Rishon Le Tzion

For many years, the custom was to hold the coronation ceremony of the Rishon LeTzion in the yeshiva of “Baaley Batim” — the Yeshiva of the Sephardic Community in Jerusalem. This yeshiva served as the central Torah institution for the Sephardic community, located in the Old City (today near Misgav Ladach Street). 

Later, when Rabbi Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, of blessed memory, was appointed Rishon LeTzion in the year 1882 (תרמ“ב), it was decided to move the ceremony to the great synagogue “Beit HaKnesset of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai.” 

The main reason for this change was the growing importance and centrality of this synagogue, which by then had become the main house of prayer for Sephardic Jewry in Jerusalem. The synagogue was more spacious and grand, and thus it became the natural place for holding the coronation ceremony. 

Since then, the coronation of every Rishon LeTzion has taken place in this synagogue, the Beit Knesset of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. The entire Sephardic community of Jerusalem would gather there for this magnificent ceremony, which was celebrated with great splendor. 

The title “Rishon LeTzion” (First to Zion) is very ancient and deeply rooted in history. Some say its origins already date back to the time of Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid (Rabbi Yehuda of Barcelona), the author of Sefer HaSemag (Book of Commandments), or even earlier. However, the first known use of the title in an official manner, connected with Torah leadership for the entire nation, was with Rabbi Shmuel Salant, of blessed memory, the well-known leader of Jerusalem’s Jewish community. 

Over time, this title gradually shifted to mean the head of the Sephardic community in Jerusalem, and from then on, every leader of the Sephardic community was given this title. Later, this title became associated with the Chief Rabbinate of the Sephardic community, and thus the Rishon LeTzion became the head of Torah and halachic (Jewish law) guidance for all of Israel, especially in Jerusalem, the holy city. 

The Rishon LeTzion has always been a spiritual guide, accepted by all, recognized for his wisdom, piety, and authority. Every Jewish home in Jerusalem, and in the land of Israel as a whole, looked to him as the central spiritual figure. His influence reached not only the Sephardic communities but also Ashkenazi communities, who respected and admired his Torah knowledge and leadership. 

When Rabbi Avraham Gagin, of blessed memory, was appointed to the role of Rishon LeTzion, he was officially recognized by the Ottoman government as the official spiritual leader of all Jews in Jerusalem. This gave him political and legal recognition as well. Later, Rabbi Yaakov Shaul Elyashar also served as Rishon LeTzion and was recognized by the Ottoman authorities as the official Jewish leader. 

With the establishment of the Chief Rabbinate in the Land of Israel during the British Mandate, the position of Rishon LeTzion became the official title of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel. Thus, there are always two Chief Rabbis of Israel — one Sephardic, the Rishon LeTzion, and one Ashkenazi. Together, they lead the Chief Rabbinate and represent Torah and halacha for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. 

The Rishon LeTzion serves as the head of the Sephardic Rabbinical Council in Jerusalem. Over many years, this role has been filled by many great Torah sages, whose names shine with glory and who left behind a legacy of holiness, leadership, and Torah. 

According to ancient custom, passed down through the generations, the Jewish community of Jerusalem celebrated a special day in honor of the Rishon LeTzion. This was a great festival in Jerusalem. All the rabbis of the city, together with the heads of the yeshivot (Torah academies) and community leaders, would gather in the home of the Rishon LeTzion to honor him. 

At the center of the ceremony, the Rishon LeTzion would ascend to a beautiful platform and deliver a speech before the gathered crowd. In his words, he expressed gratitude to God for granting him the privilege of serving in this holy role, and he would also bless the people of Israel. His speech was filled with Torah teachings and moral guidance, encouraging the community in their service of God.