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Revision as of 18:50, 26 November 2010 editSkyerise (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers141,350 edits Pinto didn't personally buy the synagogue so its cost is irrelevant to the article← Previous edit Latest revision as of 14:48, 25 October 2024 edit undoMonkbot (talk | contribs)Bots3,695,952 editsm Task 20: replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 2);Tag: AWB 
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{{short description|Israeli-Moroccan Orthodox rabbi (born 1973)}}
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{{Infobox Jewish leader {{Infobox Jewish leader
|honorific-prefix = Rabbi |honorific-prefix = Rabbi
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|image = |image =יאשיהו פינטו.jpg
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|yeshiva = |yeshiva =
|organisationposition = Founder and head |organisationposition = Founder and head
|organisation= Mosdot Shuva Israel |organisation= {{ill|Mosdot Shuva Israel|he|שובה ישראל}}
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|rabbi = |rabbi =
|rank = |rank =
|other_post =
|denomination= |denomination=
|other_post = ] of Morocco
|birth_name = |birth_name =
|birth_date = 1973 |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|9|27}}
|birthplace = |birth_place =
|death_date = |death_date =
|deathplace = |death_place =
|buried = |buried =
|nationality = Israeli |nationality = Israeli, Moroccan
|residence = New York City |residence = Morocco
|parents = Haim Pinto (father) |parents = Haim Pinto (father)
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'''Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto''' ({{langx|he|יאשיהו יוסף פינטו}}, {{langx|ar|يوشياهو يوسف بينتو}}; born September 27, 1973)<ref>{{cite journal | url = http://www.mako.co.il/news-israel/local/Article-70226fc50f79341004.htm?sCh=3d385dd2dd5d4110 | title = חדשות 2 – מי אתה הרב יאשיהו פינטו? | trans-title = Who are you, Rabbi Josiah Pinto? | last = Silberman | first = Yossi | date =January 16, 2014 | journal = News 2 Mako | publisher = Keshet Broadcasting | access-date = January 18, 2014}}</ref> is an ]i-] ] ] who leads a global organization called {{ill|Mosdot Shuva Israel|he|שובה ישראל}}. Based in ] and ], he is a ].<ref name=JDF /> ''Globes'' business journal named him in 2012 as one of the ten wealthiest rabbis in Israel.<ref name="Globe" />
Rabbi '''Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto''' (born 1973) is an Israeli ] ] and ]<ref name=JDF>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Nathan-Kazis|url=http://www.forward.com/articles/128944/|title=Charismatic Moroccan Kabbalist Draws Crowds And Questions|date=June 23, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=]}}</ref> who lives in New York City.<ref name="realdeal">{{cite web|first=Lauren|last=Elkies|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/rabbi-pinto-blesses-the-deal|title=Rabbi Pinto Blesses the Deal|date=April 30, 2008|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=]}}</ref>


As part of a series of legal issues, he pleaded guilty in September 2014 to bribing a high-ranking Israeli police officer. He was sentenced on May 12, 2015, to one year in prison, and to pay a fine of 1 million shekels.<ref name="Haaretz 2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/.premium-1.656045|title=Rabbi Pinto sentenced to one year in prison|last=Hovel|first=Revital|date=May 12, 2015|work=]|access-date=May 12, 2015}}</ref> He began serving his prison sentence on February 16, 2016.<ref name=TOI20160216>{{cite news|last1=Surkes|first1=Sue|title=After brief delay, celebrity rabbi reports to prison|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/after-brief-delay-celebrity-rabbi-reports-to-prison/|access-date=16 February 2016|work=]|publisher=Times of Israel, Ltd.|date=16 February 2016}}</ref> After his release, he became the ] of Morocco in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpostmaghreb.com/entry/le-nouveau-grand-rabbin-du-maroc-a-ete-nomme_mg_5cb44090e4b082aab088409b|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415172907/https://www.huffpostmaghreb.com/entry/le-nouveau-grand-rabbin-du-maroc-a-ete-nomme_mg_5cb44090e4b082aab088409b|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 15, 2019|title=Le nouveau grand rabbin du Maroc a été nommé|date=2019-04-15|website=Al HuffPost Maghreb|language=fr|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref>
Pinto descends from a centuries-old ] family from ], and speaks only Hebrew.<ref name=JDF/> On his father's side, he is the great-grandson of ], a revered Moroccan ];<ref name="sageofmanhattan">{{cite|last=Handwerker|first=Haim|title=The Sage of Manhattan|date=May 26, 2006|journal=].}}</ref><ref name="rabbinotafraid">{{cite web|first=Yair|last=Ettinger|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/a-rabbi-not-afraid-to-deviate-1.265442|title=A rabbi not afraid to deviate|date=March 29, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=]}}</ref> on his mother's side, he is the grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, better known as the ].<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/>


==Biography==
Pinto is a leader in the Jewish community of New York City,<ref name="realdeal"/><ref name="rabbinotafraid"/><ref name="jerusalempost">{{cite web|last=Mandel|first=Jonah|url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=189648|title=Celestial Celebrity|date=October 1, 2010|accessdate=October 1, 2010|work=]}}</ref> who has established a network of ] in ], as well as in ], ], and New York City.<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/><ref name="rabbinotafraid"/> In his early 20s, Pinto founded his first Shuva Israel yeshiva in ].<ref name="jerusalempost"/> Presently the center has four synagogues serving more than 1,200 worshipers, a yeshiva with over 300 full-time students, and a soup kitchen that provides 3,000 meals a day.<ref name="jerusalempost"/> In October 2010, Pinto led thousands of individuals to ], for an annual pilgrimage in homage of ], who is honored among Jews for his book ''],''{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} and revered in Silistra for giving his life to save the town from a plague in 1826.<ref name="jerusalempost"/>
Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto was born in Israel to ] parents.<ref name=JDF/> On his father's side, he is the great-grandson of ], a Moroccan ];<ref name="rabbinotafraid">{{cite web|first=Yair|last=Ettinger|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/a-rabbi-not-afraid-to-deviate-1.265442|title=A rabbi not afraid to deviate|date=March 29, 2010|access-date=September 27, 2010|work=]}}</ref><ref name="sageofmanhattan">{{cite web|url=http://balintlaw.com/serendipity/index.php?/archives/64-The-Sage-of-Manhattan-By-Haim-Handwerker.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707205605/http://balintlaw.com/serendipity/index.php?/archives/64-The-Sage-of-Manhattan-By-Haim-Handwerker.html|title=The Sage of Manhattan|author=Handwerker, Haim|date=December 4, 2006|publisher=balintlaw.com|archive-date=July 7, 2011|access-date=October 15, 2012}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=March 2012}} on his mother's side, he is the great-grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, also known as the ].<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/><ref name="jerusalempost"/>


Pinto graduated from Ashkenazi Lithuanian yeshivas, and studied under Ashkenazi and Hassidic rabbis.<ref name="rabbinotafraid"/><ref name="jerusalempost"/> Pinto was also influenced by ] and its teachings.<ref name="jerusalempost"/>
⚫ == Business career ==


Pinto speaks Hebrew, and does not know English.<ref name=JDF/> Around 2008, Pinto moved to ] for medical treatments.<ref name="rabbinotafraid"/> He then spent time in New York City and ], where he ran the Shuva Israel yeshiva.<ref name="jerusalempost"/> After his release from prison in 2017, he settled in Morocco.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-con-celebrity-rabbi-appointed-moroccos-chief-rabbinical-judge/|title=Ex-con celebrity rabbi appointed Morocco's chief rabbinical judge|website=www.timesofisrael.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-15}}</ref>
Despite having no formal business background,<ref name="realdeal"/> a number of prominent Israeli and ] businessmen have visited Pinto for consultation on business and personal matters,<ref name="dailyfinance">{{cite web|last=Berkovici|first=Jeff|url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/the-mysterious-rabbi-who-gave-lebron-james-business-advice/19588376/|title=The Mysterious Rabbi Who Gave LeBron James Business Advice|date=August 1, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=]: DailyFinance}}</ref> including the Israeli owner of the ] Yitzhak Tshuva, talk-show host ], famed jeweler and convicted felon ] (Jacob the Jeweler), real estate moguls, and Congressman ].<ref name="dailyfinance"/><ref name="israelinationalnews">{{cite web|first=Elad|last=Benari|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/139557|title=Will Jewish Businessmen Invest in Israel?|date=September 8, 2010|accessdate=November 10, 2010|work=]}}</ref> In August 2010, ] was reported to have met with for business consultations, for which he allegedly made a "six-figure payment".<ref name="dailyfinance"/>


==Rabbinic career==
Politicians and businessmen who have visited Pinto in Israel include attorney (and former Justice Minister) ], former Bank of Israel governor ],<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/> and Israeli soccer star ].<ref>{{cite web|first=Moshe|last=Boker|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/sports/soccer-luzon-won-t-let-coach-bolt-u21s-1.228403|title=Soccer/Luzon won't let coach bolt U21s|date=August 29, 2007|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=]}}</ref>
Pinto is a rabbi and religious leader.<ref name=JDF/> Prior to extensive legal issues, he had a following as a ] and is a ].<ref name=JDF>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Nathan-Kazis|url=http://www.forward.com/articles/128944/|title=Charismatic Moroccan Kabbalist Draws Crowds And Questions|date=June 23, 2010|access-date=September 27, 2010|work=]}}</ref> He is said to be the descendant of rabbinical dynasties that reportedly have the potential to work miracles.<ref name="jerusalempost"/> Pinto has many followers from the Israeli expatriate community in the U.S. and has been described as "a rabbi to the rich and famous".<ref name=JDF/>


When he was in his 20s, Pinto founded Shuva Israel, a ] in ].<ref name="jerusalempost">{{cite web|last=Mandel|first=Jonah|url=http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Features/Celestial-celebrity|title=Celestial Celebrity|date=October 1, 2010|access-date=October 26, 2014|work=]}}</ref> As founder he oversees an organization that includes two yeshivas in ], one in Kiryat Malachi, three in Ashdod, and one in ], with a total of 500 students to be rabbinical
Because of Pinto's influence, he has been called the "rabbi to the business stars".<ref>{{cite web|author=Luisa Yanez and Jaweed Kaleem|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/11/1769784/tmz-miami-heats-lebron-james-hires.html|title=Report: LeBron James hires rabbi|date=August 11, 2010|accessdate=November 10, 2010|work=]}}</ref>
students in training. The organization also has two schools for girls in Ashdod and a training school in Ashkelon. One of the Israeli locations provides money for living expenses to 180 widowed women.<ref name = Forward/> Several yeshivas or religious schools located in the United States and Israel and sponsors a charitable organization that provides food for Israeli families in need.<ref name=JDF/> Pinto's center in Ashod has four synagogues that serve more than 1,200 worshippers, a yeshiva with over 300 full-time students, and a soup kitchen that provides 3,000 meals a day.<ref name="jerusalempost"/> Pinto has also established a network of yeshivas in Israel, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York in the U.S.<ref name="rabbinotafraid"/>


In October 2010, Pinto led thousands to ], for an annual pilgrimage in homage of ].<ref name="jerusalempost"/> During his stay in Bulgaria, Pinto held a meeting with 80 Jewish American businessmen, asking them to invest $5 billion in the Israeli economy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rabbi asks businessmen to invest in Israel|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3949061,00.html|access-date=February 18, 2011|author=Weiss, Reuven|newspaper=ynetnews|date=September 5, 2010}}</ref>
⚫ == References ==
{{Reflist}}


In March, 2020, Pinto called upon the Jews of Morocco and the global Jewish community to comply with governmental regulations intended to contain the ], in response to reports of Orthodox Jewish ] communities around the world defying restrictions on their traditional lifestyle.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hekking |first1=Morgan |title=Morocco's Chief Rabbi Calls Upon Jews to Respect COVID-19 Measures |url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/03/298171/moroccos-chief-rabbi-calls-upon-jews-to-respect-covid-19-measures/ |website=Morocco World News |access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref>
⚫ == Further reading ==

⚫ ==Business career==
Pinto has extensive connections in the real estate community in New York, including an executive with Metropolitan Real Estate Investors and one with Ilan Bracha of ] Douglas Elliman.<ref name=JDF/> His followers include ] (chairman of the ] clothing company) and real estate mogul ].<ref name="jerusalempost"/> Pinto has been characterized as "something between a guru and a Hasidic rebbe" and as a "mystically inclined" Kabbalist with an interest in the esoteric elements of the Jewish tradition".<ref name=JDF/> Although Pinto has no formal business background,<ref name="realdeal">{{cite web|first=Lauren|last=Elkies|url=http://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/blessing-the-deal/|title=Rabbi Pinto Blesses the Deal|date=April 30, 2008|access-date=October 26, 2014|work=The Real Deal}}</ref> a number of prominent Israeli and ] businessmen have visited him for consultation, including talk-show host ]; jeweler ] ("Jacob the Jeweler"); former Congressman ].<ref name="dailyfinance">{{cite web|last=Berkovici|first=Jeff|url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/08/10/the-mysterious-rabbi-who-gave-lebron-james-business-advice/|title=The Mysterious Rabbi Who Gave LeBron James Business Advice|date=August 1, 2010|access-date=October 26, 2014|work=]: DailyFinance}}</ref> Prominent non-Jews who have consulted with Pinto include New York City politician ]<ref name=JDF/> and basketball player ].<ref name = Forward/> Pinto has said that he does not consider his help to be advice, saying instead that "It’s more of a blessing".<ref name=Forward>{{cite news|last=Nathan-Kazis|first=Josh|title=Revered as Business Guru, Rabbi Faces Questions About His Organization's Finances|url=http://forward.com/articles/136250/#ixzz1Goj0zRf5|access-date=March 17, 2011|newspaper=]|date=January 17, 2014}}</ref> Politicians and businessmen who have visited Pinto in Israel include Justice Minister ], former ] governor ],<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/> and Israeli soccer star ].<ref>{{cite web|first=Moshe|last=Boker|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/sports/soccer-luzon-won-t-let-coach-bolt-u21s-1.228403|title=Soccer/Luzon won't let coach bolt U21s|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=September 27, 2010|work=Haaretz}}</ref> Because of Pinto's influence, he has been called the "rabbi to the business stars",<ref>{{cite web|author=TMZ staff|url=http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/10/lebron-james-orthodox-jew-rabbi-pinto-new-york-business-guidance-spiritual-advisor-kaballah/|title=King James Goes Old Testament; LeBron Hires Rabbi|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=October 26, 2014|publisher=TMZ Sports}}</ref> and was described by ], a ] member of the ], as having connections and influence with a number of people in Israeli politics.<ref name = Forward/>

According to an article in the ''Globes'' business journal, in June 2012, ''Forbes Israel'' named Pinto as one of the 10 wealthiest rabbis in Israel, "with a fortune of NIS 75 million"<ref name="Globe">{{cite web|last=Averbach|first=Li-or |url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000756013 |title="Forbes Israel" ranks Israel's richest rabbis |publisher=Globes |date=June 10, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ettinger|first=Yair|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/forbes-presents-the-richest-rabbis-in-israel-1.435748 |title=Forbes presents: The richest rabbis in Israel |publisher=Haaretz |date=June 11, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> "based on organizational holdings" such as "charitable activities and properties".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/ny-pols-reliance-on-rabbi-comes-back-to-haunt-him/article/2506729|title=NY pol's reliance on rabbi comes back to haunt him |last=Caruso|first=David B.|date=September 3, 2012|work=]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>

==Political career==
In 2010, a reception held for Pinto was attended by an Israel Defense Forces major general and five cabinet members.<ref name = Forward/> In January 2011, Pinto met with opposition leader Israeli politician ] in ].<ref name = Forward/> In December 2010, Pinto condemned an ] which encouraged Jewish community members to avoid renting or selling property to non-Jews.<ref name="openletter">{{cite web|first=Yair|last=Ettinger|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-based-rabbi-edict-against-renting-to-arabs-endangers-jews-abroad-1.331369|title=U.S.-based rabbi: Edict against renting to Arabs endangers Jews abroad
|date=December 19, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2010|work=Haaretz}}</ref><ref name="dontrent">{{cite web|first=Sara|last=Hussein|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/12/07/128800.html|title='Don't rent to non-Jews,' Israeli rabbis warn|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=October 26, 2014|publisher=Al Arabiya News}}</ref> Pinto believed that the letter would provoke racism against Jews in Israel and abroad, making it difficult for them "to live in New York or anywhere else in the world".<ref name="openletter"/>

==Legal problems==
In September 2011, Pinto's father-in law, the chief Rabbi of Argentina, Shlomo Ben Hamo, retracted accusations of money laundering against Pinto in the Jerusalem District Court. The father-in-law said the retraction was "part of an arrangement made for legal reasons and to preserve domestic tranquility". Under the terms of the agreement, Pinto was required to pay NIS 3.4 million for two apartments purchased by his father-in-law, in the Gold housing complex in Jerusalem, with funds that were allegedly obtained from Pinto.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/money-laundering-accusation-against-rabbi-pinto-dropped-1.384730|title=Money-laundering accusation against Rabbi Pinto dropped|work=Haaretz|last1= Zarchin| first1=Tomer |last2=Ettinger |first2=Yair |date=September 16, 2011 | access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>

On October 12, 2012 Pinto was reported to be under investigation for money laundering. He was released on bail and placed under house arrest for a bribery attempt of an Israeli police official involved in the investigation.<ref name="Weitz 2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/.premium-1.664565|title=Why a top Israeli cop killed himself|last=Weitz|first=Gidi|date=July 6, 2015|work=]|access-date=July 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6052|date=October 14, 2012|title='Rabbi to the rich' Yoshiyahu Pinto arrested on suspicion of bribery|work=Israel Hayom|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/13/nyregion/rabbi-pinto-fund-raiser-for-grimm-under-house-arrest-in-israel.html?_r=1|title=Rabbi Linked to Campaign Inquiry Is Questioned in Israeli Bribe Case|last=Cowan|first=Alison Leigh|date=October 12, 2012|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2012}}</ref> On September 17, 2014, Pinto was indicted on charges of attempting to bribe Ephraim Bracha of the Israeli national police in an attempt to gain information about the ongoing investigation of the financial activities of Hazon Yeshaya, a charitable organization Pinto heads.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-official-plea-bargain-celebrity-rabbi-25558105|title=Celebrity Rabbi Takes Plea Bargain Over Bribery|last=Estrin|first=Daniel|agency=Associated Press|date=September 17, 2014|publisher=ABC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917101705/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-official-plea-bargain-celebrity-rabbi-25558105|archive-date=September 17, 2014|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Rabbi-Pinto-state-expected-to-seal-deal-to-testify-against-former-head-of-Israeli-FBI-375573|title=Court indicts Rabbi Pinto as part of plea bargain in bribery case|last=Bob|first=Yonah Jeremy|date=September 17, 2014|work=]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> Bracha had reported the bribery attempt to his superior, Maj. Gen. Yoav Segalovich, and was ordered by Segalovich to pretend to accept the bribe.<ref name="Weitz 2015"/> In February 2015, the Supreme Court upheld Pinto's plea agreement under which he would serve a maximum of one year in jail and become a state witness.<ref name="Real Deal 2015">{{cite web|url=http://therealdeal.com/blog/2015/02/06/rabbi-pinto-to-be-state-witness-will-serve-one-year-in-prison/|title=Rabbi Pinto to be state witness, will serve up to 1 year in prison|last=Moses|first=Claire|date=February 6, 2015|work=]|access-date=February 9, 2015}}</ref> He returned to Israel on April 14, and pleaded guilty the next day to bribing Bracha. Judge Oded Mudrick found him guilty of bribery, attempted bribery, and obstruction of justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.651692|title=Rabbi Pinto pleads guilty to bribery charges as part of plea bargain|last=Hovel|first=Revital|date=April 14, 2015|work=]|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> Bracha, who was cleared of any wrongdoing, committed suicide on July 5, 2015 after being subjected to a prolonged campaign of defamation.<ref name="Weitz 2015" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Top-police-investigator-Bracha-commits-suicide-408026|title=Top Israel police investigator Bracha commits suicide|last=Hartman|first=Ben|author2=Yonah Jeremy Bob|date=July 5, 2015|work=]|access-date=July 5, 2015}}</ref> Pinto was sentenced on May 12, 2015, to one year in prison, and must pay a fine of 1 million shekels.<ref name="Haaretz 2015" /> Appeals of the prison sentence on the basis of ill health were declined on January 5 and February 8, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/news/328693/rabbi-pinto-ordered-to-prison-in-israel-new-york-libel-suit-dismissed/|title=Rabbi Pinto Ordered to Prison in Israel — New York Libel Suit Dismissed|last=Nathan-Kazis|first=Josh|work=The Forward|date=January 6, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/207700#.VrkmOWQrIzA|title=Court rejects Rabbi Pinto's final appeal|date=February 8, 2016|work=]|access-date=February 8, 2016}}</ref> He arrived at prison on February 16, 2016, after a brief stay in an Israeli hospital to check on and treat his medical conditions, including cancer.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Surkes|first1=Sue|title=Jail term delayed as celebrity rabbi checks into hospital instead|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jail-term-delayed-as-celebrity-rabbi-checks-into-hospital-instead/|access-date=February 16, 2016|work=]|date=February 16, 2016}}</ref> On August 3, President ] rejected Pinto's appeal for clemency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/in-israel/local/rabbi-pintos-request-for-clemency-has-been-rejected-22745|title=Rabbi Pinto's request for clemency has been rejected|last=Shidlovsky|first=Nuphar|date=August 3, 2016|work=Jerusalem Online|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref> His appeal for early release due to ill health, initially granted on September 19, was later overturned by the Lod District Court on September 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.743078|title=Disgraced Israeli Rabbi Pinto Granted Early Prison Release |last=Pulwer|first=Sharon|date=September 20, 2016|work=Haaretz|access-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Court-overturns-Parole-Boards-early-release-of-Rabbi-Pinto-469016|title=Court overturns Parole Board's early release of Rabbi Pinto|last=Bob|first=Yonah Jeremy|date=September 29, 2016|work=]|access-date=September 30, 2016}}</ref> He was released from prison on January 25, 2017, upon completion of his sentence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.israel-today.ru/rabbi-yeshayahu-pinto-was-released-after-serving-a-year-in-jail.html|title=Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto was released after serving a year in jail|date=January 25, 2017|work=News Israel Today|access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref>

⚫ ==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

⚫ ==Further reading==
* Cowan, Allison Leigh. in '']'', August 23, 2010. * Cowan, Allison Leigh. in '']'', August 23, 2010.


== External links == ==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.haravpinto.com/}} * {{Official website|http://www.shuvaisrael.com/}}
*

{{authority control}}


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pinto, Yoshiyahu Yosef}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Pinto, Yoshiyahu Yosef}}
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Latest revision as of 14:48, 25 October 2024

Israeli-Moroccan Orthodox rabbi (born 1973)

RabbiYoshiyahu Yosef Pinto
Personal life
Born (1973-09-27) September 27, 1973 (age 51)
NationalityIsraeli, Moroccan
ParentHaim Pinto (father)
Religious life
ReligionJudaism

Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto (Hebrew: יאשיהו יוסף פינטו, Arabic: يوشياهو يوسف بينتو; born September 27, 1973) is an Israeli-Moroccan Orthodox rabbi who leads a global organization called Mosdot Shuva Israel [he]. Based in Ashdod and New York City, he is a Kabbalist. Globes business journal named him in 2012 as one of the ten wealthiest rabbis in Israel.

As part of a series of legal issues, he pleaded guilty in September 2014 to bribing a high-ranking Israeli police officer. He was sentenced on May 12, 2015, to one year in prison, and to pay a fine of 1 million shekels. He began serving his prison sentence on February 16, 2016. After his release, he became the Chief Rabbi of Morocco in 2019.

Biography

Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto was born in Israel to Moroccan parents. On his father's side, he is the great-grandson of Chaim Pinto, a Moroccan sage; on his mother's side, he is the great-grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, also known as the Baba Sali.

Pinto graduated from Ashkenazi Lithuanian yeshivas, and studied under Ashkenazi and Hassidic rabbis. Pinto was also influenced by Satmar Hassidism and its teachings.

Pinto speaks Hebrew, and does not know English. Around 2008, Pinto moved to New York City for medical treatments. He then spent time in New York City and Ashdod, where he ran the Shuva Israel yeshiva. After his release from prison in 2017, he settled in Morocco.

Rabbinic career

Pinto is a rabbi and religious leader. Prior to extensive legal issues, he had a following as a spiritual leader and is a Kabbalist. He is said to be the descendant of rabbinical dynasties that reportedly have the potential to work miracles. Pinto has many followers from the Israeli expatriate community in the U.S. and has been described as "a rabbi to the rich and famous".

When he was in his 20s, Pinto founded Shuva Israel, a yeshiva in Ashdod, Israel. As founder he oversees an organization that includes two yeshivas in Ashkelon, one in Kiryat Malachi, three in Ashdod, and one in Rishon LeZion, with a total of 500 students to be rabbinical students in training. The organization also has two schools for girls in Ashdod and a training school in Ashkelon. One of the Israeli locations provides money for living expenses to 180 widowed women. Several yeshivas or religious schools located in the United States and Israel and sponsors a charitable organization that provides food for Israeli families in need. Pinto's center in Ashod has four synagogues that serve more than 1,200 worshippers, a yeshiva with over 300 full-time students, and a soup kitchen that provides 3,000 meals a day. Pinto has also established a network of yeshivas in Israel, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York in the U.S.

In October 2010, Pinto led thousands to Silistra, Bulgaria, for an annual pilgrimage in homage of Eliezer Papo. During his stay in Bulgaria, Pinto held a meeting with 80 Jewish American businessmen, asking them to invest $5 billion in the Israeli economy.

In March, 2020, Pinto called upon the Jews of Morocco and the global Jewish community to comply with governmental regulations intended to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to reports of Orthodox Jewish Haredi communities around the world defying restrictions on their traditional lifestyle.

Business career

Pinto has extensive connections in the real estate community in New York, including an executive with Metropolitan Real Estate Investors and one with Ilan Bracha of Prudential Douglas Elliman. His followers include Jay Schottenstein (chairman of the American Eagle Outfitters clothing company) and real estate mogul Jacky Ben-Zaken. Pinto has been characterized as "something between a guru and a Hasidic rebbe" and as a "mystically inclined" Kabbalist with an interest in the esoteric elements of the Jewish tradition". Although Pinto has no formal business background, a number of prominent Israeli and Jewish-American businessmen have visited him for consultation, including talk-show host Donny Deutsch; jeweler Jacob Arabo ("Jacob the Jeweler"); former Congressman Anthony Weiner. Prominent non-Jews who have consulted with Pinto include New York City politician Michael Grimm and basketball player LeBron James. Pinto has said that he does not consider his help to be advice, saying instead that "It’s more of a blessing". Politicians and businessmen who have visited Pinto in Israel include Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman, former Bank of Israel governor Jacob Frenkel, and Israeli soccer star Guy Levy. Because of Pinto's influence, he has been called the "rabbi to the business stars", and was described by Yoel Hasson, a Kadima member of the Knesset, as having connections and influence with a number of people in Israeli politics.

According to an article in the Globes business journal, in June 2012, Forbes Israel named Pinto as one of the 10 wealthiest rabbis in Israel, "with a fortune of NIS 75 million" "based on organizational holdings" such as "charitable activities and properties".

Political career

In 2010, a reception held for Pinto was attended by an Israel Defense Forces major general and five cabinet members. In January 2011, Pinto met with opposition leader Israeli politician Tzipi Livni in Tel Aviv. In December 2010, Pinto condemned an open letter endorsed by 50 Israeli rabbis which encouraged Jewish community members to avoid renting or selling property to non-Jews. Pinto believed that the letter would provoke racism against Jews in Israel and abroad, making it difficult for them "to live in New York or anywhere else in the world".

Legal problems

In September 2011, Pinto's father-in law, the chief Rabbi of Argentina, Shlomo Ben Hamo, retracted accusations of money laundering against Pinto in the Jerusalem District Court. The father-in-law said the retraction was "part of an arrangement made for legal reasons and to preserve domestic tranquility". Under the terms of the agreement, Pinto was required to pay NIS 3.4 million for two apartments purchased by his father-in-law, in the Gold housing complex in Jerusalem, with funds that were allegedly obtained from Pinto.

On October 12, 2012 Pinto was reported to be under investigation for money laundering. He was released on bail and placed under house arrest for a bribery attempt of an Israeli police official involved in the investigation. On September 17, 2014, Pinto was indicted on charges of attempting to bribe Ephraim Bracha of the Israeli national police in an attempt to gain information about the ongoing investigation of the financial activities of Hazon Yeshaya, a charitable organization Pinto heads. Bracha had reported the bribery attempt to his superior, Maj. Gen. Yoav Segalovich, and was ordered by Segalovich to pretend to accept the bribe. In February 2015, the Supreme Court upheld Pinto's plea agreement under which he would serve a maximum of one year in jail and become a state witness. He returned to Israel on April 14, and pleaded guilty the next day to bribing Bracha. Judge Oded Mudrick found him guilty of bribery, attempted bribery, and obstruction of justice. Bracha, who was cleared of any wrongdoing, committed suicide on July 5, 2015 after being subjected to a prolonged campaign of defamation. Pinto was sentenced on May 12, 2015, to one year in prison, and must pay a fine of 1 million shekels. Appeals of the prison sentence on the basis of ill health were declined on January 5 and February 8, 2016. He arrived at prison on February 16, 2016, after a brief stay in an Israeli hospital to check on and treat his medical conditions, including cancer. On August 3, President Reuven Rivlin rejected Pinto's appeal for clemency. His appeal for early release due to ill health, initially granted on September 19, was later overturned by the Lod District Court on September 26. He was released from prison on January 25, 2017, upon completion of his sentence.

References

  1. Silberman, Yossi (January 16, 2014). "חדשות 2 – מי אתה הרב יאשיהו פינטו?" [Who are you, Rabbi Josiah Pinto?]. News 2 Mako. Keshet Broadcasting. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
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Further reading

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