In a moving encounter, Rav Gavriel Zinner, author of Nitei Gavriel, and Rav Yitzchok Yosef, author of Yalkut Yosef, met face-to-face for the first time after years of written correspondence.
The meeting took place this week in Flatbush, where Rav Yosef is currently staying due to the ongoing war that has shuttered Israeli airspace.
Though they come from different worlds—one raised in the Sefardic home of Rav Ovadia Yosef, and the other born and raised in the chassidic enclaves of Hungarian Jewry in America—the two rabbonim share a deep and lifelong commitment to halacha. Their respective works are staples of Torah scholarship: Yalkut Yosef now spans over 40 volumes, while Nitei Gavriel is widely used throughout chassidic circles across the world.
They frequently cite one another in their seforim, sometimes agreeing, sometimes respectfully disagreeing, always with reverence and depth.
On Wednesday evening, this long-standing relationship culminated in an emotional encounter. Rav Zinner visited Rav Yosef at his host in Flatbush, and those present described an instant connection.
“It felt as though they had known each other for decades,” shared one observer. “Within moments, they were immersed in halachic discussion—citing the Rashba, the Chazon Ish. Though Rav Zinner speaks primarily Yiddish, the language of halacha, Lashon Hakodesh, bridged all gaps.”
During the meeting, Rav Zinner expressed interest in acquiring the most recent volumes of Yalkut Yosef. Smiling, he remarked, “I already have the Rav’s address”—explaining that it appears in the earlier volumes of Yalkut Yosef, which he has long possessed and studied.
The two discussed various differences between Sefardic and Ashkenazic minhagim, examining the rulings of the Beis Yosef and the Rama, delving into how halachah has developed in their respective communities.
As the meeting came to a close after more than an hour of heartfelt discussion, Rav Zinner’s grandchildren stepped forward to receive a berachah from the Rishon LeTzion. Rav Yosef personally escorted his guest to the door, parting with warmth and admiration.

{Matzav.com}