Our Father, Our King, Maran zt”l
Question: In previous Halachot published by “Halacha Yomit” we have seen the term “Avinu Malkeinu” or “Our Father, Our King” used in reference to Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l. The question is, is it really acceptable to write this about Maran? Is this title not designated specifically for Hashem?
Answer: One of the greatest Sephardic luminaries and Poskim who lived approximately one-hundred eighty years ago was Hagaon Rabbeinu Chaim Palagi. Once, the rabbi was sitting and eating with his family and at the end of the meal, he honored his son, Hagaon Harav Avraham Palagi, to lead the Zimun. While reciting the Zimun, Rabbi Avraham inserted the words, “Birshut (with the permission of) our father, our king, may he live for many long years,” in reference to his saintly father, Rabbi Chaim. When Rabbi Chaim heard this, he became agitated at his son for proclaiming this since this title is reserved for Hashem. (See Tzava’a Me’Chaim, page 23a)
Based on this, is would seem that it was incorrect for us to use this term in reference to Maran zt”l.
Nevertheless, Hagaon Harav Chaim Palagi himself uses this term in his Sefer Kaf Ha’Chaim (Chapter 36, Section 42) in reference to his illustrious grandfather, Hagaon Harav Refael Yosef Hazzan zt”l, author of the epic Responsa Chikrei Lev. Hagaon Harav Chaim uses the title “our father, our king” once again in reference to his grandfather in his Responsa Nishmat Chaim (Volume 2, page 99c).
Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l explains this idea in his Responsa Yechave Da’at (Volume 3, Chapter 73) and writes that even Hagaon Harav Chaim Palagi agreed that this term was permissible for use in reference to the true luminaries of the generation, however, as a result of his extreme humility, he felt that this title was forbidden to be used in reference to himself as he felt unworthy of such a lofty title.
The reason for this is that as long as this title is being used in reference to Torah luminaries, there is no concern, for we find that Hashem honors Torah scholars more than Himself so-to-speak as the holy Zohar (Parashat Ha’azinu, page 188a) states that Hashem desires the honor of the righteous more than his own honor just as we find regarding Yarov’am be Nevat (evil king of Israel) whom, as long as he brought offerings and incense to idols, Hashem had mercy on and was long to anger. However, when he dared raise his hand and point threateningly towards the prophet Ido, his hand became paralyzed, for Hashem sought the honor of his righteous prophet.
Maran zt”l adds that the custom to sing the verse of “Se’u She’arim Rashechem etc.” (a verse which glorifies Hashem and states “And the Honorable King shall come”) poses no concern at all since this is being sung in honor of the Torah. Additionally, regarding the title “Our Father, Our King” there is certainly no room for concern, for the term “Our Father” is an actual title used in reference to each of the Patriarchs and “Our King” is likewise a title reserved for kings and the Gemara (Gittin 62a) tells us, “Who are the kings? The Sages!”
We remember that even when Maran zt”l was still alive, we would use this title for Maran in letters and he never pointed out anything about this matter which simply means that he did not see anything wrong with this (although he was aggravated by several other titles people referred to him by). Since Maran Rabbeinu zt”l was our pride and glory as well as being the father and king of the entire nation, it is certainly acceptable to refer to him with this title as is worthy for the honor of Torah. May we soon merit the coming of our righteous Mashiach where we will merit seeing Maran zt”l once again through the Resurrection of the Dead along with the rest of our deceased Jewish brethren.
