Chief Rabbi David Asseo (1914 – July 14, 2002) was the hakham bashi (or chief rabbi) of the Republic of Turkey from 1960 until his death in 2002.[1]

David Asseo
Born1914
Istanbul
Died (aged 88)
Istanbul
Years active1961-2002
Known forChief Rabbi of Turkey

Chief Rabbi David Asseo was the second longest serving of the chief rabbis in Europe (after Moses Rosen of Romania). In his career, he spent 40 years as chief rabbi and spiritual leader of Turkey.[2][3] His deputy of seven years, Ishak Haleva, became the new hakham bashi after his death in 2002.[4]

He was laid to rest at the Ulus Sephardi Jewish Cemetery in Istanbul.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Chief Rabbis of the Ottoman Empire and Republic of Turkey Sehpardic Studies
  2. ^ "David Asseo, 88, of Turkey, Europe's Senior Chief Rabbi". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "Milestones". Time.
  4. ^ "Turkey's new head rabbi weighs tradition against a volatile future". Jewish News Weekly.
  5. ^ "Rav David Asseo anıldı". Şalom Gazetesi (in Turkish). Retrieved 2013-10-29.