Eliyahu Bakshi‑Doron (Hebrew: אליהו בקשי דורון, April 5, 1941 – April 12, 2020) was a prominent Israeli rabbi who served as the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel (Rishon LeZion) from 1993 to 2003. Born in Jerusalem, he became a central figure in the religious and civic life of Israel, known for his leadership within the Sephardic community and his role in the national rabbinate.
Positions and responsibilities
Bakshi‑Doron held several senior rabbinic posts over his career. He served as a communal rabbi in municipal positions before becoming Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Haifa and later as Rishon LeZion. His offices involved:
- Overseeing religious courts and the chief rabbinate's administration.
- Issuing halakhic (Jewish legal) guidance for questions of ritual, conversion and personal status.
- Representing the Sephardi rabbinic tradition in intercommunal and state forums.
Career and public life
During his tenure as Rishon LeZion (Chief Rabbi of Israel) he engaged with both religious and secular institutions, addressed matters of Jewish law affecting daily life in the state, and participated in international meetings with Jewish communities. His work required balancing ancient legal traditions with the practical needs of a modern, diverse society.
Legacy and significance
Bakshi‑Doron is remembered for strengthening the visibility of Sephardic halakhic perspectives within Israel's chief rabbinate and for his presence in public debates about religion and state. While he sometimes featured in controversies common to public religious figures, many recall his commitment to communal service and to the institutions of the rabbinate.
Death and final notes
Eliyahu Bakshi‑Doron died on April 12, 2020 of complications related to COVID-19 in Jerusalem. His life and career are discussed in biographies, rabbinic literature and accounts of Israeli religious leadership. For further context see resources on the office of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, the city of Haifa, and additional biographical materials.