ראשון לציון
Rishon LeZion
The spiritual leader of the Sephardic, Mizrachi, and Eastern Jewish communities of Israel — an office tracing back to the 17th century.
Rishon LeZion — Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel
2024 – PresentRabbi David Yosef is the son of the late Sephardi Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z"l, one of the most influential halachic authorities of the 20th century. Rabbi David Yosef is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yechaveh Da'at in Jerusalem and a prolific halachic author. He was elected Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel in 2024 following the conclusion of Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's term.
Source: Chief Rabbinate of Israel official records; Jewish Virtual Library
The title "Rishon LeZion" (ראשון לציון — "First to Zion") derives from Isaiah 41:27 and has been used since the early 17th century to denote the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of the Holy Land. During Ottoman rule (1517–1917), the Rishon LeZion served as the Hakham Bashi — the officially recognized Jewish religious leader before the Ottoman and later British authorities. The office has existed in continuous form since the mid-17th century, with Rabbi Moshe ben Yonatan Galante (1665–1689) generally considered the first holder of the title.
The Sephardi Chief Rabbi represents the traditions of Sephardic, Mizrachi, and Eastern Jewish communities. The title and office carry enormous religious, cultural, and political weight in Israeli society.
Son of Ovadia Yosef. Authored the Yalkut Yosef halachic compendium.
Known for efforts to strengthen Jewish unity and halachic rulings on conversion.
Authored Binyan Av responsa. Focused on Sephardic traditions and education.
Highly respected posek (halachic decisor). Former judge on the Supreme Rabbinical Court.
One of the greatest Sephardi halachic authorities of all time. Authored Yechaveh Da'at and Yabi'a Omer. His rulings are followed by millions worldwide.
Born in Baghdad. Served during Israel's early statehood. Authored Yein HaTov.
Born in Jerusalem. First Chief Rabbi appointed under the State of Israel. Author of Mishpetei Uziel.
Born in Jerusalem. First officially recognized Rishon LeZion under the British Mandate.
Note: This list covers the State of Israel period (1948–present). For the full list from 1665, see: Wikipedia — List of Sephardi Chief Rabbis
Also see the office of the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi:
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel