Leading Sefardi Chief Rabbi David Tzadka dies at 88

Rabbi David Shalom Tzadka, the longtime Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Pardes Hana-Karkur and son of the renowned Porat Yosef Yeshiva head Rabbi Yehuda Tzadka, died this morning (Wednesday) after a lengthy illness. He was 88.

Rabbi Tzadka served as the city's rabbi for over 50 years, becoming sole Chief Rabbi after the passing of his Ashkenazi counterpart Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Levin in 1992.

Born in Jerusalem's Beit Yisrael neighborhood, Rabbi Tzadka followed in his father's footsteps, studying at the prestigious Porat Yosef Yeshiva under Rabbi Ezra Attia before receiving his rabbinic ordination from the Harry Fischel Institute. Before assuming his position in Pardes Hana, he briefly served as a rabbi in Argentina.

Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel Yitzchak Yosef, who maintained a close friendship with Rabbi Tzadka, eulogized him as "the last remnant of a generation of wisdom" who "dedicated his life to Torah study and bringing people closer to their heritage." He noted Rabbi Tzadka's particular success in saving "thousands of Jewish children from inadequate education" through his gentle approach and pleasant demeanor.

Religious Affairs Minister Michael Malchieli praised Rabbi Tzadka's leadership, saying he "transformed Pardes Hana-Karkur into a flourishing Torah center" while making Jewish tradition accessible to all segments of society.

Beyond his rabbinic duties, Rabbi Tzadka was a prolific lecturer, delivering regular classes throughout Israel. He authored "B'Ohalei Torah," a collection of his sermons, and established the Kol Yehuda synagogue in memory of his father, where he maintained a strict practice of dawn prayers.

He is survived by his brother Rabbi Moshe Tzadka, current head of Porat Yosef Yeshiva, and his son Yaakov Tzadka, who serves as Shas party chairman in Pardes Hana-Karkur.

The funeral procession is expected to take place later today.

Kikar Shabbat contributed to this article.