The 3rd Chief Rabbi of the Republic of Turkey, Rabbi Isak Haleva, passed away in Istanbul at the age of 85. The Turkish Jewish Community announced Haleva's death on their social media account with the note "Baruch Dayan HaEmet" (blessed is the true judge). THE IMAGE MADE HEADLINESHaleva became a topic of discussion with images showing him placing his hands on President Erdoğan's shoulder during a reception held at the Presidential Complex as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Republic Day on October 29. HE TOLD SOMETHING FOR A WHILEIt was observed that Haleva told Erdoğan something for a while during the congratulations and placed his hands on Erdoğan's shoulder at that moment. WHO IS ISAK HALEVA?Isak Haleva was born in Istanbul in 1940. He completed his primary education at the Beyoğlu Jewish High School. In 1961, he received the title of Rabbi in religious law and education at the Porat Yosef Theological Academy in Jerusalem. Haleva served as a Reserve Officer Teacher in Manisa and Kayseri between 1961-1963 and was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant. TERM AS CHIEF RABBIHaleva served as the Deputy Chief Rabbi for many years. He was elected Chief Rabbi in the elections held after the death of Rabbi David Asseo, who led the Turkish Jewish Community for 41 years, on July 14, 2002. He began his duties with the Is'ad Ceremony held at the Neve Shalom Synagogue. He became Turkey's 3rd Chief Rabbi after Rafael Saban and David Asseo. ACADEMIC WORKSHaleva taught Religion and Ethics and Hebrew language courses in Jewish schools for 27 years. He taught Hebrew to graduate students at Marmara and Sakarya Universities. He published numerous research and articles on the Torah, Talmud, and Jewish theology. He served as a permanent member of the European Rabbis Conference. Haleva spoke six languages: Hebrew, French, English, Spanish, Ladino, and Aramaic, in addition to Turkish. He was slightly injured in the Istanbul attacks in 2003. Haleva, who was the Chief Rabbi of Turkey, was married and had four children. WHAT IS THE CHIEF RABBI?The position of Chief Rabbi became an official institution during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II in 1835 in the Ottoman Empire. Before this date, each Jewish community elected its own Chief Rabbi and reported it to the Palace. In Judaism, there is no religious governance hierarchy that encompasses all Jews worldwide. Chief Rabbis only lead the religious affairs of the Jewish community in their own regions.
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