The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American Orthodox Rabbis — joins Klal Yisroel in mourning the passing of HaGaon HaRav Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron, ZT’L, a former Rishon LeZion, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel. The close professional relationship and friendship between the Igud HaRabbonim and the Israeli Chief Rabbinate dates back over 78 years to the founding of the Igud HaRabbonim/Rabbinical Alliance of America by the great Gedolei HaDor who served as the Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim in America at that time.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America stated, “Rabbi Bakshi-Doron was known throughout his rabbinic service as a leading Posek and Torah authority as well as a rabbi of the people. Rabbi Bakshi-Doron understood people and always took their needs into consideration when called upon to decide matters pertinent to Jewish law.
“Rabbi Bakshi-Doron will be missed most for his personal touch, his connection with the layperson.As busy as he was, Rabbi Bakshi-Doron was always available to offer counsel and to answer the questions of individuals who sought his sage guidance. It was this personal hands-on approach that made Rabbi Bakshi-Doron unique not only as a Gadol B’Yisrael, in rabbinic circles, but as a Rav B’Yisrael truly for every individual who sought his assistance in spirituality. With the loss of this great figure, the public faces an overwhelming void as we grapple with the Coronavirus/Covid-19 epidemic. May Rabbi Bakshi-Doron’s memory be a blessing for all of Israel, and may Rabbi Bakshi-Doron be a meilitz yosher for his family and the entire House of Israel. His friendship with the Igud HaRabbonim will always be cherished, valued and remembered fondly.”