Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (1920–2013), known as “Maran” or “Hacham Ovadia,” was the greatest Sephardic halachic authority of his generation. Born in Baghdad and raised in Jerusalem, he became a towering Torah scholar, serving as Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel (1973–1983). Through his monumental works, especially Yabia Omer, he restored and unified Sephardic Jewish law and tradition. He founded the Shas movement to strengthen Torah education and restore pride to Mizrahi and Sephardic communities.Renowned for his vast knowledge, sharp mind, and love for the Jewish people, Rav Ovadia remains one of the most influential rabbis of modern times.