עברית
Torah Personalities
The Compassionate Legacy of Rabbi Gavriel Toledano
Explore heartwarming stories of the late Rabbi Gavriel Toledano, whose courage and immense kindness shone through even in times of struggle.
Rabbi Gavriel Toledano z"lRabbi Gavriel Toledano z"l, esteemed head of Yeshiva Or Baruch and a notable Torah educator of our generation, left this world five years ago on the 16th of Cheshvan, 5777. Discover his unique character as highlighted in Yated Ne’eman:
Rabbi Gavriel Toledano z"l was born in Meknes, Morocco, to Rabbi Shlomo Toledano and Rivka, daughter of Rabbi Raphael Baruch Toledano, the city’s rabbi.
Following his bar mitzvah, his grandfather, Rabbi Raphael Baruch, sent him to study at the Chachmei Tsarfat Yeshiva, led by Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Chaikin in Aix-les-Bains. At the age of 18, he moved to study at the Ponevezh Yeshiva, where he became close with its leaders, Rabbi Dovid Povarsky, Rabbi Shmuel Rozovsky, and Rabbi Shach.
As a young student deeply immersed in Torah study, he longed to own a set of the Mishneh Torah by the Rambam but lacked the funds. He later recalled selling a special coat his mother had sent him for the cold winters in the Holy Land in order to purchase the sacred texts. He found a Rambam set in the same color as his mother’s gift, which served as a reminder of her love and support.
In his final decade, Rabbi Gavriel suffered from Parkinson’s disease. During this time, he once attempted to deliver a class, beginning, “The Mishnah says, the partners who wished to share…,” when his voice suddenly failed, his body trembled, and he struggled to speak. He cried out loudly, “What is a human being, what is a human being…”
He endured this moment with his son by his side as they left the room. No eye remained dry upon witnessing the painful struggle of a man who had devoted 75 years to the study and teaching of Torah.
Noticing his son’s distressed expression, Rabbi Gavriel smiled warmly and said, “Do you think Hashem has abandoned me? Until now, He allowed me to serve as a yeshiva head for devoted students. Now, He wants me to lead by accepting my suffering with love—and I accept it gladly, thankful for every breath.”
He continued, “If Hashem had given such trials to a young man, perhaps he would not accept them with love. But I have lived many years and seen that everything is from Heaven and for the good. I can truly thank Hashem for everything, including these challenges.”
The original wedding date of Rabbi Gavriel and his wife was set for Lag B’Omer. Rabbi Gavriel expressed concern about missing the beginning of the zman at the yeshiva and requested an earlier date. Indeed, their wedding was moved to Rosh Chodesh Nissan, reflecting his unwavering dedication to Torah.
Rabbanit Toledano was known for her unwavering support during her husband’s illness. Their son, Rabbi Yisrael Meir, once asked how she managed such extraordinary devotion. She simply replied, “I know that if the situation were reversed, he would do even more for me. That knowledge strengthens me to support him without limits.”
A student from Yeshiva Or Baruch shared his story of moving to Bnei Brak. Concerned about his future learning environment, Rabbi Toledano advised him and ensured his financial needs were met when transferring to a different kollel.
The rabbi promised, “Come to me at the end of the month, and I will make up the difference,” demonstrating his care for his students’ well-being.
Another story highlights Rabbi Toledano’s sensitivity when a student preparing for Sukkot could not afford a gift for his wife, and the rabbi offered immediate assistance.
When a student was unable to attend the yeshiva’s summer camp, Rabbi Toledano personally covered the cost the following year, ensuring the student could participate.
Rabbi Toledano once gifted $500 to a student for his wedding. When he later learned that an additional 20,000 shekels were needed, he provided the full amount without hesitation.
He often assisted students facing difficult shidduch situations, committing significant financial support to help ensure success.
Great rabbis, including Rabbi Elazar Menachem Shach z"l, praised Rabbi Gavriel Toledano as a faithful and devoted student, distinguished by greatness in Torah, humility, and righteousness.
