion, returned to the yeshiva to tell his Rav everything that had happened to him. It was an incredible surprise in the eyes of his Rav.
After a certain period, the young man experienced new difficulties and immediately turned to our zatsal master. Maran welcomed him back with love and supported him until he fully recovered and ascended spiritually. He was fortunate enough to marry and is today an eminent Avrech of great fame.
(Extract from the book Nofet Tsufim by Rav Meshulam Hacohen)
He made people do Teshuvah without even knowing it
He was once a secular man who lived near the Orthodox neighborhoods of Jerusalem. He was not educated in the ways of the Torah and not only did he not observe Shabbat, but he deliberately interrupted prayers by making noise with his motorcycle in front of all the synagogues in the neighborhood. Every Shabbat, he would interrupt the morning prayers of the entire neighborhood, and of course the chazanim (prayer officers) and the gabbaim tried to dissuade him, but in vain.
Rav Ovadia gave lively lectures with stories in the cafeteria of the Porat Yosef yeshiva in Gueula on Shabbat evenings. One Shabbat, our protagonist passed by and saw a crowd gathered outside the yeshiva. He thought it was a family event where he could try something. He went in and listened to Maran’s speech, listened to the stories and really liked it. He asked if this happened every day. They told him it was only once a week, the following Shabbat, he came at the beginning of Drasha and was one of the first ten.
He greatly appreciated the Rav’s discourses and even stopped desecrating Shabbat. He even felt like praying, but he was ashamed to pray in the neighborhood, since everyone knew about his past actions. He would pray in a distant neighborhood. He did complete teshuvah until his past was no longer recognizable. Eventually, before long, he married a pious woman from an Orthodox family and built a Torah house, and his children studied in yeshivot, thanks to a single Drasha of Maran.
(Transmitted by Rav Boaron on behalf of the book Ma’adane Melech)
Reading the Torah can bring one closer to fulfilling the Mitzvot.
As is known, Maran was concerned with creating educational institutions for families far from the Torah. A family whose father was an Army officer was convinced to send their son to one of these institutions.
Maran ensured that students learned the Ta’amim of reading the Torah according to Sephardic customs on Fridays. The students’ parents were amazed to see that their children could read the Torah. Even Maran himself said that they read much better than him.
The son of this family wanted to go up to the Torah on the holiday of Simchat Torah and convinced his parents to accompany him to synagogue to see how he read. His parents went with him to the synagogue and heard him go up (aliyah) to the Torah, recite the blessings and read. The parents were so excited and moved that the father decided, with G‑d’s help, to go to the synagogue regularly.
All thanks to Maran.
(Transmitted by Rav Boaron)
Chapter 2 – The genius of geniuses
Your impressive memory
- A) An anecdote that occurred around the year 5734, when Rav Ovadia was the chief rabbi of Tel Aviv. This anecdote stays with me and remains in my memory from that time until today. Every week, on Tuesday evening, Rav Ovadia taught a halacha class in the Mashhad community synagogue, near the great synagogue of Bnei Brak. My enthusiasm for these classes was so great that I couldn’t miss any classes.
During one of these classes, Rav Ovadia ZT”L mentioned a new halacha, citing sources from a little-known book. This halacha fascinated everyone who heard it, and at the end of the class, one of the participants stood up and asked Rav Ovadia ZT”L where to find this book and who the author was.
Rav Ovadia ZT”L responded, “I don’t know this book and I don’t know who the author is. However, about twenty years ago I entered the Synagogue in the name of Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakai in the old city of Jerusalem, I looked for a book of Rambam in the Nezikin section. I couldn’t find it in the book cupboard, so I rummaged through the piles of dusty books and that’s when I found this treasure. As I leafed through the book, I discovered a page torn from another book, on which the title of this book was printed, and that is how I know this halacha.”
The avrech did not hesitate and went to this same synagogue. He looked for Rambam in the Nezikin section and found this page. During the next class, he brought out this page and showed it to all the participants, who were amazed at Rav Ovadia ZT”L’s intelligence and formidable memory.
This extraordinary story left a strong impression on me and since then, I have become deeply attached to Rav Ovadia ZT”L with an unwavering love and a thirst that no water can quench. Let us not forget that at that time his fame in the world of Torah was not yet so widespread.
- B) The story took place in 5739 and I was present. My late friend, Rav Binyamin ‘Hizkiahu, who was then young, created a Kollel in the Danino Synagogue, in the ‘Shikun Vav’ neighborhood in Bnei Brak, for the months of Nissan and Tishrei. More than 400 people studied in this Kollel. During each holiday period, Rav Ovadia would be invited to teach a halacha class and the place would be packed.
During one of these classes, the Rav addressed the complex topic of kazayit and revi’it measures, thus captivating the entire assembly. Suddenly, when he mentioned a certain Halacha from the Rambam, one of the avrehim, my friend Rav Ezra Machfud Shelita, stood up to ask a question. All eyes turned to him in amazement, wondering where he had the courage and confidence to interrupt the Rav in the middle of such a complicated lesson. After obtaining permission to speak, he said: “The Rambam says otherwise in another passage, and he quoted the exact words of the Rambam there.”
It is impossible to describe this moment when the entire audience was waiting to see how the Rav would deal with such an issue. The Rav’s response was not long in coming and surprised everyone present. He replied thus: “Actually, you are right according to the words of Rambam that you quoted. However, this is not how you decide halacha based solely on the words of a Rambam. Because you have not seen the words of the Rambam elsewhere (this was another reference in the Rambam that had not been mentioned before), and the Rav gave the exact words of the Rambam there.”
Then he added, addressing the questioner: “The Vilna Gaon has already corrected the terms of the Rambam that you quoted, and I have reported the words of the Rambam in accordance with the correction of the Vilna Gaon . This is how one should decide halacha when studying the words of the Rambam. Only after you have a very broad knowledge of Rambam and his commentators are you authorized to present Rambam’s opinion.”
A few years later, I heard Rav Meir Mazuz Shelita praise the Rav with great praise. Among other things, he said that our generation had the merit of seeing among us a Talmid Hacham whose genius corresponds to the era of the Geonim. It is very rare to find this incredible ability to mix simple language with immense intelligence, a mixture that can interest both ordinary citizens and the greatest scholars of this generation. We were lucky to have had this merit.
(Extracted from the book Babat Eno. Extracted from the article by Rav David Guédassi)
The strength to be able to allow
I heard a story about Maran Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L a few years ago, on a farm where a significant amount of chickens were raised. Every morning, they discovered several dead chickens whose blood had been sucked out.
Local leaders came to the conclusion that the culprit was a mongoose, as this is how it kills birds by sucking their blood. All other remaining birds were then considered “safek Taref” (suspected not to be kasher) and were therefore prohibited for consumption. To get out of this situation, we had to wait a whole year. If birds lived more than a year, they were no longer considered Taref! This was difficult news for the creators to accept! Chickens were usually only kept for a few days, not an entire year! What to do with all these chickens? They went to Rav HaGaon, Rav Eliashiv ZT”L, who investigated the case and finally decided, “I’m sorry, everything is forbidden.” They then went to Rav Shelomo Zalman Auerbach ZT”L who, after checking, also decided that all chickens were prohibited. Then they went to the great Rav, Rabbi Ben Tsion Abba Shaul ZT”L, who also examined the situation and gave the same bitter news: “Sorry, everything is prohibited.”
Then someone approached the ciators and directed them to another Rav, Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L, the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv. “Ask the Rav by presenting him with all the data,” he told them. The Rav asked them to leave the documents with him and immediately called his son, Rav Hagaon Rabbi Yitzhak Yossef Shelita, author of “Yalkut Yossef.” He asked him to quickly join him on an urgent matter. So they sat down and wrote an important halachic ruling allowing the consumption of all chickens! The creators were stunned and disconcerted. “G-d Forbid, we are not questioning your decision, but what should we do, after all, Rav Eliashiv said no, Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul said no, Rav Auerbach said no, and you say yes! It’s three against one, what should we do? The Rav placed the decision in their hands and asked them to return to these three great rabbanim with their decision, and then to return and tell him what they had said about their decision. The three read the Rav’s decision and changed their minds, allowing it as Rav Ovadia’s decision. That’s what greatness is! The ability to find permissions within Halacha!
(Extracted from the book “Vésamachta Bé’hayécha” by Rav Yehoshua Reuven)
His remarkable ability to promote peace.
While serving as deputy chief rabbi in Egypt, a couple came to consult Maran Hagaon Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L. The husband, known for his brutality, demanded an immediate divorce. To ensure that the dayanim would comply with his request, he even threatened the dayanim with a sharp knife, which he brandished in front of them, and declared that he would not hesitate to kill his wife if they did not resolve the divorce quickly.
Maran feared for his wife’s safety and, with great insight, announced: “We will take care of the divorce immediately.” He asked the names of the husband and wife, then called the scribe into a side room and briefly instructed him: “In this divorce document, be careful not to make a mistake when writing the wife’s name.”
The court scribe was surprised by this intriguing instruction, but he carried it out as Maran had ordered. As soon as he finished writing the divorce text, Maran read the document in front of her husband, and when he reached his wife’s name, he stopped and said, “Wait! There is a serious error in the woman’s name. The divorce document is not valid and must be redone.”
Maran asked her husband to repeat the entire process, appoint the scribe as divorce writer, and cancel all advertisements. Once again, Maran made it clear to the scribe that he should leave an error in the divorce document, but this time in her husband’s name.
After finishing writing the new divorce document, Maran read the text again carefully, and once again stopped and announced, with feigned disappointment: “Another mistake! This time, a mistake was made in the husband’s name! Then he turned to his husband and said, “I think you’d better come back next week, when the chief scribe will be back, and we can arrange a proper divorce for you in accordance with Halacha.” To lend credibility to his statement, he added, frowning, “Divorce cannot be taken lightly. If we continue like this, we run the risk of allowing a married woman, which is strictly prohibited.”
The husband, whose anger calmed down a little, accepted the proposal and left the court with the feeling that his interests were being respected. A day passed, then two days, and the man’s anger subsided. Maran was expecting this and started talking to him, trying to make him understand the importance of keeping peace in their relationship. His words touched his heart and he gave in. Since then, he has never returned to the rabbinic court.
Later, after Maran returned to the Land of Israel, he met the man and his wife, accompanied by a group of children. The man approached Maran, kissed his sacred hands and, with a gesture of his hand, showed him the children, saying: “These are the children who came into the world thanks to you, for you acted very wisely with me.”
One day, while Rav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L was teaching a class at the “Mussayof” synagogue in Jerusalem, one of the listeners offered to make Maran a cup of tea. He picked mint leaves from the garden, without checking for worms, and placed them in the cup of tea he offered to Maran. As the verse says: “He preserves the steps of his Hasidim.” And that’s exactly what happened to Maran. Before taking a sip of tea, a fly suddenly appeared and dove straight into the cup. Maran, as always, joked: “What, you didn’t find another place to dive besides my cup of tea?”, and didn’t drink from the cup.
(Excerpt from “Haparasha Peninsula”)
“The Torah is not in heaven”
Rav Yitzchak Yosef Shelita reported that about 30 years ago, Maran ZT”L expressed concern that his memory was fading. In his youth, Maran ZT”L mastered Shas to such an extent that when he wanted to write a response on a topic, he would mentally “scan” the entire Shas before writing his response. However, he realized that his memory was no longer so clear.
To understand what Maran considers to be “forgetfulness”, an anecdote is told to us by Rav Yitzchak Yossef. One day, he traveled abroad with Maran ZT”L on a flight that lasted several hours. Rav Yitzchak brought with him his book Yalkut Yosef part 4, with the intention of rereading it in the company of Maran ZT”L, as they often did with the other volumes of “Yalkut Yosef”. At first, Rav Yitzchak did not want to sit next to Maran ZT”L, because the seat was reserved for his mother, the Rabanit Margalit (blessed be his memory). However, Rabanit insisted on giving up her seat to her son and went to second class, where comfort was much less. Rav Yitzchak therefore sat beside his father.
During his study, Rav Yitzchak mentioned a certain reference in the responsa of the Tashbets, but Maran zatsal stated that the reference was not correct and that the words of the Tashbets were in another siman. Rav Yitzchak was surprised and noted the correction. Back in Israel, he consulted the book of Tashbets and discovered that Maran zatsal was right: the reference was in fact elsewhere. However, Maran ZT”L got only one siman wrong (e.g. instead of mentioning siman 324, he said siman 323). This small error earned him the figurative application of the verse “The Torah is not in heaven”.
Another time, during a long car ride with Maran ZT”L, Rav Yitzchak took with him a volume of the Gemara, the tractate Ketubot, to study with his father. Much to his surprise, whenever they had to stop studying, Maran zatsal continued by heart, whether it was the Gemara, the Rashi or the Tosefot.
It is obvious that Maran ZT”L had a phenomenal memory, a gift from heaven. However, it is important to emphasize that this memory was the result of his incessant work, diligence and perseverance day and night, for days and years.
It was mentioned earlier that about 50 years ago, Maran zatsal completed a tractate of Shas every month, and that a Syium (celebration) was organized on this occasion and in the presence of great rabbanim. Rabbi Ben Tsion Abba Shaul ZT”l, once stated during the Syium of the Moed Katan treatise, that he had the privilege of studying several treatises with Maran zatsal, but that he had the opportunity to study the Moed Katan treatise only once with him. However, he can attest that Maran knows this treatise page by page. Maran zatsal modestly also spoke and said: “Although I know well what is written on the page of the Gemara, Hacham Ben Tsion also knows well what is written beneath the page.”
(This excerpt was taken from the book “Léoro Nelech” by Rav Yossef Sha’ashu’a)
He saw very far
Here is a wonderful story that strengthens us in our faith. This story was told by Rabanit Toledano Talita, daughter of Rav Ovadia Yossef, and is reported in the book “Sipurim Mibeit Abba”. Rav Ovadia Yossef had an immense and unique love for people, a love that characterized him. People close to him testify that whenever he heard bad news, he immediately cried, as if these problems were happening to him personally or to his family.
His tears and prayers went straight to heaven, and so it is not surprising that his blessings did not go unanswered. Every case or problem submitted to him received a solution or advice with a far-sighted view.
Here is a wonderful example of a complicated and difficult case that was presented to him one day: a young yeshiva student became engaged to a pious and good girl, endowed with good midot (moral qualities) and a pure fear of G-d. She was a girl many would love to marry. The bride’s family was delighted, as the young groom was an excellent young man who studied hard and never left the Beit Midrash.
Preparations began with enthusiasm, but Satan interfered. Two weeks after the engagement, the bride called the groom and told him, in tears, that she had had severe headaches last week, which worried her a lot. She rushed to get a medical exam and, unfortunately, the results were very bad. The examination revealed that she had the disease. She then said, “I don’t want to be with you, even though we are engaged. I forgive you completely and you can decide to continue on your path as you wish. If you decide to leave me, I will have no resentment towards you. She added, her voice choked with tears: “Decide what you want to do and please let me know.”
There was silence on the other end of the phone. The groom couldn’t say a word during this entire painful conversation. Only at the end of the conversation did he say: “I understand, I heard”
The young man immediately turned to his father and said: “Father, I want to share with you the news that the bride has just given me. Father, listen carefully and integrate things little by little. My fiancée told me this morning that a medical exam revealed that she probably has the disease (G-d forbid), and that she found out after we got engaged. Before, she was healthy and did not suspect the tumor in her head. She told me she wouldn’t be upset if I decided to break up, but I’ve already made my decision. Dad, I want to continue with her until Chupa! I will take care of her, I will accompany her in all her treatments and together we will build a home based on the precepts of the Torah and the mitzvot. I’m not afraid of anything.”
The father listened to his son’s words. He was very sad to learn about his future daughter-in-law’s illness, but he told his son: “I don’t understand you. You want to start your life as a couple with hospital visits, difficult and endless treatments… Why put yourself through all this work?! You don’t lose anything! Why should you face so many problems from the beginning?
But finally the father concluded by saying: “Let’s listen to the advice of Rav Ovadia Yosef, whom I usually consult. We will do what he decides.”
The father and son then presented their question to Maran zatsal, who listened attentively. Maran approached the groom and asked him if he understood the consequences of his future wife’s illness. The groom replied that he had taken this into consideration and was ready to take on the burden of treatment. He understood that it would be difficult to maintain a normal married life, but he considered it a great act of chesed (kindness) and a privilege to take care of her. “Instead of a sick woman marrying a sick or disabled man, it is better for her to marry a healthy man who will take care of her!”
These words deeply touched Maran’s heart, and he immediately said to his fiance: “Mazal Tov! With G‑d’s help, I will perform kiddushin for you under the Chuppah. Set a date now. Know that the more you help her, the more she will help you doubly!” He said this without explaining the meaning of his words.
In fact, shortly afterwards, despite considerable difficulties, the devoted young man married his bride and began to build his home.
As part of intensive treatment, the bride had to undergo surgery to remove the tumor from her head. The operation was a complete success (praise be to G‑d), and to their great joy, it was discovered that there was no metastasis in her body. Soon after, doctors announced that she was completely cured of the serious illness.
Joy then filled their home, especially when they had the privilege of raising eight children.
One day, the husband felt very unwell and suddenly fainted. He was immediately taken to the hospital and additional tests revealed that he suffered from arteriosclerosis, a serious degenerative disease that weakens all the muscles in the patient’s organs, which can lead to serious and permanent disability or even death.
Faced with this new reality, his wife took the reins and took care of him with infinite devotion.
In those difficult days, the husband remembered his meeting with Maran zatsal and remembered her seemingly mysterious words about how his wife would be of double help to him…
The husband said to his wife: “Many years ago, Maran knew what would happen to us, and I already told you that you would be more to me than I would be to you throughout your illness, even twice more. Now I see how the Tzadik’s prophecy came true!”
Despite the suffering and pain, this special couple continued to build a Torah-based home and raise and educate their children in the world of Torah.
This is how G‑d wants his children to practice the mitzvah of Chessed, as it is said: “and you will support him.” Don’t disappoint your neighbor or leave them alone.
The essence of the mitzvah of Chessed is to practice it by observing and reflecting on the situation of the person in need. Put yourself in their shoes and think about the response you would like to receive if you were the person in difficulty. Think about it!
(This excerpt is taken from the book “Bircat David” by Rav Daniel Ohayon)
Chapter 3 – The Great Diligent
Effective use of time
Efficient use of time was a characteristic of Rabbi Maran Ovadia Yossef ZT”L. He understood the value of life and knew how to estimate time correctly. An anecdote (told by Maran’s son-in-law) illustrates this perfectly.
While living in Egypt, Maran asked the synagogue’s Gabbay not to give him the honor of opening the Heihal (the Holy Ark). When Gabbay asked him why, Maran replied: “The parochet (Heichal’s curtain) is big and heavy. It would take me a minute, or even a minute and a half, to open this curtain. This represents wasted time. Instead, I could use this time to study another verse, using Rashi’s commentary and other interpretations. It would be a better use of my precious time.”
(Story taken from the book “Sar Hagadol” by Rav Efraim Ben Porat).
Every minute is precious.
One day, when Ariel Sharon, a minister of the Israeli government, came to ask to speak with Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L, our master asked his assistant not to let him in, as he is very talkative and could steal half of his money. time… and sent him away.
After that, a school teacher arrived with a student who had difficulty studying Jewish studies and wanted to attend a public educational institution. But Maran devoted twenty precious minutes of his time and tried to convince him to remain within the walls of the Beit Midrash. Rav Yitzhak Yosef Shelita further stated that when he was writing his book “Yalkut Yosef”, he wanted his father to re-read everything he had written, so that there would be no mistakes that left his hands, so that he could write it down and develop it. They had a daily thirty-minute meeting for this, no more. Maran was still looking at his watch, and after exactly half an hour he resumed his activities, saying that he too should study the Torah, write down the halachic rules, and answer the questions sent to him.
One day, Rabanit realized that Rav Yitzchak wanted to study further with his father. Every time the scheduled half hour of daily study ended, he would become truly sad, even though that half hour was of high quality. One day, before the half hour was up, the Rabanit handed a steaming cup of tea to her son Rav Yitzchak. When the time was up and Maran wanted to finish, the Rabanit immediately intervened saying that Rabbi Yitzchak had not yet drunk his tea. She suggested they continue studying for a few more minutes while the tea cooled so he could drink it. So they followed that suggestion. The next day, when Rabbi Yitzchak returned to study with his father, Maran spoke to Rabanit at the beginning of his study: “If you want to prepare tea for Rabbi Yitzchak, do it now so that we do not have to wait more than half an hour” ( These are not exact quotes, but the story is summarized this way).
Now, I’m not going to preach to you and say: Look how much Rav Ovadia zatsal dedicated his time to Torah and look how much you dedicate to it… Because we are not Rav Ovadia zatsal, we are simple Jews who love Torah and we are going to try to learn and respect her. But it is true that we are still far from dedicating every second of our lives to Torah. I doubt that after one hundred and twenty years, in the heavenly world we will be asked why we did not give our whole soul for the Torah as Rav Ovadia did.
However, each of us is engaged in something important in our lives, be it a certain profession, a certain job, a certain mission, etc. We often “waste our time” or at least do not fully utilize that time to achieve our goal.
I once needed the services of a lawyer. After receiving care, I received the bill…along with a high fever. It turns out that this lawyer, a specialist in his field, charges for his services by the hour. He uses software on his computer that works like a taximeter. Every time he reviews my file and takes a look at it, the meter goes off… and my finances are depleted. For example, if he charges six hundred shekels per hour before VAT (the cheapest rate…), after ten hours of work on the process (a whole day), he will ask me for six thousand shekels before VAT. I don’t want to convince you to study Law… I just want to put you in that lawyer’s shoes. If you were in his shoes and were paid six or a thousand shekels an hour for each case, would you take a lunch break? And if so, would it be a short or long break? I think you would like to start early and finish late. You don’t need to answer… these are rhetorical questions and I already know the answer.
So why, when it comes to important things in our lives, especially when it comes to Torah study, don’t we also have an imaginary meter above our heads, a “spiritual meter”? Every hour that passes would give us a profit much greater than gold and silver.
Everything has its moment and time under the sky. It is allowed to sleep, walk, eat and talk to people. But all this must be done in moderation, because the clock of this world never stops. The time that has passed will not come back! Set aside time every day for the important things in your life!
(Letter from Rav Yossi Shalom Tzur, published in Kol Yaacov)
Immersion in Torah study
The story takes place with Maran Rav Ovadia Yossef ZT”L. After evening prayer, Maran settled into his study room and immersed himself in a halachic subject. He opened the Torah books and began to study, writing as he went. Hours passed and it was already one in the morning. But Maran was so absorbed in the study of the Holy Torah that he continued out of love for it until dawn.
His assistant came to see Maran ZT”L and said to him: “Your Honor Rav, the time for prayer has come, “it is already 7 o’clock” (and according to Magen Avraham’s opinion, the Shema should be recited).
“Should I pray?” Maran wondered. “But I already prayed, don’t you remember?”
Suddenly, Maran’s assistant realized that Maran was not paying attention and had not slept all night, being completely immersed in Torah study, not realizing that time had passed. This is why he says he has already prayed, referring to Arvit’s prayer (recited at night) when saying this.
The Or Hachaim Hakadosh writes: “If people realized the gentleness and goodness of the Torah, they would become crazy and in love with it, and would not value silver or gold, because the Torah contains all the good things in the world…”. And that’s exactly how Maran felt! He experienced the sweetness and richness of the Torah until he literally went crazy!!!
After hearing stories like this, our job is to meditate on this great personality and seek to reach, slowly but surely, even a part of his level, hoping that G‑d’s will will support us. Of course it’s not easy, but with work we’ll get there.
Nothing stops the will and everyone has the opportunity to deserve to become great in the study of Torah.
(Extract from Rav Moshe Dayan’s Pesach Haggadah)
Chapter 4 – Beyond Nature
Rivash’s revelation
This famous story was told by Rav Ovadia Yossef. One day, the Rav was faced with a very difficult question regarding Rivash’s words and spent an entire night trying to answer it. Finally, early in the morning, he found the solution to this complex question and was finally able to fall asleep.
During his sleep, he had a dream in which he met a man with a white beard, dressed in majestic clothes. This man introduced himself as Rivash and confirmed that the answer found was indeed the correct one. He also told him that this answer was precisely what he himself had written in his book, to a specific reference. The Rav woke up thinking it was just a dream.
However, the Rav, aware that he must verify this statement, immediately washed his hands (Netilat Yadayim) and opened the book of Rivash to the reference indicated in his dream. To his great surprise, the exact answer was found in this exact place in the book, thus confirming the veracity of the dream.
(Story taken from the book “Rav Yitshak Shushan, the Rivash, by Rav Bar Sheshat”)
The power of your blessing
Here is an incredible story that highlights the power of a blessing issued by our Masters and their care not to hurt anyone. The story takes place during Rav Ovadia Yossef’s trip to a foreign country. A woman from this country, who had been unable to have children for many years, offered to prepare a meal for the Tsaddik. She prepared a roasted fish and served it in front of him. However, before eating, the Tzadik learned that the woman had already roasted a chicken (which is permitted according to Halacha) and decided to refrain from eating the fish to be strict with himself. He was content with bread and vegetables. The woman, who was waiting in the kitchen to see the Tsaddik eat what she had prepared, was surprised to see that he had not touched the fish and began to cry bitterly. When someone informed the Rav about the woman’s sadness without knowing the reason, he immediately understood the situation. He approached her to encourage and comfort her so that she would not be offended. He stayed by her side until he blessed her that she could have a child within a year. As soon as he realized she had calmed down, he left. After several years, Rav Ovadia returned to the same place and a man, accompanied by a small child, turned to the Tzaddik and asked him if he recognized him. Maran replied that he doesn’t know him. The man then tells him that he is the husband of the woman who prepared the fish years before and that the child accompanying him was born thanks to the Rav’s blessing.
(Excerpt from the book Peniné Hemed by Rav Elihahu Pinhassi)
Your Holiness,
The words of the spiritual leader of Yeshiva Knesset Hizkyahu, Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian ZT”L, are known, where he addresses a young student who requested permission to attend a relative’s wedding in another city. The young student stated that he does not think there will be a Tzniut problem there because he will be sitting at a separate table with his parents. The Mashgiach then said to him: “Listen, please, I am already eighty years old and one of my eyes is blind. Even in this state, I’m afraid of seeing things that aren’t Tsniut when I’m on the street. You, a young man who has two eyes, are you telling me this won’t harm you?
This also explains why it is important not to look directly at an unbeliever, as looking at impure things affects the person without them even realizing it.
I will tell you a story that has been engraved in my memory since I was a teenager, when I had the privilege of participating in a trip with Rabbi Maran Hagaon Ovadia Yossef from Haifa to Jerusalem, in the company of my grandfather.
As soon as my grandfather got into the car, he opened his study book and immersed himself in reading. My grandfather asked him: “Rabbi Ovadia, isn’t it difficult for you to study in the car? Doesn’t that give you a headache? The Rav replied, “I’ve been used to it since I was very young, so I don’t feel it.”
The driver took the coastal road to take us to our destination, and suddenly Maran Zatzal, despite being totally absorbed in his study and the curtains obscuring the car windows, and only a small pocket lamp illuminating the book he was holding , suddenly interrupted his study and asked the driver why he had taken that road. The Rav said: “There is impurity here, it is impossible to study!” Then, through his study, he could feel that that road was unclean, that it lacked Tsniut and other bad things. We must learn from this story to distance ourselves from bad people and evil, so that the Torah we study remains rooted in us.
(Extract from the book Kinyan Hatorah by Rav Ovadia Toledano)
In heaven, they watch over the honor of Maran.
I witnessed a shocking story that unfolded during the election period here in Israel. This is a person who dared to damage a photo of Maran Rav Ovadia Yossef and gouge out the eyes of the Rav in the photo. Local residents who discovered the damaged photo were shocked, but did not know who the author was. A few hours later, this person began to feel burning and swelling in their eyes. He saw a doctor who told him he could not treat him. The residents of the neighborhood came to him and said, “You have no choice but to admit that you were the one who gouged out the Rav’s eyes in the photo and you must go to the Rav and ask for his forgiveness.” That’s what he did. In his great humility, the Rav forgave him immediately and after that his eyes slowly returned to normal size and were healed.
(This is an excerpt from Rav Raphael Cohen’s article in the book Vayan Shemuel)
