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Yosef Shalom Elyashiv

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Rabbi
Yosef Shalom Elyashiv
Rabbi Elyashiv at home
Personal
Born(1910-04-10)10 April 1910
Nisan 1, 5670 AM (Hebrew calendar)
Šiauliai, Russian Empire
(present-day Lithuania)
Died18 July 2012(2012-07-18) (aged 102)
Tamuz 28, 5772 AM (Hebrew calendar)
Jerusalem
ReligionJudaism
NationalityIsraeli
ChildrenMoshe
Shlomo
Avraham
Binyamin
Yitzchak
Batsheva Esther (wife of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky) (died 2011)
Sarah Rachel (wife of Rabbi Yosef Yisraelson)
Dina Ettel (wife of Rabbi Elchonon Berlin)
Shoshana (wife of Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein) (d. 1999)
Leah (wife of Rabbi Ezriel Auerbach) (died 2010)
Gittel (wife of Rabbi Binyomin Rimmer)
Rivkah (d. 1948)
Parent(s)Rabbi Avraham Elyashiv
Chaya Moussa Elyashiv
DenominationOrthodox Judaism
Signature
PositionPosek
OrganizationDegel HaTorah
Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv studying Torah

Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (Hebrew: יוסף שלום אלישיב‎; 10 April 1910 – 18 July 2012) was a Haredi rabbi and posek (arbiter of Jewish law) who lived in Jerusalem. Until his death at the age of 102, Rav Elyashiv was the paramount leader of both Israel and the Diaspora Litvak-Haredi community, and many Ashkenazi Jews regarded him as the posek ha-dor, the contemporary leading authority on halakha, or Jewish law.[1]

He was an autodidact, spent most of his days engaged in Talmudical study, and delivered lectures in Talmud and Shulkhan Arukh at a local synagogue in the Meah Shearim area in Jerusalem where he lived.[2][3] He received supplicants from all over the world, and answered the most complex Halakhic inquiries.[1]

Biography

[edit]
Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv in his youth

Rabbi Elyashiv was born in Shavel, Lithuania, as the only son to his parents after 17 years of marriage.[4] His maternal grandfather was Rabbi Shlomo Elyashiv, a Kabbalist and the author of Leshon Shlomo VeAchlama. His father, Rabbi Avraham Levinson, served as the rabbi of Homel and moved there with his family when Yosef Shalom was one year old.[5]

As a child, he served as a scribe for his grandfather after his eyesight deteriorated.[6] In 1924 (5674), the family immigrated to the Land of Israel, settling in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem. To facilitate their immigration, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook advised them to change their surname to "Elyashiv," based on the maiden name of Yosef Shalom's mother, in order to obtain a single family certificate (certificat). Rabbi Kook also assisted in acquiring the certificate.[7]

In Jerusalem, Rabbi Elyashiv studied Torah independently in local study halls and sought Rabbi Kook's advice on halachic matters. He also attended Rabbi Kook's third Shabbat meals.[8][9]

On 28 Adar 5690 (March 1930), at the age of 20, he married Sheina Chaya, the daughter of Rabbi Aryeh Levin, who passed away on 10 Tammuz 5754 (June 19, 1994).[10] Rabbi Kook arranged the match and persuaded Rabbi Levin to agree to the proposal. He also officiated their wedding.[11] Rabbi Kook served as the sandak (godfather) at the brit milah of their first son, Moshe.

In 1938 (5698), Rabbi Elyashiv received rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis, head of the Edah HaChareidis in Jerusalem.[12]

From 1940 (Hebrew year 5700), Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv served as a rabbi at the Ohel Torah Beit Midrash in Jerusalem, headed by Rabbi Shmuel Yitzchak Hillman. For many years, following his father's passing, Rabbi Elyashiv also served as the rabbi of the Tiferet Bachurim synagogue in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem. He regularly attended prayers there and delivered a daily Talmud class. However, he did not perform the traditional duties of a synagogue rabbi, such as delivering Shabbat HaGadol and Shabbat Shuva sermons or overseeing the selling of chametz for congregants. In the early 2000s, due to declining health, Rabbi Elyashiv began praying in a nearby mobile structure specially set up near his home, where he continued to deliver his daily lesson.[13]

In the early years of the State of Israel, Rabbi Elyashiv was appointed as the rabbi of Ramla,[14] though he resigned shortly thereafter. On 8 Kislev 5711 (December 3, 1950), he was appointed by the Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog and Rabbi Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel,[15] as a dayan in the Rabbinical Court of Jerusalem. This appointment came after Rabbi Elyashiv submitted a responsum on agunot law, which greatly impressed Rabbi Herzog.[16]

In 1955 (5715), Rabbi Elyashiv was appointed as a temporary dayan in the Supreme Rabbinical Court.[17][18] He received a permanent appointment on 23 Tammuz 5715 (August 18, 1955) and formally assumed the position on 6 Iyar 5716 (April 17, 1956).[19][20] Rabbi Elyashiv held this position until 7 Cheshvan 5733 (October 15, 1972).[21][22] Additionally, he served as chairman of the Chief Rabbinate's examination committee for issuing rabbinic ordination and dayan qualifications.[23]

After Rabbi Shlomo Goren was elected Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Supreme Rabbinical Court, Rabbi Elyashiv resigned from the court due to disagreements over the controversial Brother and Sister Ruling. However, he instructed others not to resign from rabbinical roles unless no suitable candidate for the position was available.

Rabbi Elyashiv at the founding of the Global Shas Initiative. To his left: Rabbi Meir Chadash. Speaking: Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv emerged as a prominent halachic authority, alongside Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, and was referred to as the "Posek HaDor" (decisor of the generation).[24]

Following the passing of Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach, Rabbi Elyashiv became the spiritual leader of the Lithuanian Haredi community in Israel and the supreme authority for the Degel HaTorah political party.[25]

Final years and passing

[edit]

In 2003, Rabbi Elyashiv underwent emergency surgery to repair a major artery after being in immediate life-threatening danger.[26] To ease his daily activities, a mobile synagogue (caravan) was built near his home, where he continued to deliver his Torah classes. From 2009 (5769–5770), his health began to decline, and he was hospitalized several times.[27] In June 2011, he underwent surgery on an artery near his heart.[28] Following the procedure, his health further deteriorated, and he stopped delivering his daily lessons. In early 2012 (Shevat 5772), his condition worsened, and he was hospitalized at Shaare Zedek Medical Center until his passing on 28 Tammuz 5772 (July 18, 2012), at the age of 102.[29]

His funeral took place in Jerusalem just hours after his passing, on the night of 29 Tammuz. The procession, which began at his Beit Midrash in Mea Shearim and continued to Har HaMenuchot, was attended by an estimated 250,000 people.[30][31][32] Per his will, no eulogies were delivered at the funeral, except for farewell words spoken by his son-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein.

Torah study approach

[edit]
Rabbi Elyashiv during Shacharit prayer in the "Caravan." To his right are his close associates: Rabbi Yosef Efrati and Rabbi Ben Zion Kok.

Rabbi Elyashiv was an autodidact who did not study in formal yeshivot, either abroad or in Israel, instead acquiring his knowledge primarily through independent learning. His halachic tradition was influenced by Rabbi Shimson Aharon Polansky of Tcheplik, Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis, and Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog.

He was known for his extraordinary diligence, continuing to sleep only three hours a day—between 11 PM and 2 AM—well into his later years. The rest of his time, aside from prayers and meals, was devoted to Torah study. He avoided public engagement and spent little time at home.[33]

Rabbi Elyashiv did not publicly engage with matters of Kabbalah. When asked whether he understood his grandfather’s Kabbalistic writings, he replied, "As much as I understood when I was ten years old."[34] However, within the Litvak community, it was widely believed that he possessed profound knowledge in this field but kept it hidden.[35]

Leadership

[edit]

Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv led a secluded and reserved life, refraining from public appearances, delivering speeches, or authoring books.[36] When the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah was established, Rabbi Elyashiv was invited to join as a full member. However, after he declined, Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach instructed that he be included as an "advisory member," meaning his opinions were to be considered even if he did not attend meetings. This status was shared with his son-in-law, Rabbi Kanievsky.[37] In practice, he chaired one of the council's sessions in 2003 (5763), which was held at the home of his son-in-law, Rabbi Azriel Auerbach, where he was resting at the time.[38]

Rabbi Elyashiv’s leadership was conservative.[39] He opposed integrating academic studies into seminaries for girls or extending the years of study in such institutions. He also opposed dialogue between Haredim and secular Israelis in frameworks such as the Kinneret Covenant.

In 1999, the directors of the Charedi Center for Vocational Training in Israel received support letters from a group of rabbis, including Rabbi Elyashiv, approving degree programs in computer science, accounting, and management, provided they excluded philosophical or ideological content deemed heretical.[40] However, in 2012, he published a letter in Yated Ne'eman opposing professional and academic training programs, arguing they introduced foreign influences and secular aspirations into the Haredi community:

It is therefore necessary to protest and warn against all external initiatives to meddle with our pure oil flask, by establishing "special frameworks for Haredim" under their full control and guidance. This includes various frameworks and tracks for national, civil, and military service... as well as colleges and institutions offering external studies for degrees and certificates, aiming to alter the spirit and essence of the Haredi public.

Rabbi Elyashiv was firmly against the use of the Heter Mechira during the Shmita year, leading to sharp disagreements with Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron.

In the case of the graves in Pisgat Ze'ev, Jerusalem, he ruled, based on the responsum of Rabbi Yair Chaim Bachrach (author of Chavot Yair), that under certain conditions graves could be relocated for public infrastructure projects. This decision caused tensions between his Litvak followers and groups such as Edah HaChareidis and Atra Kadisha.

His endorsements carried significant weight. For example, his support for the Schottenstein Talmud facilitated its acceptance in the Haredi community, unlike the Steinsaltz Talmud, which was widely rejected. However, in his later years, Rabbi Elyashiv limited the number of endorsements he granted to Torah works.

In 2011, during a visit by Education Minister Limor Livnat, he stated that funding should be halted for educational institutions that discriminated against Sephardi students.[41] In a letter to seminary directors, he wrote:

I reiterate the Torah's position that since the Beit Yaakov seminaries in the holy city are supported by the public, they are obligated to carry the public's burden by admitting students who are spiritually suitable for the seminary and to prevent the tears of the oppressed who are denied acceptance.[42]

To this end, he established a rabbinical committee and instructed seminary directors to comply with their decisions.[43]

During the dispute over control of Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv supported Rabbi Shmuel Markovitz.[44] In 2010, he issued a letter supporting Grodna Yeshiva after it was evicted by court order, criticizing the plaintiffs for turning to non-Jewish courts.

Rabbi Elyashiv also participated in the opposition to Haredi weekly magazines. In 2011, he published a public proclamation (kol koreh) against the weekly Mishpacha, accusing it of "distorting and obscuring the Torah perspective."[45]

Political positions

[edit]
Rabbi Elyashiv (center-right) at the first national convention of the Degel HaTorah party, Yad Eliyahu Arena, 1990. Left to right: Rabbi Shach, Rabbi Elyashiv, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, and Rabbi Shlomo Shimshon Karelitz.

Rabbi Elyashiv’s first involvement in politics occurred in 1988 when he supported Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach in establishing the Degel HaTorah party. While Rabbi Shach was actively engaged in national politics, Rabbi Elyashiv’s role in national political matters was secondary. However, he exerted significant influence on Jerusalem’s local politics, including orchestrating the 1993 alliance of Haredim with Ehud Olmert in his mayoral race against Teddy Kollek.[46]

In 1992, following the establishment of the government led by Yitzhak Rabin and the appointment of Shulamit Aloni as Minister of Education and Culture, Rabbi Elyashiv co-signed a public proclamation with Rabbi Shach and Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, prohibiting participation in the government.

Memorial notices for Rabbi Elyashiv’s passing.

In some cases, Rabbi Elyashiv adopted a policy of "passive resistance" (shev v’al taaseh). For example, during the late 1990s, when the Nahal Haredi battalion was reestablished, he opposed it but refrained from publicly condemning the initiative.[47] Articles reflecting this position were published in Yated Ne'eman, stating:

Recently, it was publicly claimed in the name of Gedolei Yisrael that it is permissible to direct young men toward alternative paths, deviating from the way established by the leaders of Israel to dedicate themselves entirely to Torah study. To uphold the truth, we hereby declare that these claims are false and that there must not be any deviation from the path we are commanded to maintain—Torah study in its purest form.

This stance aligned with Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman but contrasted with the views of other rabbis, especially those from Edah HaChareidis and Neturei Karta, who believed the battalion’s establishment should be actively opposed.[48]

As part of the agreements in the coalition arrangement, the Tal Committee was established to discuss the continuation of military service exemptions for yeshiva students, following a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the previous arrangement. Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv sent Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi to address the committee[49] and instructed the United Torah Judaism Members of Knesset to vote in favor of the law, despite opposition from other rabbis who believed there should be no cooperation with the committee or the law.[50]

Upon Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach’s passing in 2001, Rabbi Elyashiv succeeded him as the leader of the Litvak Haredi community and its political party, Degel HaTorah, alongside Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman. Despite Degel HaTorah’s electoral strength remaining limited to two Knesset seats until Rabbi Elyashiv’s passing, his authority granted him the final say in all matters concerning Haredi politics and interactions with secular Israelis.

When the National Religious Party joined Israel’s thirtieth government under Ariel Sharon in 2003, which also included the Shinui party, Rabbi Elyashiv issued a strongly worded statement against the party and its leaders.

At the beginning of 2005, Rabbi Elyashiv became the focus of public attention when he held the decisive position on whether Degel HaTorah would join the government promoting the Disengagement Plan. After being assured that the Core Curriculum would not be implemented in Haredi schools, he led the decision to join the government in consultation with the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, despite considerable pressure from right-wing circles.[51]

Rabbi Elyashiv expressed opposition to the Disengagement Plan and instructed Degel HaTorah’s Knesset members to vote against it. The media reported that he explained this stance as sending a message to the public that "we are not in favor of expelling Jews; we love the Land of Israel."[52] In the final Knesset vote on the matter, he added that "this is a matter of pikuach nefesh (saving lives)."[53] He instructed MK Avraham Ravitz, his representative on the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, to vote with the opposition in favor of a referendum on the Disengagement Plan,[54] despite threats from left-wing Knesset members to use the precedent to propose referenda on matters of religion and state. However, he directed Degel HaTorah not to leave the coalition over the plan’s implementation.

In 2003, Rabbi Elyashiv approved Uri Lupolianski’s candidacy for mayor of Jerusalem. This decision was seen as unprecedented, given the traditional policy among Ashkenazi Haredim of not seeking senior political roles in non-Haredi cities.[55]

Rabbi Elyashiv’s surprising support for the appointment of Rabbi Yona Metzger as Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel also sparked significant criticism from national religious factions, who argued that Rabbi Metzger’s Torah scholarship was insufficient for the role. These critics suggested that Rabbi Elyashiv’s backing stemmed from concerns about potential halachic innovations by the other candidate, Rabbi Yaakov Ariel.[56] It is believed that Rabbi Elyashiv’s primary motivation in this matter was to eliminate the use of Heter Mechira during the Shmita year.[57]

In the 2003 mayoral elections in Bnei Brak, which were conducted under a rotation agreement, Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ruled that the agreement should be upheld, and the position was to be handed over to the Agudat Yisrael candidate, Yissachar Frankenthal. In 2006, Rabbi Elyashiv aligned with the position of the Edah HaChareidis’s Beit Din Tzedek that demonstrations should be held against the planned Jerusalem pride parade. However, the Gerrer Rebbe, Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter, opposed such protests, believing they would draw more attention to the event.[58]

During the Annapolis Conference, Rabbi Elyashiv voiced his opposition to the possible division of Jerusalem. He joined the call titled "On Jerusalem They Cast Lots" and urged the public to participate in a rally at the Ramban Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem to protest the government's policies.[59]

Ahead of the 2009 Knesset elections, disagreements arose between Rabbi Elyashiv and Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman over the third representative of Degel HaTorah on the United Torah Judaism electoral list. Rabbi Elyashiv supported Menachem Carmel, while Rabbi Shteinman supported Yaakov Guterman, the mayor of Modi'in Illit. Ultimately, Rabbi Shteinman accepted Rabbi Elyashiv's decision, placing Carmel in the seventh spot and Guterman in the eighth spot on the joint list.[60]

Rulings

[edit]

On the matter of rabbinical appellate courts, Rabbi Elyashiv believed they were permissible and even necessary, provided they focused on reviewing the reasonableness of the previous court's rulings. Based on this view, he served as a judge in the Rabbinical Supreme Court of Israel.[61]

During his tenure on the rabbinical court, Rabbi Elyashiv was particularly distinguished for his rulings on complex issues such as agunot and mamzerut. Over his lifetime, Rabbi Elyashiv issued thousands of responsa, both written and oral. In his later years, he rarely provided written responsa.

Rabbi Elyashiv held that secular Jews might not fully qualify as tinokot shenishba ("captured infants"), as they lived among observant Jews and were aware of Shabbat observance.[62] However, he refused to regard non-observant Jews as full-fledged gentiles, instead viewing them as sinful Jews. Thus, while they may not be considered tinokot shenishba, they were also not classified as mumrim or meshummad.[63]

On the topic of agricultural commandments in Israel, Rabbi Elyashiv regarded the Chazon Ish as the definitive authority ("Mara D'Shmata," Aramaic for "master of the topic") and "Mara D'Eretz Yisrael" (Aramaic for "master of the Land of Israel," meaning the preeminent rabbinic authority on matters relating to Israel).

In 2011, Rabbi Elyashiv opposed the ruling of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, which declared that conversions conducted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were halachically valid.[64] After street posters were published on behalf of Rabbi Elyashiv and the Edah HaChareidis, announcing a protest and a mourning ceremony over the ruling, Rabbi Yosef clarified in a letter that he only validated conversions of individuals who fully accepted mitzvah observance.[65]

Matters of life and death

[edit]

As the most prominent Litvak posek (halachic decisor), Rabbi Elyashiv was approached with numerous life-and-death questions, and many of his rulings in this area are well-known. One of his most famous rulings was his prohibition against disconnecting a patient from life support if they were in a state of brain death. Rabbi Elyashiv defined such an act as murder.[66]

Children and students

[edit]

Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv had 12 children, six of whom predeceased him:

  • Rabbi Shlomo (born 26 Tevet 5691 – died 27 Tishrei 5779).[67]
  • Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky (1932–2012) – wife of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky.
  • Sarah Rachel – wife of Rabbi Yosef Yisrael Israelzon.
  • Dina Atil (1934–2002) – wife of Rabbi Elchanan Berlin.
  • Aliza Shoshana (1935–1998) – wife of Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein.
  • Leah (1938–2010)[68] – wife of Rabbi Azriel Auerbach.
  • Rabbi Moshe – son-in-law of Rabbi Chaim Brim, rabbi of the "Tiferet Bachurim" synagogue and successor of his father in delivering shiurim.
  • Rabbi Binyamin – author of the "Yad Binyamin" series on the Talmud. Son-in-law of Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz.
  • Avraham (1943–2014) – served as his father’s aide.
  • Gita – wife of Rabbi Binyamin Rimer, head of Kiryat Melech Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.

At the time of Rabbi Elyashiv’s passing, his descendants were estimated to number approximately 1,400,[69] including two great-great-grandchildren (sixth generation), descendants of his daughter Rebbetzin Bat-Sheva Kanievsky.[70]

His daughter Rivka was killed at the age of 18 months during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War by a Jordanian shell, and another son, Yitzchak, died in childhood.

Rabbi Elyashiv had many prominent students, the most well-known of whom is Rabbi Yosef Efrati, who also served as his driver and personal aide ("mashgiach" or "trusted assistant" in Haredi parlance).[71] Among his other students are Rabbi Ben Zion Kook, who published works containing Rabbi Elyashiv’s halachic rulings; Rabbi Tzvi Weber; Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Karp, rabbi in Modi'in Illit; Rabbi Tzvi Weissfish; Rabbi David Aryeh Morgenstern, rabbi in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Jerusalem; and Rabbi Yitzchak Derzy, author of the "Shvut Yitzchak" series.

Legacy

[edit]

In 2013 (Hebrew year 5773), a Sephardic girls' seminary named "Bnot Elyashiv" was established, led by Yocheved Elyashiv, the widow of Rabbi Elyashiv's son Avraham. In 2015 (5775), the Neran Institutions in Jerusalem founded a small yeshiva called "Yeshivat HaGri"sh." A network of Bein HaZemanim yeshivas was also established under the name "Yeshivat Rabbeinu Yosef Shalom," presided over by his son-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. In 2018 (5778), the Jerusalem Municipality commemorated Rabbi Elyashiv by naming an educational campus in the Ramot neighborhood after him.

In 2016, the film "Torato Umanuto," directed by Ami Droz, premiered on the First Channel. The film follows Ben Bar Shavit (son[72] of actor Shlomo Bar-Shavit, whose mother was Rabbi Elyashiv’s niece) on a journey to learn about Rabbi Elyashiv's character after his passing.[73]

Published works

[edit]

Rabbi Elyashiv’s writings were compiled by his students:

  • Kovetz Teshuvot – A five-volume collection of halachic responsa published between 2000 (5760) and 2016 (5776) in Jerusalem.
  • He'arot – A series of summaries from lessons covering all tractates of the Talmud.
  • Shiurei Maran HaGri"sh Elyashiv – Brachot – A reissued volume from the "He'arot" series, including halachic rulings and teachings heard by Rabbi Ben Tzion Cohen Kook, Feldheim Publishers, 2011 (5771).
  • Haggadah Shel Pesach Mibeit Rabbeinu HaGri"sh Elyashiv – Published in 2006 (5766).
  • K’tavuni L’Dorot – Over 460 letters and essays on matters of Torah perspective. Published by the "Machon LeHotzaat Mishnato Shel Rabotainu," Jerusalem, 2013 (5773).
  • Divrei Aggada – On Torah portions and holidays, from his handwritten notes, published in 2005 (5765).
  • Kuntras Kinyan Torah – A compilation of his writings and letters on Torah study, published in 2007 (5767) with a second edition in 2010 (5770).
  • Yisa Bracha – A Haggadah for Pesach, edited by Rabbi Shalom Meir Wallach, published by "Tevuna."
  • Yivakshu Mipihu – Halachic rulings on various topics (four volumes as of 2016), edited by Rabbi Zelig Kosovsky.
  • Gilyonot HaGri"sh Elyashiv – Pearls of wisdom written in his own hand on the margins of his books.

Books based on oral responses:

  • Yisa Yosef – Responsa on various topics, edited by Rabbi Yosef Efrati, published in 2011 (5771).
  • Yeshiv Moshe – Edited by Rabbi Moshe Turtzky, Jerusalem, 1989 (5749).
  • P’ninei Tefillah, P’ninei Sheva Brachot, P’ninei Chanukah, and Tziunei Halacha – Edited by Rabbi Ben-Tzion Cohen Kook.
  • Ashrei HaIsh – Halachic rulings on Orach Chaim and Yoreh De’ah, edited by Rabbi Yechezkel Feinhandler, five volumes, Jerusalem, 2010 (5770).
  • Vayishma Moshe – Edited by Rabbi Moshe Freid, Jerusalem, 2011 (5771).
  • Yadun Moshe – Contemporary halachic rulings by Rabbi Yehuda Moshe Kopilowitz, Jerusalem, 2012 (5772).
  • Kav V’naki – Halachic responses published by his son-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein.

Books published by the "Machon LeHotzaat K’tavei U’Fiskei Maran HaGri"sh Elyashiv ZT"L":

  • K’tavei HaGri"sh – On Pirkei Avot (two volumes), 2013 (5773)–2014 (5774).
  • K’tavei HaGri"sh – On the High Holy Days and Sukkot, 2013 (5773).
  • K’tavei HaGri"sh – On the laws of Shabbat, 2015 (5775).
  • Mishnat HaGri"sh – On Shemitah, 2014 (5774); on the laws of Pesach and Sefirat HaOmer, 2017 (5777); on marriage laws, 2016 (5776).
  • Piskei HaGri"sh – On Orach Chaim, 2014 (5774); on Yoreh De’ah, Choshen Mishpat, and Even HaEzer, 2016 (5776).
  • Halichot HaIsh – Personal conduct, by his great-grandson Rabbi Moshe Israelzon, 2019 (5779).
  • Mipi HaIsh – Teachings on Torah, ethics, and anecdotes, 2019 (5779).
  • Amudo Shel Olam – Traits and personal conduct, written by his grandson Rabbi Yom Tov Lipa Israelzon, 2016 (5776).

Further reading

[edit]
  • Y. Segal (pseudonym of Yehoshua Levin), HaShakdan: Profiles of Torah Dedication of Maran HaGri"sh Elyashiv. Jerusalem: Tuvia's Publishing (Monsey), Part 1 (1922–1990), 2010 (5770); Part 2 (1973–2006), 2011 (5771); Part 3 (1981–2012).
  • Chaim A. Lechober, Rish’a D’Galuta: Eulogies and Practices at Rabbi Elyashiv's Thirty-Day Memorial, four volumes, Jerusalem, 2014 (5774).
  • Ephraim Zeiveld, Gedolah Shimushah, based on notes of Rabbi Tzvi Weissfish, 2013 (5773).
  • Moshe Israelzon (great-grandson), Mipi HaIsh: Teachings and Sayings of Rabbi Elyashiv, Jerusalem, 2014 (5774).
  • Y. Hershkowitz, Hit’alut: Guidance on Education in Rabbi Elyashiv’s Teachings, 2013 (5773).
  • Schapiro, Moshe. "Halachic Ruling Redefines Role of Kiruv Work in Eretz Yisroel". Dei'ah veDibur, April 21, 1999.
  • Eliashiv, Yosef Shalom. "Letter from HaRav Eliashiv". Dei'ah veDibur, June 2, 2002.
  • Avraham(Rami) Reiner. "R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv as a halachic decisor"[permanent dead link‍]. Modern Judaism 33

References

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  1. ^ a b "RABBI YOSEF SHALOM ELYASHIV". Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  2. ^ Ettinger, Yair (March 2010). "The Invisible Hand". Haaretz.
  3. ^ "The Invisible Hand". Haaretz. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  4. ^ According to another account, his father married in 1899 (5659), making Yosef Shalom's birth occur after 11 years of marriage. See "Toldot Ve'Shorashim" website.
  5. ^ Rabbi Natan Kaminetsky, HaMaayan Is Nisan]] 5766, p. 89, note 21 (as recounted by Rabbi Elyashiv himself).
  6. ^ Leshon Shlomo, Book of Principles, fol. 6b.
  7. ^ Igrot HaRa’ayah, Letter 132.
  8. ^ Or Ha’Orot website; see also here.
  9. ^ Tehillim Center website, 7 Facts About Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv on the Day of His Passing, 28 Tammuz. Published July 19, 2024.
  10. ^ Marriage invitation notice, Doar Hayom, March 25, 1930, p. 1.
  11. ^ Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, Besheva newspaper and Shabbat HaRav Kook leaflet, Issue 31.
  12. ^ HaShakdan, p. 58.
  13. ^ Tehillim Center website
  14. ^ Tehillim Center website
  15. ^ At that time, the Dayanim Appointment Committee had not yet been established (it was founded in 1951). His appointment and those of other dayanim were later ratified by the Rabbinical Courts (Appointment Ratification) Law, 1952.
  16. ^ Israel Hayom, Yehuda Schlesinger, "Rabbi Elyashiv 1910–2012," July 19, 2012.
  17. ^ HaTzofe, "Four New Dayanim Appointed to the Supreme Rabbinical Court," February 9, 1956.
  18. ^ Appointment Notice, Yalkut HaPirsumim 5715, p. 1055.
  19. ^ Appointment Notice, Yalkut HaPirsumim 5716, p. 849
  20. ^ Israel State Archives, Dayanim Appointment Letters, archives/Archive/0b0717068031bde7/File/0b07170680755934, p. 30.
  21. ^ Notice of Dayan Termination, Yalkut HaPirsumim 5733, p. 453.
  22. ^ HaTzofe, "19 Dayanim Appointed to Rabbinical Courts in Ceremonial Event at the President’s House," April 18, 1956.
  23. ^ Examination Committee Appointment, Yalkut HaPirsumim 5717, p. 996.
  24. ^ Maariv, Menachem Rahat, "Rabbi Shach Established His Own Council of Torah Sages," November 27, 1988, p. 26.
  25. ^ Tehillim Center website
  26. ^ Kikar HaShabbat, Yisrael Cohen, "How Rabbi Shteinman Saved Rabbi Elyashiv’s Life," July 28, 2016.
  27. ^ Ynet, Kobi Nachshoni and Ronen Medzini, "Rabbi Elyashiv Feels Unwell and is Hospitalized," October 15, 2009.
  28. ^ Ynet, Kobi Nachshoni, "Concern for His Health: Rabbi Elyashiv to Undergo Surgery on a Major Artery," June 19, 2011.
  29. ^ Tehillim Center website
  30. ^ Walla, Yair Altman, "A Quarter Million Accompanied Rabbi Elyashiv to His Rest in Jerusalem," July 19, 2012.
  31. ^ Ynet, Kobi Nachshoni, "Rabbi Elyashiv’s Funeral: The Masses Cried 'Shema Yisrael,'" July 18, 2012.
  32. ^ Tehillim Center website
  33. ^ BeChadrei Charedim, Moshe Weisberg, "20 Hours of Diligence a Day: Rabbi Elyashiv’s Daily Schedule," July 19, 2012.
  34. ^ HaShakdan (Jerusalem, 5771), vol. 2, p. 13, note 3.
  35. ^ Natan Weiss, "Humble Dwelling of Nobility: Rabbi Elyashiv and His Torah Dynasty," Mishpacha, Issue 159, May 23, 2007: Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman was asked whether anyone in this generation understood Kabbalah. After a moment’s thought, he nodded and replied, "Rabbi Elyashiv." See also Moshe Israelzon, From the Man: Stories I Heard from My Grandfather... Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, 5774, pp. 22–26.
  36. ^ Tehillim Center website
  37. ^ Shimon Breitkopf and Yisrael Gervais, "Protocol of the Founding of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah," in Adir BaMalchut, Mishpacha magazine, Issue 1351, Pesach 5778.
  38. ^ Ynet, Avishai Ben Chaim, "Rotation in Degel HaTorah," December 11, 2002.
  39. ^ Until the 1990s, he was considered more lenient compared to earlier Lithuanian leaders such as Rabbi Shach and the Steipler, mainly due to his tenure in the Rabbinical Supreme Court of Israel, which had been opposed by some Haredi leaders, especially Rabbi Yitzhak Ze'ev Soloveitchik of Brisk, and his lack of involvement in matters of ideology and worldview.
  40. ^ Yoel Ravivo, "Back from Utopia," Tchelet; see also "Their Software Is Their Trade," Globes; and "Full Letter" at Kvar Haya LeOlamim.
  41. ^ NRG, Avishai Ben Chaim, "Livnat Fights Against Ethnic Discrimination in Haredi Institutions," October 14, 2004.
  42. ^ K'tavuni LeDorot, p. 119.
  43. ^ K'tavuni LeDorot, Rabbi Elyashiv’s letters, p. 119.
  44. ^ Kikar HaShabbat, Yisrael Cohen, "'The 'Mechablim' Present: This Is Rabbi Elyashiv’s Position Regarding Ponevezh," February 3, 2015.
  45. ^ BeChadrei Charedim, Moshe Weisberg, "Should Not Enter the Homes of the God-Fearing: Rabbi Elyashiv Against 'Mishpacha'," December 30, 2011.
  46. ^ Hadashot, Amnon Levy, "A Battle of Day, A Battle of Day, That Is Neither Shas nor Agudat Yisrael," October 10, 1988, p. 92.
  47. ^ Ynet, Avishai Ben Chaim, "The New Leadership of the Posek HaDor," January 5, 2002; Haaretz, Aryeh Dayan, "What Does He Rule?" January 16, 2005; Arutz Sheva, Avraham Binyamin, "Kosher Army – In This Week’s Issue"; Kikar HaShabbat, Chaim Cohen, "Distorting Facts / Chaim Cohen," June 16, 2016.
  48. ^ Neri Horowitz, "The Village Burns," p. 22, October 2002.
  49. ^ BeChadrei Charedim, Yehuda HaLevi, "Tal Committee Documents Revealed: Rabbi Ezrachi’s Argument," February 3, 2015.
  50. ^ Ynet, Avishai Ben Chaim and Smadar Shmueli, "The Tal Law Passed in the Knesset: Exemption from Draft Enshrined in Law," July 23, 2002.
  51. ^ NRG, Avishai Ben Chaim, "How the Torah Sages Ruled on the Evacuation," January 6, 2005; Globes, Zvi Lavi, "15 Rabbis on the Council of Torah Sages Will Decide the Unity Government’s Fate," January 3, 2005.
  52. ^ Ynet, Ilan Marciano, "United Torah Judaism Will Vote Against the Disengagement," October 25, 2004.
  53. ^ Arutz Sheva, "Rabbi Elyashiv Instructs Degel HaTorah to Vote for Postponing the Disengagement," July 19, 2005.
  54. ^ First-Class News website.
  55. ^ NRG, Shalom Yerushalmi, "The Sage of Hanan Street," May 9, 2003.
  56. ^ Avishai Ben Chaim, "Rabbi Metzger Is Unlearned," NRG Maariv, March 21, 2006.
  57. ^ Ynet, Neta Sela, "Rabbi Elyashiv’s Aide: Metzger Was Supported Because of Shmita," April 2, 2008.
  58. ^ Ynet, Neta Sela, "Rabbi Elyashiv: Remove the Disgrace of the Pride Parade," July 3, 2006.
  59. ^ Haaretz, Nadav Shragai, "Rabbi Elyashiv Opposes the Government’s Policy Plan," October 12, 2007; Haaretz, Nadav Shragai, "Yesha Rabbinical Council Calls for Visits to the Temple Mount During Bush’s Visit," January 3, 2008.
  60. ^ BeChadrei Charedim, Shmuel Rabi, "The Battle Over Carmel," December 23, 2008.
  61. ^ "Testimony by Rabbi Sherman in Yated Ne'eman interview"; see also HaShakdan, pp. 120–121.
  62. ^ Testimony by his son-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein (Aleinu LeShabeach, Bamidbar, p. 477): "When I mentioned to my father-in-law the words of the Chazon Ish regarding 'tinokot shenishba,' he responded that it is difficult to apply this concept today, as someone living in Israel who sees Shabbat observance and the struggles to protect it may not qualify as a captured infant." See also Aleinu LeShabeach (Vayikra, p. 308) for cases where he acknowledged the tinok shenishba status.
  63. ^ Amir Mashiach, "Halietehu LaRasha Veyamot – Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv’s Attitude Towards the Non-Observant Jew," Morashat Yisrael 9 (2012), pp. 131–148.
  64. ^ Ynet, Kobi Nachshoni, "Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Validates IDF Conversions," January 14, 2011.
  65. ^ Source on the Ladaat website.
  66. ^ JTA (July 18, 2012). "Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Dies at 102". Forward. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  67. ^ Moshe Weisberg, "The Firstborn Son of the Posek HaDor: Rabbi Shlomo Elyashiv ZT"L," BeChadrei Charedim, 27 Tishrei 5779.
  68. ^ David Koren, "'Father, Why Did You Trouble Yourself?' 'Leah, You Are Worth It,' Said Rabbi Elyashiv," May 21, 2010, BeChadrei Charedim.
  69. ^ Ynet, Kobi Nachshoni, Every Two Days: A New Descendant for Rabbi Elyashiv, 4259560, July 24, 2012.
  70. ^ Mako, Sivan Rahav-Meir, Sixth Generation Descendant of Rabbi Elyashiv During His Lifetime, 71401be84437121004, news-channel2/Six-Newscast, May 24, 2009.
  71. ^ Cited article in Kol Ha'Ir newspaper and related discussion on BeChadrei Charedim forum.
  72. ^ Yonatan Esterkin, "The Endless Childhood of Bar-Shavit," nrg, January 23, 2009.
  73. ^ Ofra Lax, "With Great Attention – A Film Review," Arutz Sheva, July 14, 2016.
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