Elkariv couple to pay $264,000 in settlement with former client

A Petah Tikva court approved a settlement on Sunday that obligates Shaul Elkariv and his wife Tova to pay NIS 830,000, or roughly $264,000, to Nechama Gabai. The approval converts the agreement into a binding judgment, ending a legal dispute that began when Gabai sued for NIS 1.17 million, or about $372,000.

The lawsuit, filed by attorneys Dov Weinroth and Osher Rubinger, detailed a relationship that started in 2021. Gabai, a mother of three facing personal and financial difficulties, met Elkariv after he introduced himself as a rabbi, kabbalist, and spiritual guide. According to the complaint, Elkariv became a central figure in her life, and she relied on his instructions for personal, family, and financial decisions.

Between February and March 2022, Gabai transferred NIS 745,467 to the couple. The funds came primarily from the sale of an apartment during her divorce, with the remainder coming from government benefits. The lawsuit alleged that Elkariv presented these transfers as a method to protect her assets. In several instances, the complaint states, he accompanied her to the bank, directed the transactions, and introduced himself to staff as her father.

Gabai claimed she kept the transfers secret from her family for years. Relatives learned of the missing money only in late 2025, after she sought their financial help. The lawsuit alleged that Elkariv threatened to harm her family if they interfered, which prevented Gabai from demanding the money back. Transcripts attached to the filing show Elkariv admitting he received the funds and promising to return them. He reportedly planned to take out a loan to repay her and asked her family to sign a document describing the money as a loan.

Gabai sought the return of the principal amount plus interest and inflation adjustments, which totaled approximately NIS 970,000. She also claimed NIS 200,000 in additional damages for the alleged severity of Elkariv's conduct. The court froze the defendants' assets during the proceedings to secure her claim.

Elkariv has been involved in other legal matters. In July 2024, a Tel Aviv District Court dismissed his defamation suit against Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and others. That ruling reviewed testimony regarding how Elkariv presented himself and allegations that he exploited women in distress. The current settlement does not address the outcome of that separate case.