Remembering a Wrestling Rabbi: The Inspiring Legacy of Rabbi Rafael Halperin

Last month marked six years since the passing of Rabbi Rafael Halperin, whose 87-year life could fill an entire library with his extraordinary achievements, not least because he published over 50 books in his last years.

Three years before his passing, he called his seven children to his home and gave each of them an A4 paper containing these lines:

Follow these guidelines to be happy:

1. I place Hashem before me always – Imagine that Hashem is standing before you, and you speak and pray directly even without intermediaries.

2. Reflect on your purpose on earth – Contemplate why you wake up each morning and your life goals.

3. Perform a self-assessment each night – Review your day briefly and correct any mistakes.

4. Resolve nightly to avoid speaking or hearing gossip, both at home and at work.

5. Stay united with your siblings, participating in each other's joys and events.

6. Donate 10% of all profits as stated: "Tithe and you shall receive riches," and keep accurate records of income and charity donations.

7. Listen before responding. And when responding, speak calmly, without anger or vengeance.

8. Remember that our days flow by like sands through the hourglass. Life is fleeting. Use every minute wisely.

9. Do not be a slave to money; let money serve you. Be free from the shackles of work and life burdens.

10. Trust and believe that everything is under divine supervision. "An eye sees and an ear hears, and your deeds are recorded."

This profound document is shared with us by Berti Halperin, Rabbi Halperin's widow, to whom he was married for nearly fifty years.

In an emotional conversation, she recalls unforgettable memories from her life with him. "I want to pass on his legacy so people can learn and act upon it," she explains. "I would like to tell people—learn from his life to find more happiness and joy, feeling secure and hopeful."

Every Day is Yom Kippur

"My husband had a unique ritual," Berti recalls, "Every night before bed, he would say, 'For me, today is Yom Kippur,' performing a self-assessment – did I fill my day with meaningful actions? For him, every day was a day of repentance."

His daily schedule, as his wife notes, was always filled with meaningful tasks and acts of kindness to others. "He was never one for public recognition; he wanted to perform genuine acts of kindness." For example, he had a "hobby" of donating money to people whose homes had burned down.

"One particular incident stays with me – he returned home one evening when someone approached him, saying they lived in Netivot and their house was burned down. Without hesitation, he contacted his driver, arranged a visit that night, and secured the repairs needed before dawn, paying the full cost upfront. Sadly, these incidents occurred repeatedly."

Berti describes how closely her late husband connected with their children and grandchildren, although he didn't waste time on idle chatter. "He always said that time is the most valuable asset and refused to waste it on frivolity," she mentions.

The Wrestling Rabbi

Older readers might remember Rabbi Halperin not just as a scholar and philanthropist but as an accomplished wrestler who brought pride to Israel.

Berti shares how he wrestled post-World War II, dazzling audiences globally while donning a Star of David and kippah, praying Psalms before matches. During those uncertain times, he filled other Jews with strength and pride.

In later years, he moved away from sports, grateful for the discipline and focus it instilled in him.

"His thinking was always original," she explains, sharing how he created a day camp before they were popular, launched a car wash business, and established kosher restaurants and an eyewear revolution in Israel.

Rabbi Halperin also initiated the Shabbat Sirens heard throughout religious and secular cities. "He fought tirelessly for Shabbat sanctity," Berti recounts, "organizing a massive rally at Yad Eliyahu Stadium, encouraging Shabbat observance. He even gifted thousands of Shabbat hot plates to those who committed to observing."

There's No Coincidence

During most of Rabbi Halperin's trips abroad, Berti accompanied him. "Once, as we took off, he said, 'See those people below? In a moment, they'll disappear, just like us. On this earth, we think we’re omnipotent, but ultimately, none of us endure.'

He maintained that nothing happens by chance; there’s a reason for everything, even if it seems random. He would relate this to faith, using the example of crossing the busy roads around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris with calmness and trust in one's parents—the same trust we should place in Hashem.

With their young children born when he was nearly 60, Rabbi Halperin immersed himself in their education, teaching them the value of time.

Berti jokes about his solitary lifestyle: "‘You could live in a cave,’ I’d tease." To which he’d reply: ‘There’s nothing better,’ enjoying solitary scholarly pursuits.

Wasn’t it difficult being his partner all those years?

"Honestly, I’m decades his junior and, like many wives, enjoy going out. He would recognize when I needed a change of pace, closing his books to take me out on a date, regardless of circumstance."

A Legacy for Generations

Even now, six years after his passing, his family continues living by his example. She speaks of her children's commitments, from promoting ethical speech with slogans like 'Lashon Hara doesn’t speak to me' to aiding families who face home devastations and maintaining study structures in his honor.

"Rabbi Halperin's strong advocacy for positive speech and ethical living has left an indelible mark on our family," she says. They hold his principles in high regard, reflecting his teachings in their daily lives, keeping his memory vividly alive.