3rd of Cheshvan — Hilula of Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef zt"l

Story Time

Today, the 3rd of Cheshvan, is the Hilula of Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef zt"l, one of the greatest Torah giants of our generation, who dedicated his entire life to Torah, halacha, and bringing the Jewish people closer to Hashem.

Maran was born in Baghdad in 1920 and moved to Jerusalem with his family at the age of four. Although his family lived in poverty, nothing could stop his extraordinary love for Torah. Even as a young boy, every spare moment was precious to him, and he devoted himself to learning.

He eventually became the Rishon LeTzion, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, and one of the most influential sephardic halachic authorities of modern times.

His life's mission was Lehachzir Atarah LeYoshnah — to restore the crown to its former glory, strengthening Sephardic Torah traditions and bringing authentic Torah knowledge to Jews everywhere.

But Maran didn't just dedicate his life to learning Torah. He wanted every Jew to learn Torah too, regardless of their background or level of religious observance.

In a shiur this week, Maran's grandson, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, shared a beautiful thought. "If I had to summarize my grandfather's life in just a few words," he said, "it would be Yashav ve'lamad Torah — he sat and learned Torah."

That's it. Those few simple words capture a lifetime of extraordinary dedication. Maran devoted his days and nights to learning Torah, and through that dedication, he left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

He left behind an extraordinary treasure of Torah writings, including Yabia Omer, Yechaveh Da'at, and Chazon Ovadia, which continue to guide and inspire countless Jewish homes.

On the 3rd of Cheshvan 5774 (2013), Maran passed away at the age of 93. An estimated 850,000 people attended his funeral in Jerusalem, an extraordinary testament to the love and respect the Jewish people felt for him.

And today, we have the beautiful opportunity to honor his memory by continuing what mattered most to him: learning Torah, living by its teachings, and sharing its light with others.

Must Do

Nothing is obligatory specifically for the Hilula, but there are some beautiful things you can do to honor Maran's memory and connect with his incredible legacy!

Good To Do

1. Light a Candle

Light a candle in memory of Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef ben Georgia zt"l.

You can say:

L'ilui nishmat Maran Harav Ovadia ben Georgia Yosef, zechuto yagen aleinu.

As you light the candle, take a moment to remember the tremendous light Maran brought into the world through his Torah, his teachings, and his love for the Jewish people.

2. Take On a Kabbalah for One Week

One of the most meaningful ways to honor a righteous person, a tzaddik, is to take a small step toward becoming better ourselves.

Choose one kabbalah, a personal commitment, and keep it for seven days in honor of Maran.

It can be something simple: learning one halacha every day, saying Birkat Hamazon with more concentration, being more careful with your speech, saying kriyat Shema on time, or dedicating an extra five minutes to Torah learning.

Don't choose something overwhelming. Choose something you can actually keep.

Imagine how much light we could bring into the world if everyone took on just one small commitment in Maran's memory!

3. Give Tzedakah

Give a few coins to tzedakah in honor of Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef ben Georgia.

You can also donate to a yeshiva, support Torah education, or help a family in need.

Maran spent his life strengthening Torah and the Jewish people. What better way to honor him than by helping others and emulating his good deeds by following his ways?

4. Read Tehillim

Take a few minutes to say some chapters of Tehillim for the elevation of Maran's soul.

You can read whichever chapters you feel connected to, and afterward, take a moment to pray to Hashem for yourself, your family, and all of Am Yisrael.

5. Learn Maran's Torah

This is one of the most beautiful ways to honor Maran's Hilula!

Maran dedicated his entire life to Torah learning, and his incredible writings continue to illuminate the world.

Choose something to learn from one of his famous sefarim:

Yabia Omer: Maran's monumental collection of halachic responsa, where he examines complex questions in Jewish law with extraordinary depth and knowledge.

Yechaveh Da'at: A wonderful place to start! This collection presents practical halachic questions and answers in a clearer, more accessible format.

Chazon Ovadia: Learn about Shabbat, the Jewish holidays, and many other areas of halacha from Maran's extensive writings.

If you don't have these sefarim at home, you can listen to a short shiur or read a halacha based on Maran's rulings.

Even five minutes of Torah learning is a beautiful way to connect with his legacy.

6. Learn About His Life and Follow His Example

Maran's life itself is an incredible lesson.

Despite growing up in poverty, he never gave up on his Torah learning. He worked tirelessly to preserve Sephardic halachic traditions and make Torah accessible to every Jew.

There's a beautiful story about how Maran recalled a visit to Mexico, where he spent four hours teaching Torah to different groups, including children, yeshiva students, and advanced scholars.

For Maran, the opportunity to share Torah was a source of tremendous happiness.

Take a few minutes today to read a story about his life, his dedication, or his love for the Jewish people.

Then choose one quality you admire and try to bring a little more of it into your own life.

7. Attend a Shiur and Spread His Light

Maran didn't keep his extraordinary Torah knowledge to himself. He dedicated his life to sharing it with others.

In honor of his Hilula, attend a Torah shiur, either in person or online, and invite someone else to join you. Maybe do a Seudah, a bread meal, in honor of his Hilula as well.

You can also share one of Maran's teachings with a friend, send someone a short halacha, or discuss something you learned with your family.

You don't need to be a great Torah scholar to inspire another Jew.

Sometimes one small Torah thought can open someone's heart and bring them closer to Hashem.

And what better way to honor Maran than by continuing his lifelong mission of spreading Torah?

8. Personal Prayer

After lighting a candle, giving tzedakah, or learning some Torah, take a quiet moment to speak to Hashem.

Thank Him for the incredible Torah leaders He has given the Jewish people, and ask Him to help you learn from their example.

Ask Hashem to help you grow in Torah, strengthen your emunah, and follow in the footsteps of the great tzadikim.

You can say:

Master of the Universe, in the merit of Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef zt"l, please help me grow closer to You. Give me a love for Your Torah, the strength to keep Your mitzvot, and the opportunity to bring more light into the lives of others. Bless me, my family, and all of Am Yisrael with health, happiness, peace, and salvation. Amen.

Then, ask Hashem for all your heart's desires.

Remember, you don't have to do everything listed above. Choose whatever speaks to your heart and whatever you have time for.

The greatest way to honor Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef is not only to remember his greatness, but to carry a little of his Torah and his light into our own lives.

May Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef's  merit protect all of Am Yisrael. Amen!