Who Was Rav Mordechai Eliyahu? Insights and Stories From His Wife, Rabbanit Tzivia Eliyahu

It is late at night, yet in the home of Rabbanit Tzivia Eliyahu, there is a sense of activity — almost as if the day is just beginning. People come and go, seeking blessings, guidance, or simply the feeling of the great presence of Maran HaRav Mordechai Eliyahu through his wife. After all, Chazal teach: “The wife of a scholar shares his status.”

The Rabbanit takes out a small piece of the famous etrog jam that the Rav would distribute after Sukkot to many women who later merited to have children. Whoever saw the Rav during the Tishrei holidays witnessed true joy of mitzvah. On Rosh Hashanah, he dressed entirely in white — including his kippah and hat. On Simchat Torah he danced with boundless vitality, his face glowing with a precious spiritual light. Every mitzvah was as dear to him as a diamond.

Continuing the Rav’s Legacy

The Rav left behind many devoted chassidim, and many books have been written about him since his passing. His wife, the Rabbanit, still waits for him to truly return — not only through the stories. For many years they worked side by side, and today she and their children continue the great institutions he established: a vibrant and active synagogue, a center for training rabbis, charitable organizations, and Torah publications.

When I ask the Rabbanit questions, she answers confidently and without hesitation. Everything is organized and clear — befitting someone who spent decades at the side of a giant in Torah.

Life After Loss

How does the Rabbanit cope with life after the Rav’s passing?

“With honesty — it really is not easy,” the Rabbanit answers softly. “He was one of a kind. I feel his absence every day, every hour, every moment. I miss him greatly. What strengthens me is knowing that he is surely doing important things up Above — for the sake of the Jewish people. And beyond that, I feel that he is with me spiritually, aware of everything happening in the home.”

Signs From Above

When I ask for an example of what she means, her eyes suddenly brighten.

“Of course there are many stories,” she says. “One day I wasn’t feeling well. Esther, who works in my home, came and cooked me the foods I love after several days in which I had barely eaten. That night she dreamed of the Rav, and in the dream he said to her, ‘Thank you very much.’ I felt then that he knows exactly what is happening with me — almost as if he is walking through the house.

“Another time, a young woman working here decided to take on the mitzvah of guarding her speech. That night she, too, merited to dream of the Rav. She described a great gathering of rabbis about the topic of redemption. The Rav was speaking, and she was in the audience. Afterward, the Rav invited her to ride with them. On the way she became emotional thinking how I would react when I suddenly saw the Rav walk in. The Rav paused and, so that I would not be frightened, sent her to tell me that ‘he is already on his way.’ And truly — not a day passes that I do not wait.”

The Rav’s Love for Every Jew

What made the Rav so special — so beloved as “the Rav of all Israel”?

“He loved every Jew with all his heart and soul. Everyone was like his child. Once, when he was Chief Rabbi and legally required to vote in the elections, I asked him whom he voted for. He answered, ‘I put in a blank paper. Whom should I choose? They are all my brothers — like my own sons. How can I prefer one over another?’
Even regarding Jews distant from Torah and mitzvot, he would say: ‘If they are still far, it is our fault — we didn’t turn on the light for them.’”

What Would the Rav Say About Drafting Yeshiva Students?

“He believed with complete clarity: without Torah, the world cannot exist, and the Jewish people cannot exist. Hashem looked into the Torah and created the world. The Rav deeply valued Torah learners and Torah scholars.

“At the same time, he authored a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers — those who risk their lives to protect every Jew in this land, no matter who they are. When our soldiers fight for Am Yisrael, Hashem leaves everything and comes to help them, as it says: ‘For Hashem your God walks in the midst of your camp to save you.’

“So: those who truly learn Torah — should continue to learn, and may they be a great light for all Israel.”

The Rabbanit’s Mission Today

“I feel a spiritual responsibility to continue the Rav’s public work. Baruch Hashem, there is much communal activity. I mostly give classes and welcome groups and individuals into my home.”

His Truth, His Love, His Devotion to Hashem

A special memory that stays with her: “His honesty. His love for every Jew. And his immense desire to fulfill Hashem’s will with love.”

The Secret of His Greatness

“The Rav was connected to Hashem twenty-four hours a day. Connected to Torah and to kindness with every person. He never agreed to disconnect the home phone — not even at night. He would always answer people who needed guidance or blessings.

“Once a member of the synagogue asked him, ‘Rav, how do you manage everything?’ He replied: ‘I do not eat much, I do not sleep much — but I learn a lot.’”

A Blessing in the Rav’s Voice

As I take my leave, the Rabbanit blesses me exactly as the Rav would: “May you merit many long, pleasant, and good years.”

And then she adds with feeling: “May we all merit the coming of Mashiach and the resurrection of the dead very soon, and may the Rav return to us once again, physically.”

Finally, she sends a blessing to all the readers and to all of Israel: “A good and blessed year — a year of redemption.”