Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano: The Scholar and Leader of Moroccan Jewry

A Life of Leadership and Honor

Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano was the chief rabbi of Morocco and a towering spiritual figure of the 20th century. Appointed as a dayan (rabbinic judge) in Meknes at just 18, he succeeded his father as the head of the Beit Din (rabbinical court) and chief rabbi of the city. In recognition of his leadership, King Hassan II of Morocco awarded him the royal Wissam Alouite medal, and the French government honored him with the Légion d'honneur.

Building Torah and Acts of Kindness

Rabbi Toledano founded numerous charitable and religious institutions in Meknes. These included:

• Bikur Cholim, offering free medical care to the poor

• Dovev Siftei Yeshenim, a printing press that published works of Moroccan Torah scholars

• Shuvu Banim, a movement for spiritual renewal

• Malbish Arumim, providing clothing to the needy

• Mohar HaBetulot, helping young couples with wedding and marriage expenses

He also established a yeshivah for boys from nearby villages and personally ensured they had clothing, food, and medical care. Rabbi Toledano taught daily Torah classes to some 150 attendees in his beit midrash (study hall), and every Friday, he distributed charity funds he had collected throughout the week.

Halachic (Jewish Legal) Legacy and Personal Teachings

Rabbi Toledano authored Kitzur Shulchan Aruch HaShalem, a halachic guide aligned with Moroccan customs. The work also includes several of his own piyutim (liturgical poems), the most well-known being “Ashorer Shira Lichvod HaTorah.”

Among his teachings:

• On communal prayer: “A person should always strive to pray in the synagogue with the community, for communal prayer is always heard. Even if sinners are present, God does not reject the prayer of the many.”

• On charity and travel: “Before setting out on a journey, designate a coin for charity and say: ‘When I arrive at such-and-such place, I will give this in the merit of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes, of blessed memory.’”

• On fast days: “Through the fasts established by our Sages, we recall what has befallen us and recognize that our sins caused this exile. Without them, we might forget the past and not repent. But through annual fasting, we remember that repentance is our remedy and our hope for redemption.”

• On hafrashat challah (separating dough): “Since we often buy pre-baked bread, every woman should try at least once a year to purchase enough flour to perform hafrashat challah herself, with a blessing.”

Tears, Prayer, and a Lasting Legacy

Rabbi Shmuel Wosner eulogized Rabbi Toledano, recalling how the rabbi’s home was next door to his. Every night, during Tikkun Chatzot (midnight prayer), Rabbi Toledano would weep bitterly as he prayed for each and every one of his descendants to walk in the ways of God and mentioned each one by name. His prayers were fulfilled, as many of his descendants became great Torah leaders.

Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano passed away on the 18th day of the Jewish month of Cheshvan, 1971, and was buried in Bnei Brak. His descendants established Torah institutions in his memory, including Yeshivat Chazon Baruch in France, Yeshivat Or Baruch in Jerusalem, and the Ataret Baruch community in Bnei Brak.

Among his distinguished descendants are his sons, Rabbi Yosef Toledano and Rabbi Yaakov Toledano; his sons-in-law, Rabbis Shlomo and Yosef Toledano and Rabbi David Tzvi Martzbach; and his grandchildren, including Rabbi Nissim Toledano of the Council of Torah Sages and the late Rabbi Gavriel Toledano, Rosh Yeshiva of Or Baruch.

Rabbi Toledano’s memory continues to inspire generations with a blend of deep Torah, heartfelt kindness, and unwavering commitment to Jewish life.