On the occasion of the Hiloula (anniversary of the passing) of our revered master, Rav Nissim REBIBO, the Torah-Box team is honored to share a brief glimpse into his life story. Speaking of a Tzaddik on his Hiloula is believed to invoke his special prayers for us. Light a candle and recite, “Likhvod haRav Rebibo, zekhuto taguèn ‘alenu,” then offer your prayers. May his merit safeguard all of Klal Yisrael. Amen!
Rabbi Nissim Rebibo served as a Dayan (rabbinical judge) and was the Rosh Avot Beth Din (President of the Rabbinical Court Presidents) of France.
Born in Morocco in September 1946, he left his homeland at a young age to settle in Sunderland, England. There, he studied at the yeshiva of Rabbi Shamai Zahn and Rabbi Chanoch Ehrentreu. He rapidly gained recognition for his exceptional Torah scholarship and his exemplary Middot (character traits).
Rabbi Nissim Rebibo then continued his studies at the prestigious Lakewood Yeshiva in the United States, where he learned under Rabbi Aharon Kotler. Over time, he developed a close relationship with his son, Rabbi Shneor Kotler, the Rosh Yeshiva. During this period, he earned widespread acclaim for his profound Torah knowledge. He was appointed Rosh Kollel at Lakewood, delivering daily classes to hundreds of Avrechim (full-time Torah students). Many years later, by then serving as a Dayan in Paris, he was honored as the guest of honor at Lakewood’s fiftieth-anniversary celebration, chosen from among the thousands of its graduates.
When Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sitruk was appointed Chief Rabbi of France, Rabbi Rebibo was promoted to Av Beth Din (President of the Rabbinical Court). He swiftly established himself as a leading rabbinic figure throughout France, earning recognition from all Jewish communities nationwide. Initially, he served as the president of the Beth Din of Marseille, and in April 1994, he assumed the position of head of the Beth Din of Paris.
Throughout his life, Rabbi Rebibo intentionally distanced himself from material pursuits to dedicate himself entirely to Torah study. The majority of his day was focused on learning, and he seized every available moment to deepen his Torah knowledge. A year prior to his passing, he was offered the position of Dayan in London, but he chose to remain in his role in France.
Rabbi Rebibo was a man of profound humility, consistently shying away from the limelight, which only increased the admiration he received. He greeted everyone warmly with a smile and was notably energetic and resolute when it came to matters of Halakhah (Jewish law). Even in the most complex cases brought before him, all parties involved left the Beth Din with good feelings, even if they did not emerge victorious. Additionally, Rabbi Nissim Rebibo served as the Rabbi of the O’halé Ya’acov Synagogue in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.
Rabbi Rebibo was internationally renowned for his profound knowledge of halakha and for his expertise in the customs unique to each community
He frequently consulted the leading halakhic authorities of his generation, including Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv in Jerusalem, on the most intricate halakhic questions. Rabbi Rebibo was internationally renowned for his profound knowledge of halakha and for his expertise in the customs unique to each community. As a member of the Conference of European Rabbis, his opinions were highly esteemed and often carried significant weight in decision-making.
He passed away suddenly at the age of 57 on Monday, May 31, 2004 (Sivan 11, 5764), following two weeks of hospitalization due to worsening leg pain. His funeral in Jerusalem was attended by rabbis from France and Israel, along with many of his students.
