Rav Avraham Gaon

If you’ve spent time in Briarwood, NY, and you’re plugged into the Sephardic Torah scene, chances are you’ve heard the name Rabbi Avraham Gaon. He’s not flashy. He doesn’t chase headlines. But those who know, know—he’s the real deal.

Originally shaped by serious years in Eretz Yisrael and later in the States, Rav Gaon’s foundation was built on intense learning and serious mentorship. For eight solid years, he learned in Kollel Mekor Haim under the sharp eyes of HaGaon HaRav Eliyahu Ben Haim, shlit”a, and HaGaon HaRav Naftali Gan Zvi, shlit”a. These weren’t just rebbeim—they were spiritual mentors who helped mold his path.

His semicha says a lot. Not just Yoreh Yoreh, but Yadin Yadin too—granted by both Rav Ben Haim and the Rishon LeTzion, HaRav Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l. That kind of dual certification isn’t just ink on paper. It speaks to a deep command of halacha and the confidence of serious Torah authorities behind him.

Professionally, he’s worn many hats—but all of them lined with Torah. He served as Menahel of Kollel Mekor Haim, helping talmidei chachamim sharpen their learning, and sat on the Sephardic Beit Din of Queens, where his voice carried real weight in dinei Torah.

But ask his talmidim, and they’ll tell you—his crown is Yeshiva Etzion. For over 20 years now, he’s been the Rosh Yeshiva, guiding college-aged students and avreichim alike, lighting a fire for Torah and yiras Shamayim. He’s not into hype. He’s into growth.

One thing you’ll notice about him? He wears techeiles. Not as a statement, but as a mitzvah. And not just any techeiles—Ptil Tekhelet from the Murex trunculus. He’s clear on this. According to the Rav, now that this mitzvah has returned after close to two millennia, it’s strongly encouraged that all of Klal Yisrael wear both Tallit Katan and Tallit Gadol with techeiles. But let’s be clear—he holds this applies only to the Ptil Tekhelet version. The Radziner dye? Not the same halachic standing.

You can tell a lot about a person from what they take seriously. For Rabbi Gaon, it’s Torah, halacha, and mitzvos—especially the ones that many are still waking up to. His example isn’t loud, but it’s loud enough to be heard by the ones who are listening.

(Pictures and info thanks to Joshua Ben-Shimon.)