Feeling the Presence: An Interview with Rebbetzin Tzivia Eliyahu

It's late at night. At the home of Rebbetzin Tzivia Eliyahu, there's a lively atmosphere as if everyone's day has just begun. People come and go, seeking blessings and advice. All wish to sense the grand presence of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu through his wife, the distinguished Rebbetzin. The saying goes, "A wife of a scholar is as the scholar himself."

The Rebbetzin brings out a small piece of the famous etrog jam the Rabbi used to distribute after Sukkot, to many barren women who, with God's help, had children. Anyone who hasn't seen the Rabbi during the high holidays hasn't witnessed true joy of mitzvah. On Rosh Hashanah, he was completely dressed in white, including his kippah and hat, and on Simchat Torah, he danced with vitality, his face glowing with a radiant light. Every mitzvah was as precious to him as a diamond.

Rabbi Eliyahu left a legacy of numerous followers, and many books have been written about him since his passing. His wife eagerly awaits his return, not just through stories. Four years have passed since he left. For many years, they worked together, and now she and her sons continue the major projects he established: a vibrant synagogue open all year round, educational directions for rabbis, charity initiatives, and book publishing. When I ask the Rebbetzin questions, she answers without hesitation. Everything in her is well-organized, thanks to living for decades beside a giant in Torah.

How does the Rebbetzin cope with life after the Rabbi's passing?

"Honestly, it's really not easy," the Rebbetzin responds in a soft voice. "He was unique in his generation. I feel the Rabbi's absence every day, every hour, every moment. I miss him very much, and what keeps me going is knowing that he certainly is doing important things up there for the Jewish people. Besides, I feel that the Rabbi is spiritually with me and knows everything that goes on in our home."

"The Rabbi came in a dream and said 'thank you'"

When I ask for a story to illustrate her words, a light sparks in the Rebbetzin's eyes. "Of course, there are many stories. One day, I wasn't feeling well, and Esther, may she live well, the woman working in my home, came and cooked the food I love after several days when I barely touched food. That night, she dreamed of the Rabbi, and in her dream, he thanked her. That's how I felt he knows what happens with me every moment—as if he's walking around the house. Another instance was with a young woman working here who decided to commit to guarding her speech. That night she dreamed of the Rabbi as well. She recounts that in her dream there was a big gathering of rabbis about redemption, the Rabbi spoke at the gathering, and she was in the audience. After the gathering, the Rabbi invited her to ride back with them in the car. On the way, she was excited at the thought of how I would react when I'd suddenly see the Rabbi. The Rabbi then stopped, to prevent me from being startled, and sent her to tell me 'he is coming.' And there's not a day I do not wait."

What made him so special to become Wther Israel's Rabbi?

"He loved every Jew with all his soul. They were all his children. Once, when he was Chief Rabbi and went to vote as required by law, I asked him who he voted for, and he replied: 'I cast a blank ballot. How could I choose between them? They are all my brothers, like my children. Can I prefer one over the other?' Regarding our distant brothers still far from Torah and mitzvot, he would always say, if they are still that way, then we are to blame for not lighting their way."

How would Rabbi Eliyahu have responded to drafting the ultra-orthodox into the army and taking them out of the yeshiva world?

"Without Torah among the Jewish people, the world cannot exist, and neither can the Jewish people. Hashem looked into the Torah and created the world. The Rabbi greatly valued the stature and importance of Torah learners and Torah scholars. It's known that he wrote a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers who risk their lives against our harshest enemies—to protect every Jew living here in the land, regardless of who they are. We should recognize the Creator's love for us; thousands of missiles have been fired at us, yet casualties are relatively few. Because when our soldiers fight for the Jewish people, Hashem leaves everything and goes to assist them, as it's written: 'For Hashem your God walks in your camp, to deliver your enemies into your hands.' Therefore, whomever truly studies—should continue learning and deserve to be a great light for the Jewish people."

Where is most of the Rebbetzin's time invested today?

"Today, I see a spiritual need to continue the Rabbi's public activities, and with God’s help, there is much work done for the community. I mainly go out for classes and receive groups and people at home."

A special memory of the Rabbi that accompanies you

"His authenticity, his love for Israel, and his great desire to fulfill the Creator's will with love."

What was the Rabbi's secret? How did he grow to such heights?

"The Rabbi was connected to the Creator of the World 24 hours a day, connected to Torah and kindness with everyone. He never allowed us to disconnect the phone in our house, even at night, and would answer people who needed his advice and blessings. Once, one of the synagogue attendees asked him: 'Rabbi, how do you manage everything?' The Rabbi answered, 'I don't eat much, don't sleep much, but I learn a lot.'"

I bid farewell to the Rebbetzin, and she blesses me just as the Rabbi would have: 'May you merit many pleasant and good years,' and adds with emotion, that we all should soon merit the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead when the Rabbi will return to be with us physically. In conclusion, she wishes the magazine readers and all of Israel—a good and happy year, a year of redemption."