With deep sorrow we share with you the news of the passing of Rabbi Yosef Azran, Chief Rabbi of Rishon Leziyon.
Rabbi Azran was a member of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel's permanent dialogue committee with the Vatican. Rabbi Azran passed away from liver complications on Wednesday, February 10, at the age of 69. Rabbi Azran represented the breed of open minded and sharing spirit that was born of the "convivenzia" particular to Morocco, where he was born. His ability to get onstage with Muslim singers and to sing the Jewish counterpart to their makams, in the meetings with Imams points to this spirit of sharing and openness that was fundamental to his being. He was a man of heart and humanity, a humanity that often extended far beyond the confines of some of the official attitudes that he had to represent. His testimony is one of love and those who carry his memory will remain inspired by his example. |
