Captivating Tales of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu

Rabbi Chaim Ben Shushan shared words in memory of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, marking six years since his passing. Among his reminiscences, he recounted five remarkable stories reflecting the distinguished first spiritual leader of Israel.

1. "During one of his visits to Russia, the Rabbi noticed a Jewish man wearing green tefillin. Curious about their origin, Rabbi Eliyahu discovered that the man, upon learning of his Jewish heritage, decided to make his own tefillin using green asbestos. He inscribed the letters himself," Rabbi Ben Shushan narrated.

"When asked if they contained the appropriate passages, the man replied that he had copied them from a friend's mezuzah. Rabbi Eliyahu then expressed his desire to give him kosher tefillin in exchange for the ones the man had made.

"The man questioned if his tefillin were not kosher. Rabbi Eliyahu responded, 'Nothing brought Hashem as much joy as your tefillin. Therefore, I would gladly receive them and provide you with others in return.'"

Rabbi Ben Shushan concluded: "This is how Rabbi Eliyahu ensured the man would wear kosher tefillin without being hurt, leaving him with great joy."

2. Another story Rabbi Ben Shushan shared: "During the War of Independence, Rabbi Eliyahu studied with the venerable sage Chacham Tzadok. A man came to the synagogue requesting Chacham Tzadok to slaughter some pigeons. During the process in the courtyard, the sound of a whistling shell explosion disrupted the scene. Chacham Tzadok feared the interruption invalidated the slaughter and expressed concern. Rabbi Eliyahu assured him, 'I anticipated your worry and watched to ensure there was no interruption.'"

Rabbi Ben Shushan remarked: "We must ask ourselves, what would each of us think upon hearing a shell explode? Rabbi Eliyahu focused on the halachic implications and took steps to prevent any issues."

Despite Rabbi Tzadok's continued concern, he requested another pigeon. Rabbi Eliyahu asked, "Where can I find one now?" Just then, a familiar Jewish pigeon seller approached, saying, "Pay whatever it takes to bring one."

Rabbi Ben Shushan concluded: "This amazing story illustrates devotion to Torah and halacha and the assistance from above."

3. In another story: "Before his wedding, a man sought Rabbi Eliyahu's counsel about a kashrut issue with the food, although his father insisted it was kosher. The Rabbi reassured him, 'Don't worry, it will be fine.' The next morning, the groom learned that someone had forgotten to refrigerate the problematic food, which spoiled and became inedible, guaranteeing that everyone ate kosher and the celebration continued in love and happiness."

4. Rabbi Ben Shushan shared that Rabbi Eliyahu was very fond of the song 'Tania, Rabbi Yishmael said…' He often requested it, even during his illness.

The song is a moving rendition of a Beraita in which Rabbi Yishmael, the High Priest, recounts Hashem asking for his blessing: "Tania, Rabbi Yishmael ben Elisha said, Once I entered the Holy of Holies and saw Hashem sitting on a throne of mercy, who said: 'Yishmael, my son, bless me.' I replied: 'May it be Your will, that Your mercy overcome Your anger, and Your mercy prevail over Your attributes, and You conduct Yourself with Your children mercifully, and go beyond the letter of the law.'"

Rabbi Ben Shushan explained: "This was also Rabbi Eliyahu's life goal—to act 'beyond the letter of the law' with kindness and compassion. Although we cannot fully understand these matters, we know Rabbi Eliyahu took upon himself to atone for the generation, as King David said, 'What have the sheep done? Let Your hand be against me and my father's house.' The Rabbi carried the community upon his heart, shared in their turmoil and joy, and dedicated his time to teaching them wisdom and fear of Hashem."

5. Rabbi Ben Shushan continued to describe Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu's uniqueness and the loss we have suffered. "Rabbi Eliyahu belonged to no single sector, but instead embraced all of Israel with love. In his first broadcasted lesson via satellite, he cited the verse, 'The watchmen lift up their voices, together they sing for joy.' He explained it according to various Torah scholars' interpretations, including the Talmud, Tosafot, the holy Zohar, Ben Ish Chai, Baal Shem Tov, and the Vilna Gaon. During the lesson, Rabbi Eliyahu stated, 'This is us, we belong to everyone, yet no one group exclusively.'"

Rabbi Ben Shushan noted: "In the line to Rabbi Eliyahu's room, one could see Jews of every variety, from the most modest to the most respected, haredim (ultra-Orthodox), hasidim, those with knitted kippahs, young and old; the Rabbi touched everyone’s hearts."

May his memory be a blessing and his merit protect us.