Chief Rabbi of Turkey Rav Ishak Haleva has passed away

Chief Rabbi of Turkey Rav Ishak Haleva has passed away in Istanbul. The Chief Rabbinate Foundation of Turkey announced the news of Haleva's death with the statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed elder, our Chief Rabbi Mr. Rav Ishak Haleva, who always believed in the unifying power of peace and love and who led our community for years in accordance with this belief.”

HOW OLD WAS CHIEF RABBI OF TURKEY RAV ISHAK HALEVA?

Haleva, who had held this position since 2002, was 84 years old.

WHO WAS CHIEF RABBI OF TURKEY RAV ISHAK HALEVA?

Born in Istanbul in 1940, Ishak Haleva completed his high school education at the Beyoğlu Jewish High School, and in 1961, he graduated from the Porat Yosef Theological Academy in Jerusalem with a degree as a Rabbi in the fields of religious law and education.

Haleva performed his national service as a Reserve Officer Teacher in Manisa and Kayseri between 1961 and 1963, and was discharged with the rank of lieutenant.

In addition to holding various positions within the religious staff of the Chief Rabbinate of Turkey, he had served as Deputy Chief Rabbi for many years.

Following the death of Rabbi David Asseo, who served as the religious leader of Jews living in Turkey for 41 years, on July 14, 2002, he was elected as the new Chief Rabbi in the subsequent elections.

Thus, he became the third Chief Rabbi of the Republic of Turkey, following Chief Rabbi Rafael Saban and Chief Rabbi David Asseo.

He was slightly injured during the 2003 Istanbul attacks.

A permanent member of the Conference of European Rabbis, Haleva taught Religion and Ethics as well as Hebrew language courses in Jewish schools for 27 years.