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28 Nisan · Yahrzeit

Rabbi Moshe Mitrani - the Mabit

Rabbi Moshe ben Yosef Mitrani - the Mabit (1505-1585) Yahrzeit - 23 Nissan Resting place - Tzfat, Israel He was born in Salonika, Greece, in 1505. Rabbi Moshe Mitrani was the son of the well-known Rabbi Yosef Mitrani (the Elder). At the age of 16, young Moshe moved to Eretz Yisrael, settled in Tzfat, and joined the famous Yeshiva headed by Rabbi Yaakov Beirav. He was one of four people who received special semicha from Rabbi Yaakov Beirav in 1538 in Tzfat, together with Rabbi Yosef Karo, Rabbi Moshe Cordovero and Rabbi Yosef Sagis. In 1525 he was appointed a judge of the local Beit Din and held this position for 54 years during the "golden age" of Tzfat. During this period he answered many halachic questions from all over the world. After the passing of Rabbi Yosef Karo, the Mabit was for five years the sole head of the Beit Din in Tzfat. Soon after, he headed his own Yeshiva, where he taught for about 60 years. Great scholars of Torah emerged from his Yeshiva. The great rabbis of Tzfat recognized his brilliant abilities in Torah and often consulted with him on matters of halacha (Jewish law). His main work was "Kiryat Sefer," an extensive commentary on the Rambam's "Yad HaChazakah." His book "She'elot u-Teshuvot HaMabit" was a halachic responsa collection - 841 responsa. He also wrote "Beit Elo-kim" ("House of G-d") - a thematic discussion of the elements of prayer. The Mabit's commentaries on "Perek Shirah" are also widely known - their value lies in the fact that there are not many in-depth commentaries on "Perek Shirah." Rabbi Moshe ben Yosef HaMabit ascended to the Heavenly Yeshiva in 1585 and is buried in the ancient cemetery of Tzfat. Next to him are the graves of such tzadikim as the Arizal, the Ramak, Rabbi Elazar Azkari and Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz. Rabbi Moshe Mitrani left behind a young son, Rabbi Yosef Mitrani, who later became one of the greatest rabbis of his generation. May the merit of the tzadik protect Am Yisrael! (https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/202-Rabbi-Moshe-of-Trani)