Linda Sadacka
It is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the recent passing of the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, HaRav Shlomo Halioua, zt’l, at the age of 65. HaRav Halioua had assumed the position of Rosh Yeshiva only a year and a half ago, following the petira of his father-in-law, HaRav Aharon Shechter, zt’l. Thousands gathered at Yeshiva Chaim Berlin to pay their final respects, including his devoted talmidim, family, and many rabbanim. The community’s outpouring of grief reflects the profound loss of a Torah giant whose life was characterized by his deep dedication to Torah study, his boundless acts of hesed, and his humility, all of which left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
At the levaya, heartfelt hespedim were delivered by his sons, sons-in-law, and leading rabbanim, including HaRav Malkiel Kotler, HaRav Chaim Kitowitz, HaRav Yitzchok Meir Senderowitz, and HaRav Avigdor Kitowitz. They shared reflections on Rav Halioua’s incredible dedication to the yeshiva, his tzidkut (righteousness), his profound anivut (humility), his diligence in learning, and the endless hesed he performed quietly throughout his life. Among those who spoke were his son, Rabbi Yosef Halioua, who serves as Co-Rosh Yeshiva alongside his son-in-law, Rabbi Tzvi Fink, further highlighting the enduring legacy of Torah and dedication Rav Halioua instilled in his family.
Rav Halioua dedicated his life to the growth of Torah and the well-being of his talmidim. His devotion to Torah learning went beyond the yeshiva’s four walls, as he sought to instill in his talmidim a deep love for Torah, a commitment to integrity, and a life dedicated to service. His influence extended far beyond the students he taught directly, as he made a profound impact on the wider Torah community through his shiurim and personal interactions. Rav Halioua’s approach to Torah was filled with depth, insight, and an unparalleled clarity that brought both intellectual rigor and warmth to every topic he taught.
A Silent Battle and Unwavering Dedication
What is truly remarkable about Rav Halioua is that, despite enduring an illness that weakened him physically, he chose to conceal his pain from the public, not wanting to burden others. His commitment to his talmidim and the yeshiva never wavered, even as his health declined. In fact, in his final days, Rav Halioua took part in the yeshiva’s Simchat Beit HaShoeva celebrations, inspiring others with his words of Torah, his joyful dancing, and his radiant smile.
Just days before his petirah, Rav Halioua was taken to the hospital. Despite his weakened state, his message to the yeshiva was one of joy and encouragement. His last request was for tefillot from his talmidim, but he made it clear that the Simchat Torah celebrations should go on as usual, emphasizing that the Torah’s joy must continue even in difficult times. This selflessness, putting the needs and happiness of others before his own, was characteristic of Rav Halioua throughout his life.
A Heart-Wrenching Loss for Klal Yisrael
Adding to the pain of the loss of Rav Halioua was the passing of his mother, Rebbetzin Mesoda, a”h, just hours after her son. The levaya for both mother and son was held on the same day, leaving the family and community in a state of shock and deep sorrow. Rav Halioua’s son, Rav Yosef Halioua, Co-Rosh Yeshiva, spoke emotionally at the levaya about the incredible bond between his father and grandmother, and how both left this world together, united in their pure service of Hashem.
Rebbetzin Mesoda, a”h, was the wife of the esteemed Rav Avraham Halioua, zt”l, who had immigrated to the United States from Morocco and became a highly respected rav in Flatbush. Rav Shlomo Halioua continued his father’s legacy of Torah and hesed, leading his father’s shul after his petirah, while also dedicating himself to his own growth in Torah. Rav Halioua’s own lineage as a direct descendant of the Maharam Chalava, a talmid of the Rashba, speaks to the rich Torah heritage that shaped his life.
Torah Brilliance Paired with Humility
Rav Halioua was known for his brilliance in Torah, both in halacha and machshava. His shiurim were filled with insights that blended the depth of the Brisker derech (method) with the philosophical teachings of Rav Hutner, zt”l, the Maharal, and the Ramchal. Rav Halioua’s deep understanding of Torah was matched by his humility and accessibility. Despite his immense knowledge, he had the unique ability to connect with talmidim on a personal level, teaching not only Torah, but also how to live as a true ben Torah with middot tovot (good character traits) and a life of integrity.
His shiurim often focused on the teachings of Rav Hutner’s Pachad Yitzchak, but Rav Halioua had an extraordinary ability to make even the most complex and abstract ideas accessible to his students. His mastery of the Ramchal’s writings added further depth to his discourses, and his synthesis of machshava and halacha gave his students a broad, yet practical, understanding of Torah. His approach to Torah machshava introduced his talmidim to deeper layers of meaning, drawing on the teachings of Rav Moshe Dovid Valle, the great talmid of the Ramchal, as well as Rav Hutner’s insights.
Even in his final days, Rav Halioua continued delivering maamarim and teaching his beloved students, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Torah learning despite the toll his illness had taken. He delivered a maamar during Hol Hamoed Sukkot, and was taken to the hospital shortly afterwards. His condition worsened over the second days of Sukkot. He continued to uplift and inspire others with his words until his very last moments.
A Life of Leadership and Hesed
Rav Halioua’s influence extended far beyond the walls of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin. His connections to great Torah leaders like Rav Binyomin Paler, zt”l, Rav Shmuel Auerbach, zt”l, and Rav Yonasan David, shlita, who he considered his primary rebbe, further enhanced his stature in the Torah world. His leadership, however, was always marked by a humility that made him approachable and beloved by all.
Rav Halioua’s life was a shining example of Torah lishma –Torah studied and taught for its own sake, and Torah lived through acts of hesed and tzniut (modesty). His ability to lead a Litvish yeshiva as a Sephardic talmid of such stature spoke volumes about the respect he commanded throughout the Torah world.
A Profound Loss and a Lasting Legacy
As the community gathered to escort Rav Halioua’s aron down Coney Island Avenue, past the yeshiva he devoted his life to, the somber atmosphere reflected the enormity of the loss felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His son, Rav Yosef Halioua, shlita, now continues the legacy of Torah learning and leadership, following in his father’s footsteps as Rosh Kollel.
Rav Shlomo Halioua’s legacy will live on through his talmidim, his family, and the countless people he touched with his wisdom, kindness, and humility. His passing is a profound loss for Yeshiva Chaim Berlin and for the entire Torah world, but his memory and teachings will continue to inspire future generations of bnei Torah.
Stories abound about Rav Halioua’s heartfelt connection to other Jews and his modesty. He did not hold himself above others, although he could have, due to his stature as a world-class Torah scholar. He felt he was one of the amcha, the Jewish people. One of his follows shared the following story. “When we got married during COVID, Rav Shlomo heard that our wedding was set to be held on our back porch and that we couldn’t invite anyone. Rav Shlomo walked over to wish us mazal tov in person for a minute so that we felt we had guests and to show his personal love.”
A Personal Reflection
When I was given the privilege to write this tribute, I approached it with a deep sense of reverence. Rav Halioua’s legacy resonates not just within the walls of the yeshiva, but also in the hearts of families like mine. His wife, Rebbetzin Halioua, taught all of my daughters, and I have always been in awe of how a woman of such dignity and grace, who truly emanates royalty in her every action, devoted herself to the education of the next generation at Ateret Torah. She carried herself with the same values that Rav Halioua embodied – humility, kindness, and a commitment to nurturing others. Our community, and my family in particular, is profoundly grateful for the lasting impact both Rav and Rebbetzin Halioua have had on our lives.
May his neshama have the highest aliyah, and may he be a meilitz yasher for all of Klal Yisrael. Yehi zichro baruch – his memory is a blessing for all who knew him and learned from him.