Rabbi Chaim Palaggi of Izmir

Rabbi Chaim Palaggi - Mekubal of Izmir Yahrzeit - 17 Shevat Resting place - Izmir, Turkey   Chacham Chaim Palaggi was born in Izmir to Kali Kadin and Chacham Yaakov Palaggi in 1788. In 1807, at the age of 19, Rabbi Chaim Palaggi married, and in 1813 he received the title of Chacham Shalem from his grandfather, the Chief Rabbi of Rishon LeZion, Chacham Raphael Yosef. Rabbi Chaim Palaggi did not accept any public position while his father was still alive, and only in 1828 did he agree to serve as a Dayan in the rabbinical court and become head of the Beit Yaakov Yeshiva in Izmir. In 1837, Rabbi Chaim Palaggi was appointed head of the Great Rabbinical Court of Izmir, and in 1857 he was appointed Chacham Bashi, the highest rabbinical position in Izmir. Rabbi Chaim Palaggi advocated for the poor of his community and rebuked its wealthy members in his sermons. He issued takanot (halachic ordinances) and founded charitable institutions; he labored to establish a Jewish hospital in Izmir and secured the support of well-known philanthropists. Chacham Chaim Palaggi began writing at the age of 16 and is known for his numerous books, of which there are more than 80. His books cover a wide range of topics and include 7 books on Torah, 9 on Talmud, 15 on midrash and sermons, books on ethics, and 24 books on Halacha, Kabbalah, and various responsa. Whenever he finished a book, Chacham Chaim Palaggi would always hold a seudat mitzvah - a festive meal - and distribute his books free of charge. He never sold his books. On 11 Av 5601 (1841), a fire broke out in Izmir that destroyed the Jewish quarter, and 54 of his books were burned in it. Years later, Chacham Chaim Palaggi restored many of his works and reprinted them, leaving only a small number in manuscript form. Rabbi Chaim Palaggi passed from this world on 17 Shevat 5628 (1868). He was buried in the ancient cemetery of Izmir with state honors; his funeral was attended by the entire Turkish leadership, military and government officials, as well as representatives of foreign countries. His books include "Peulat Tzadik LeChaim" (his first book), the Semicha LeChaim responsa, which he wrote together with his grandfather and teacher, Chacham Raphael Yosef Chazan - Rachamim LeChaim, Artzot HaChaim, Lev Chaim, Chaim LeRosh, Kol HaChaim, Matzah Chaim, Tzedaka Chaim, Peulat Tzadik LeChaim, Ginzei Chaim, and Birkat Moadeha LeChaim - his last book, published a day before his passing. Rabbi Chaim Palaggi, in his book "Moed LeChol Chai" (1,6), explains how important the blessing of trees is in the month of Nisan, of which the Torah speaks in Shemot: "Observe the festival of unleavened bread; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time of the month of Aviv; for in the month of Aviv you came out of Mitzrayim." This blessing is connected to one of the very important concepts of Judaism - gilgul neshamot (reincarnation of souls). "This is a great elevation for souls that have been reincarnated into inanimate matter and plants. The source for all this is the book of Zohar, part 3, page 196: 'Souls from the higher world wander in the days of Nisan, and through the blessing they merit elevation, and they pray for the living.'"   "BeSiyata DiShmaya" - or how to begin undertakings Rabbeinu Chaim Palaggi of Izmir decided to establish a new, modern hospital in the city, run according to the laws of halacha. The project required a great deal of money, and the Rav himself undertook to raise it. He appealed for a donation to one of the city's wealthiest residents, Signor Lion Edot. The latter responded to the request and donated a large sum. The Rav sent Signor Edot a letter of thanks, in which he expressed gratitude for his contribution to the project and asked that he personally approach Baron Rothschild, with whom he had trade relations, to also donate funds toward establishing the Jewish hospital. Signor Edot found himself in a delicate position. In the world of trade, it is customary to keep an absolute separation between business relations and charity. The Baron might become angry (and rightly so) at the use of business connections to solicit a donation, and might end the trade relationship. So there would be neither a donation nor trade... The Signor came to the Rav's house to explain why he could not fulfill his request, that the Rav should understand the reason and not ask him for this favor... The Rav listened to his heartfelt speech, and when he finished, asked him: - "Tell me, Lion, did you read my letter?" The wealthy man answered, surprised: "To the end"! - "I know that you read it to the end," the Rav replied, "but did you read it from the beginning?" - "Naturally!" answered Signor Edot. - "And how does my letter begin?" Rav Palaggi pressed. - "To the esteemed..." the Signor began to quote. - "Now I see that you did not read my letter from the very beginning," said Rav Palaggi, and continued. - "My letter begins with the abbreviation - בס׳׳ד - 'With G-d's help,' to say that I hope for G-d's help, and therefore help will be given to me"! Signor Edot overcame his hesitation and asked Baron Rothschild for money to carry out the hospital project. Baron Rothschild donated a large sum, which allowed the hospital to open in all its beauty and splendor! And of this it is written in the verse: "He is your glory" - if His glory is upon your lips, then "He is your G-d, who has done with you those great and awesome things," and you will see, together with the Creator, all His wonders! (From the book "Gates of the East" by Israel Spector) May the merit of the tzadik protect our people!   Feeding the Birds - Segula of the Mekubalim https://silatehilim.com/сгула-для-исцеления-и-против-тяжелых-с/ Segula of Rabbi Chaim Palaggi for Rosh Chodesh Kislev https://silatehilim.com/4397-2/ Segula of Rabbi Chaim Palaggi for Erev Shavuot https://silatehilim.com/великая-сгула-в-эрев-шавуот-от-рава-хаи/ Segula of Rabbi Chaim Palaggi against illness and Tehillim 107 https://silatehilim.com/сгула-от-болезней-раби-хаима-паладжи/ Segulot of Rabbi Chaim Palaggi for epidemics https://silatehilim.com/сгулот-рабби-хаима-паладжи-при-эпидем/ Segula of Rabbi Chaim Palaggi - Studying Mishnah for Parnasa https://silatehilim.com/когда-мишна-сгула-для-парнасы/