A Sephardic Interpretation of Love, Truth & Peace.
“We must remove this divisiveness that plagues us, and instead make our work as a community a reflection of peace and love…
“But who will stand and lead this change amongst us? This specific task belongs to the “Faithful in Israel,” our rabbinic and spiritual leaders. This belongs to them, because the Torah is not an alienating force; rather it is a force that brings people closer together.The true announcement of the redemption and the coming of the Messiah will only happen when the hearts of parents are drawn closer to their children, and the hearts of children are drawn closer to their parents. It is about time that the “Faithful in Israel” unite forces in their sacred work, and unite the entire Nation of Israel around them.
Such unity, of spiritual leaders working together, unifying our people as one, will serve as our greatest source of comfort and strength, especially during these times when the waves of evil are spreading over all Jews.”
Rabbi Benzion Meir Hai Uziel was a pioneering rabbinic leader and thinker. To us, he is one of the most authentic embodiments of classic Sephardic rabbinic tradition. He was the Haham Bashi (Ottoman-appointed Chief Rabbi) of Jaffa-Tel Aviv, the Rishon L’Zion (Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel) of the pre-state Yishuv under the British Mandate, and then of the State of Israel (1948–1953). He authored multiple volumes of groundbreaking Halakhic Responsa, as well as original books of Jewish philosophy, theology, and ethics. From his earliest moments as a young rabbinic leader, Rabbi Uziel always a remained a strong advocate and symbol of Jewish unity.
