Today we mark the yahrzeit of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, of blessed memory – a leading halachic authority, rabbinical judge, kabbalist, and spiritual leader who served as the Rishon LeZion and Chief Rabbi of Israel from 1983 to 1993.
Rabbi Eliyahu regarded the Western Wall as a central place of prayer. For decades, he regularly led major public prayer gatherings there and presided each year over the central Selichot assembly during the Ten Days of Repentance.
It is told that during the era of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, people approached Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and asked him to curse Nasser.
The rabbi replied: “We have received a tradition from the Baba Sali that our role is to bless, not to curse. Therefore, I bless the President of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser, that he should merit to soon witness the rebuilding and redemption of the People of Israel, the return of the Jewish people to their land, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple speedily in our days.”
We remember with deep emotion and longing Rabbi Eliyahu’s visits to the Western Wall, and his words continue to resonate with us to this day.
