Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog Chief Rabbi of Israel and Northern Ireland (1937–1959) Date of Birth: 03.12.1888 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Education
2. Chief Rabbinate of Ireland
3. Chief Rabbinate of Palestine
4. Holocaust Era Efforts
5. Post-War Activities
6. Family

Early Life and Education

Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac Herzog was born in Łomża, Russian Empire (now Poland), to Rabbi Joel Herzog. From a young age, Herzog exhibited exceptional abilities. In 1899, his father accepted a rabbinical position in Leeds, England, and the family relocated.

In 1908, Herzog received his rabbinical ordination (smicha). He simultaneously pursued studies at the universities of London and Paris, mastering mathematics, classical and Semitic languages, and philosophy. In 1914, he earned a doctorate for his research on the blue dye techelet used in holy garments.

Chief Rabbinate of Ireland

In 1916, Herzog became Chief Rabbi of Northern Ireland in Belfast. In 1919, he was appointed Rabbi of Ireland in Dublin, and in 1925, Rabbi of the independent Irish Free State. Herzog earned the admiration of all Jews in Ireland, as well as the respect of non-Jews. He successfully prevented the implementation of a ban on Jewish ritual slaughter.

Chief Rabbinate of Palestine

In 1936, Herzog was elected Chief Rabbi of Palestine. He arrived in Haifa in 1937 and assumed his duties after an enthronement ceremony in the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem.

Herzog vehemently opposed British restrictions on Jewish immigration and tore a copy of the "White Paper" in protest outside the Yeshurun Synagogue in Jerusalem. He participated in the London Round Table Conference in 1939.

Holocaust Era Efforts

During World War II, Herzog played a pivotal role in rescuing Jews from Nazi persecution. He travelled extensively, visiting England, the United States, and South Africa. He negotiated with the Soviet government for safe passage of yeshiva students through Soviet territory to Japan and ultimately to Palestine.

In the United States, Herzog met with President Roosevelt and demanded aid for European Jews, including the bombing of death camps.

Despite warnings of impending danger, Herzog returned to Palestine in 1942, declaring that the destruction of the country would not come to pass. He later travelled to Turkey to advocate for the release of Jews in occupied territories.

Post-War Activities

In 1946, Herzog returned to Europe to assist Holocaust survivors in their repatriation to Palestine. He also met with Pope Pius XII to inquire about Jewish children hidden in convents.

Family

Rabbi Herzog was married to Sarah Gillman, and they had two sons: Chaim, who became the 6th President of Israel, and Yaakov, a public figure and Talmudic scholar. Chaim Herzog's son, Yitzhak "Bougie" Herzog, served as Minister of Tourism and a leader of the Labour Party.