1 Kislev · Yahrzeit

Chacham Rabbi David Idan - Djerba

Rabbi David ben Moshe Idan (1873) Yahrzeit - 1 Kislev Resting place - Djerba, Tunisia He was a student of Chacham Joseph Berrebi, and also studied under Chacham Chalfon Moshe HaCohen and Chacham Mordechai Amayas HaCohen. By age 17 he was already serving as an assistant teacher to Chacham Joseph Berrebi in the synagogue of Rabbi Chizkia Peretz. In 1891 his father passed away, and Chacham David Idan took upon himself the difficult task of supporting his mother and brother, which prevented him from devoting himself fully to his studies. Over time, however, he prospered and was even able to acquire homes and fields. Chacham David Idan married Mazal Tov, daughter of Chacham Chaim Bitan and granddaughter of Chacham Nissim Bitan, who headed the presidents of the rabbinical courts of Djerba; the couple had sons and daughters. Chacham David Idan preached publicly to enormous crowds of people who came to hear him. He was a successful mohel, and it is believed that he brought thousands of boys into the Covenant of our father Avraham. He was always humble and gentle in his conduct, acting for the sake of Heaven rather than for reward. In 1912, Chacham David Idan established the first Hebrew printing press in Djerba, which he named "HaDefus HaTzioni." The press attracted publishers from across North Africa. In 1919, he founded a Zionist society called "Ateret Zion" together with several of his friends, who were also rabbis. Chacham David Idan served as president of the Jewish community of Djerba for about fifteen years and acted as a liaison between the community and the authorities. He is mentioned in the books of Chacham Moshe Zaken Mazuz, who was the highest authority for the heads of the rabbinical courts, and he signed amendments and agreements in the responsa work "Sho'el VeNish'al" (Volume 2) by Chacham Chalfon Moshe HaCohen. For decades he served as cantor and blew the shofar in the Great Synagogue of Djerba during the holidays. He also blew the shofar every Friday before the onset of Shabbat, as was the custom in Djerba. Toward the end of his life he attempted to immigrate to Israel, but his application was rejected by a Ministry of Health physician. In 1955, on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, Chacham David Idan passed away. The following day his wife passed away as well. Chacham David Idan wrote "Shivchei Tzadikim," a book of stories about the rabbis of Tunisia and Djerba, written in Arabic, and Maskil LeDavid, two volumes of sermons and ethical teachings. After his passing, his sons published "Mazkeret Netzach" in his memory. A rare video of Rabbi David Idan can be found here: https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/497-Rabbi-Moshe-Kalphon-Hacohen (https://www.hyomi.org.il/eng/mobile/page.asp?id=276&saying_id=1355)