Raphael Berdugo

Raphael Berdugo (Hebrew: רפאל בירדוגו‎‎; 1747 in Meknes – 1821), a son of Rabbi Mordecai Berdugo, was a dayan, a scholar, and one of the greatest rabbis of Morocco. Raphael was respected by his contemporaries, and his decisions continue to be a source of inspiration to Moroccan rabbis. He was an excellent speaker with a great natural authority, and did not shirk from conflict with the notables, pointing out for example their inconsideration for yeshiva students. He did not limit himself to his role as dayan (judge), but was a community activist. He made the shohatim abandon their old customs and follow the Castilian customs. He also introduced reforms in the laws of inheritance, for example the inheritance of a husband and children in case of the death of a wife.

Raphael Berdugo

Raphael Berdugo (Hebrew: רפאל בירדוגו‎‎; 1747 in Meknes – 1821), a son of Rabbi Mordecai Berdugo, was a dayan, a scholar, and one of the greatest rabbis of Morocco. Raphael was respected by his contemporaries, and his decisions continue to be a source of inspiration to Moroccan rabbis. He was an excellent speaker with a great natural authority, and did not shirk from conflict with the notables, pointing out for example their inconsideration for yeshiva students. He did not limit himself to his role as dayan (judge), but was a community activist. He made the shohatim abandon their old customs and follow the Castilian customs. He also introduced reforms in the laws of inheritance, for example the inheritance of a husband and children in case of the death of a wife.