BNEI BRAK, Israel – Amid the sacred observances of the seventh day of Passover, Israel’s religious and national communities have entered a period of collective mourning over the death of Rabbi Meir Mazuz, head of the Kisse Rahamim yeshiva. His passing represents a significant loss for the world of Torah, scholarship, and Israeli society at large. The funeral was scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the famed Kisse Rahamim yeshiva in Bnei Brak, drawing thousands from across the country.
The rabbi’s influence has shaped both religious scholarship and public discourse in Israel. Born in Tunisia in 1947 to a prominent rabbinic family, Rabbi Mazuz immigrated to Israel and quickly established himself as a prodigy in Jewish learning. The memory of his father—Chief Rabbi Matzliach Mazuz, killed by Arab extremists in Tunis—was central in shaping his worldview and commitment to spiritual and communal leadership.
In Bnei Brak, Rabbi Mazuz founded Kisse Rahamim, which became a renowned Sephardic center of Torah learning. Under his leadership, the yeshiva trained generations of rabbis and educators who have gone on to serve communities across Israel and the Diaspora. His rigorous approach combined command of halacha, deep faith, and modern social consciousness. Over the decades, he authored dozens of books and responsa that shaped contemporary Jewish thought.
Rabbi Mazuz was a highly sought-after authority on matters of Jewish law as well as community welfare, guidance in times of crisis, and navigating Israel’s complex social landscape. Senior government officials frequently consulted him on issues ranging from legislation affecting religious conversion and education to matters of national security and identity.
After the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre—the deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust—Rabbi Mazuz called for resilience, unity, and adherence to Jewish and moral values. His sermons during the recent war emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian-backed terror, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. He was a prominent rabbinic voice clarifying Israel’s role as both a democratic nation and a defender against continuous existential threats.
Public tributes from Israel’s top officials, rabbis, and lay leaders attest to Rabbi Mazuz’s national stature. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described his commitment to national unity and Torah, while Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized his support for IDF troops and Israel’s enduring fight against terror networks. The Chief Rabbinate, Ashkenazic and Sephardic institutions, and a broad range of community organizations echoed statements of loss and respect, underscoring the rabbi’s contribution to bridging divides among Israel’s diverse communities.
At the heart of Rabbi Mazuz’s legacy stands his unwavering advocacy for Torah values with compassion and integrity. He worked to strengthen links between religious and secular Israelis and was especially known for his outreach to youth, immigrants, and the socially vulnerable. His ability to communicate timeless values in a rapidly changing society set him apart as a bridge-builder and an educator.
Rabbi Mazuz’s passing takes on additional significance against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges. As Israel continues to defend its citizens from Iranian-backed terror and faces complex international scrutiny, the rabbi’s teachings and moral clarity are seen as a rallying source of inspiration. His experiences, personal loss due to terror, and resilient leadership in the face of anti-Jewish violence resonated with many Israelis who continue to contend with the realities of modern antisemitism.
His funeral—which began at Kisse Rahamim yeshiva—became a moment of national reflection and unity, as thousands of mourners joined in prayer and remembrance. In the weeks ahead, his disciples and students are expected to honor his memory by continuing his educational initiatives, advancing social outreach, and reinforcing the principles he championed.
Rabbi Mazuz is survived by his family, his students, and an entire generation shaped by his teachings. His legacy belongs to the collective memory and future of the State of Israel, a reminder of the enduring link between faith, courage, and national destiny.
