A Beacon of Peace and Wisdom: Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul

Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul was born in Jerusalem on the 29th of Tammuz, 1924. He was the eldest of fifteen children in the family of Rabbanit Benia and Rabbi Eliyahu Abba Shaul, who had immigrated from Persia. As a child, he was educated at Talmud Torah Bnei Tzion in the city. Even as a young boy, he was deeply devoted to Torah study, often learning with intensity without his mother's knowledge of his struggles. At age 11, he joined the renowned Porat Yosef Yeshiva, where he was taught by prominent rabbis such as Rabbi Yaakov Ades zt"l, Rabbi Tzadka Chutzin zt"l, and Rabbi Ezra Attiya zt"l, the head of the yeshiva at the time. Among his peers were Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, shlit"a, Rabbi David Shlush, shlit"a, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt"l, and Rabbi Chaim David Halevy zt"l.

In due course, Rabbi Abba Shaul married Hadassah Masauda Shaharbani, daughter of Rabbi Yosef Shaharbani, head of the kabbalist Yeshiva Emes Ve'Shalom, living in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood of Jerusalem. The couple lived in very modest conditions, content with their single-room apartment and kitchenette, and never felt deprived. They had one son, Eliyahu Abba Shaul, who today serves as the head of the Or LeZion Yeshiva.

Among his many roles, Rabbi Abba Shaul zt"l served as a mohel, entering thousands of children into the covenant of Avraham Avinu until he was paralyzed in his right hand for the last fifteen years of his life. Additionally, he was a trained shochet and examiner, though he did not practice professionally, and served as the head of a rabbinical court for monetary matters.

Following the passing of Rabbi Ezra Attiya zt"l, Rabbi Abba Shaul was appointed, alongside Rabbi Yehuda Tzadkah zt"l, as head of the yeshiva. He published the series of responsa books "Or LeZion," some of which were compiled by his students according to his instructions.

Anyone who knew Rabbi Abba Shaul or met him even briefly described him with awe due to his unique sensitivity and strong interpersonal relations. He was consistently open to helping others, often moved to tears by their troubles, and diligently tried to assist. He greeted everyone warmly, spreading his love for Israel wherever he went.

Rabbi Abba Shaul dedicated his life to avoiding disputes. This was attested by his close student, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Chai zt"l, who eulogized him: "He always avoided controversy... Once there was a commemoration for someone who often opposed him... but the rabbi showed up. Why? To demonstrate there was no quarrel, just friends, despite the past. Watching him taught us ethics without a word spoken."

The rabbi was also known for honoring his parents with utmost dedication, even during dangerous times. Even during the War of Independence, he walked from Katamon to the Shmuel HaNavi neighborhood to visit his parents, maintaining his values despite the distance.

Renowned for his humility, he also displayed it within his family and with his students. Once, when the yeshiva's dining room was locked around dinnertime, he used his own resources to ensure the students were fed, preparing falafel sandwiches himself.

Rabbi Mordechai Hasidim, his close assistant in his last decade, reflected on Rabbi Abba Shaul's greatness: "Even if all the days were ink and all trees were quills, it wouldn't suffice to write his praises... for me, he was a model of humility."

Rabbi Abba Shaul's love for Torah and dedication to Jewish education were legendary. He once mediated a dispute between a school's director and a driver over transport costs, explaining that driving children to learn Torah was akin to a sacred temple duty.

Admired for his clear thinking and profound wisdom, many sought his guidance. Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's son, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef zt"l, admired his vast intellect and purity of thought. Many students continued his legacy and excelled in Torah, including Rabbi Ben Zion Mutzafi, shlit"a, Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, shlit"a, and Rabbi Benjamin Basri, shlit"a.

In 1983, Rabbi Abba Shaul fell ill and experienced intense suffering. During such times, he asked his son to read Mishnayot to him. Towards the end of his life, almost blind, he continued to study Torah, relying on his assistant to read aloud. Rabbi Abba Shaul passed away early Monday morning of the Hebrew year 5758, and thousands attended his funeral, starting from Yeshivat Porat Yosef. A synagogue "Abba Shaul" was later established in his memory. Blessed be the memory of the righteous.