​The 10th of Sivan marked the first yahrzeit of our founding rabbi,

Rabbi David Rebibo, הרב דוד יעיש בן יוסף זצ”ל.

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Rabbi David Rebibo zt”l founded the Phoenix Hebrew Academy, Beth Joseph Congregation, and the Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth after arriving in Phoenix in 1965. For over fifty years, he served as the congregation’s spiritual leader and played a central role in shaping every aspect of Jewish life in the city.

Born in Morocco, Rabbi Rebibo pursued his Torah studies in Europe before becoming a close talmid of HaRav Avraham Kalmanovitch zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of the Mirrer Yeshiva in New York.

Rabbi Rebibo exuded much love – a love of family, a love of Yiddishkeit, a love of Torah, a love of people, and a love of life. With his great drive, political savvy, and charisma, he built the Phoenix Jewish community and left his mark on the world. Together with his beloved wife Odette, he raised a beautiful family, uplifted others, and profoundly impacted countless individuals with his charm, wit, wisdom, and care.

In March 2020, Rabbi and Mrs. Rebibo fulfilled their lifelong dream of making aliyah, settling in Yerushalayim. Rabbi Rebibo passed away in June, 2024.

 

His legacy continues to inspire, and he is sorely missed.