Since the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef passed away 7 months ago, an entire industry of souvenirs of all kinds and genres has been created around him - and now even children's games in his image.
According to a report in Israel Today, toy stores located in Haredi population centers have recently been selling series of games featuring the rabbi's image and work, including a puzzle with his picture, four-card decks, and even a memory game.
The game boxes read: "The game depicts the course of his life, and in the pictures you can understand how he dedicated his life to studying the Torah at all times and in all places." The game instructions end with hope, with the caption: "We pray that these pictures will remain a lasting memory. So that we may always continue to follow in his footsteps.".
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The family of the rabbi zt"l usually abhors companies that commercialize the rabbi's image, but in this case opinions are divided. "On the one hand, there is a commercialization of his memory, and on the other hand, this way the children learn about the rabbi and they will not forget him," said a family member.
It seems that the fact that it's a game or a puzzle makes it difficult for them to accept it with love. "We would be happier if the children remembered him through the books with the beautiful drawings and explanations of his life.".
The owner of the "Almost Free" toy store in Jerusalem, Orly Weinstock, told Israel Hayom that the games have become a hit. "There is a very high demand for them, especially among the ultra-Orthodox crowd, and I see that it comes mainly from children who ask their parents to buy them.".
Meir Kahane, owner of the 'Yashratoys' factory: "We were worried at first that making games about rabbis might not look good, but there was a feeling that the public needed it. They make the puzzle and hang it up like a picture. On Friday evenings, they play it after dinner, and it's a great way to remember him.".
