Isak Haleva, Turkey’s chief rabbi and face of Jewish minority, dies at 84

Isak Haleva, Turkey's chief rabbi since 2002 who bridged traditional Sephardic Judaism with modern Turkish life while leading his community through decades of political change, has died at 84.

Chief Rabbi of the Jewish community in Turkey Isak Haleva, at right, speaks with the Mufti of Istanbul Rahmi Yaran during a July 2016 event in Istanbul.

(photo credit: Onur Coban/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

ByDAVID I. KLEIN/JTA

JANUARY 16, 2025 02:29

Isak Haleva, Turkey’s chief rabbi and face of Jewish minority, dies at 84

Isak Haleva, Turkey's chief rabbi since 2002 who bridged traditional Sephardic Judaism with modern Turkish life while leading his community through decades of political change, has died at 84.

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Isak Haleva, Turkey’s chief rabbi and face of Jewish minority, dies at 84

Isak Haleva, Turkey's chief rabbi since 2002 who bridged traditional Sephardic Judaism with modern Turkish life while leading his community through decades of political change, has died at 84.

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