Community Magazine November 2008

32 Community magazine streets in tattered shoes, many without socks, and they often suffered from frostbite. Postponing the original purpose of his visit, HachamRephael chose instead to make every effort to alleviate the suffering endured by these destitute Jews. He hurried back to his hometown and embarked on an intensive campaign to collect and deliver material so that the town’s residents could be appropriately clothed during the winter months. Though his fund-raising efforts were indeed successful, he found himself unable to obtain the required materials. This was during the tumultuous period of World War II, when many commodities were rationed. Material for winter clothing was in high demand for army uniforms, and Hacham Rephael could not acquire the materials he needed, for any price. But as faithful Jews always do when confronted with “impossible” challenges, Hacham Rephael turned to Hashem for help, pouring out his heart in prayer over his sacred Sefer Tehillim . But in spite of his heartfelt prayers, the situation only became more difficult for Hacham Rephael. A messenger soon arrived at the Rabbi’s house with an order to come immediately to the governor’s mansion. An informant had reported to the governing body that the Rabbi was violating the law with his fundraising activities, which, due to wartime conditions, were strictly banned. The public nature of the Rabbi’s infraction rendered it an act of civil defiance, punishable with an extended prison term. An Arresting Kiddush Hashem The governor questioned the Rabbi, asking him why he had committed such a grievous civil offense. Hacham Rephael vividly described to the governor the situation of the residents of the remote Atlas Mountains, depicting the pain and suffering of innocent chil- dren during the harsh winter months. He then rose from his chair and placed a sack full of money on the table and, addressing the governor with a firm and confident voice, said, “Your Honor, please note that the entire fundraising campaign was actually done on your behalf. I have no ties whatsoever to the Atlas Mountains. The only common bond between those people and me is your reputation, as you are the one who administers both districts. I, as a dedicated citizen, have done my civic duty in putting together the funds; I respectfully request that you do your part and make available the cloth that is necessary for immediate shipment to those unfortunate citizens.” The governor was touched and impressed by the Rabbi’s courage, brilliance and sensitivity. As a politician, the governor knew that he could bolster his standing among the citizenry by performing this simple act of kindness. He immediately authorized the release of large quantities of the finest winter clothing and their immediate shipment to the affected towns. The clothing was obtained at a small percent- age of the actual price, and all shipment costs were covered by the governor’s office. The incident was widely reported in the newspapers and resulted in a remarkable Kiddush Hashem , as it publicized the dedication and sensitivity of the Jewish community and its beloved Hacham . The Golden Years In 5723/1963, Hacham Rephael immigrated to Eretz Yisrael and settled in Bnei Brak. Despite his advanced age, he traveled throughout Israel, visiting remote villages to bring their Jewish citizens closer to Hashem. He was also very active on behalf of Yeshivat Ohel Moshe, a yeshivah for students of Moroccan descent. Hacham Rephael also authored the Sephardic Kitzur Shulhan Aruch, a practical synopsis of the authoritative work by Hacham Yosef Karo. Hacham Raphael Baruch returned his neshamah to his Creator on the 18 th of Heshvan , 5731/1971, leaving behind a large family of great talmidei hachamim . His legacy continues today in Yeshivat Ohr Baruch in Bayit Vegan, a Torah institution led by his grandson, Rabbi Gavriel Toledano. Excerpted from the book ‘A Legacy of Leaders’ by Yehuda Azoulay