Yosef Hecht

Rabbi Yosef Hecht (born 1951) is one of the Rebbe's shluchim to Eretz HaKodesh, a member of the Chabad Beis Din in Eretz HaKodesh, Chief Rabbi and shliach in Eilat, and chairman of Chabad institutions in the city.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Born in the United States on 14 Shevat 1951 to his father Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Hecht and his mother, daughter of R' Shemaya Krinsky. He was named after the Frierdiker Rebbe.

In his youth, he studied at Tomchei Tmimim 770 and was one of the "Sheva Kanim" (seven branches). He was among the Rebbe's group of chozrim (those who would review and transcribe the Rebbe's talks), and was a member of Vaad Hanachos Hatmimim. The head mazkir (secretary) Rabbi Chodakov would assign him many tasks. He would be sent to lead a group of students to honor Rabbi Simcha Elberg's speeches at every occasion, report their content to Rabbi Chodakov, and more.

He married his wife Mrs. Teila Henia, daughter of Rabbi Shalom DovBer Popack.

Shlichus Career[edit | edit source]

In 1977, he was chosen by the Rebbe as one of the group of shluchim to Eretz HaKodesh along with six other shluchim to Tzfat.

Following the Rebbe's directive to try to obtain rabbinic positions in Israel, Rabbi Hecht competed for the rabbinical position in Eilat. Through the efforts of R' Zusha Wilimovsky and Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi, he was chosen in Elul 1979 as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Eilat. He was later also appointed as a member of the Chabad Beis Din. He established an empire of shlichus in Eilat including shluchim, impressive Chabad Houses, institutions and Chabad organizations.

Among his other activities, Rabbi Hecht led a delegation of Chabad rabbanim for the completion of the Rambam in Egypt. He received various instructions and guidance from the Rebbe regarding this. He also merited to print the Tanya in Egypt, for which he also received many directives from the Rebbe. The printing of the Tanya was mentioned by the Rebbe during a farbrengen.

Later Years and Views[edit | edit source]

In 1990, he maintained regular contact with mazkir Rabbi Leibel Groner and was appointed by the Rebbe to dismantle the umbrella organization for Chabad institutions and replace the leadership of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh.

After the Rebbe's talk of 28 Nissan 1991, he was among the rabbanim who suggested moderating the awakening regarding Moshiach matters and identifying the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach, even writing to the Rebbe about possible damage this could cause to Chabad's activities in spreading Yiddishkeit. After a short period, Rabbi Hecht changed his view, and is today among the prominent rabbanim who encourage activities to spread the message of Geulah and publicizing the Rebbe as Melech HaMoshiach.

Chief Rabbi and Shliach of Eilat[edit | edit source]

Rabbi Hecht serves as Chief Rabbi of Eilat. During his decades as shliach in Eilat, he established one of the most impressive and important shlichus operations in Eretz HaKodesh, including a wide network of shluchim, large and impressive Chabad House buildings, holiday programs for thousands, and more.

In his work in Eilat, he established mikvaos throughout the city.

In Adar 2011, he received the title "Yakir Ha'ir" (Distinguished Citizen) from Mayor Meir Yitzchak Halevi for his work.

Areas of Activity[edit | edit source]

Under his leadership operate:

Chabad synagogue in the central Chabad House
Talmud Torah
Chesed organizations
Chabad Houses for the general public - Central Chabad House, in Shchamon neighborhood and District 9
Specialized Chabad Houses: Tourist area Chabad House, French-speakers' Chabad House, Youth Chabad House, Students' Chabad House and more

Family[edit | edit source]

Sons:

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hecht - Shliach and community rabbi in North Tel Aviv
Rabbi Shneur Zalman Tzvi Hirsh - Mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim Migdal HaEmek
Rabbi Levi Hecht - The Rebbe's shliach and manager of Chabad synagogue in Shchamon, Eilat
Rabbi Shemaya Hecht - Head of "Lema'an Yilmedu" project providing rabbinical certification courses, Chabad community rabbi in Akko and Rosh Kollel in Yafo
Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Hecht - Shliach in Givat Avni
Rabbi Yisrael David Hecht - Shliach for young people in Haifa
Hatomim Avraham Yehoshua Hecht - Passed away in his youth on 28 Shevat 2022

Sons-in-law:

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Borgen - The Rebbe's shliach in Moshav Nir Tzvi
Rabbi Yehuda Teichtel - Shliach and director of Chabad institutions in Eilat
Rabbi Moshe Silman - Spiritual director of Yeshivas Ohalei Torah
Rabbi DovBer Friedman - Shliach and director of Chabad activities in Eilat's tourist area
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Slonim - Shliach for French speakers in Eilat