Rabbi Chaim David HaLevi
(1924-1998), one of the most prominent halachic authorities in terms of
Sephardic rulings in the twentieth century, believed with all his heart that we
were in a period of the beginning of the Redemption. He was a man of spirit and
action, who saw halachah as a conscious moral system, suitable for
modern life. In his measured and clear voice, the rabbi combined a deep
commitment to halachah with faith and confidence that halachic
authorities could rule at any time and deal with the challenges of an
individual's life, the people and the State.
As the rabbi of Rishon LeTzion
and the chief rabbi of Tel Aviv-Yafo, he was an independent arbiter, who
addressed his audience and the entirety of Israeli society with respect and
love, and strove all his life to bring Torah, society and state together.
Rabbi Chaim David HaLevi: A
Life Story traces the character of Rabbi Halevi through his biography: his
childhood in Jerusalem, his studies at Yeshivat Porat Yosef, his becoming a
student of Rabbi Ben Zion Meir Chai Uziel, his years as a rabbi and the many
books that were published by his hand. Between the pages there emerges an
honest and in-depth portrait of a spiritual leader who saw himself as part of
the project of reviving the people and the state, and his halachic path is
sketched, balancing tradition with novelty, humility and courage.
The Rav's life story is
intertwined with the story of the State of Israel from its inception, and the
reader gets to know a man of truth who lived modestly and faithfully, a man
whose influence is evident to this day, far beyond his city and generation.
Efrat Krausz is herself a resident of Gush Etzion, and a
writer of biographies. She also wrote Building a Land– the story of
Moshe Moskowitz (Moshko), one of the founders of Gush Etzion.
Pessy has kindly donated a copy of Efrat’s book to our shul
library. We are most grateful for this lovely gift—and maybe we will be able to
welcome Efrat to Beit Knesset Hanassi to
talk about her book and tell us in person about the impressive rabbi on whom it
shines a powerful, informative and inspiring light.
For more information about this book and its publishers, click here.
