29 Iyar · Yahrzeit
Rabbi David Zacuto of Modena
Chacham Rabbi David ben Mazal Tov Zacuto of Modena (1778-1865).
Yahrzeit - 29 Iyar
Burial place - Modena
Rabbi David Zacuto - son of Mazal Tov, was born in Modena, Italy, around 1778. In 1849 he was appointed rabbi of the Modena community.
His teachers were Rabbi Yishmael HaCohen of Modena (author of "Zera Emet"), and the Mekubal Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani ("Zera Shimshon").
Chacham David Zacuto delved deeply into the laws governing ritual circumcision and studied its medical aspects. He wrote several halachic works on this subject, drawing on the anatomical and medical knowledge of his time.
Chacham David Zacuto also concerned himself with matters of education and opposed assimilation; he sought to reconcile the science and culture of his time with the principles of the Jewish faith.
He is the author of "Zecher David" — sermons on the Torah, and the book of ethics "Limudei HaShem".
Teaching
Chacham David Zacuto teaches that Heaven loves those who are friendly with other people.
As it is taught: "And you shall love the L-rd your G-d" - meaning that you must make the Name of Heaven beloved. A person should do this through Torah study, through Mishnah study, and by serving Torah scholars, in conversation and in business dealings. What do people say about such a person? "How fortunate is the one who studied Torah." It is said: "one must be pleasant with people" in business dealings and in conversation, meaning that when a person is pleasant with others, this leads him to find favor with Heaven.
But Heaven has no patience for those people who have unpleasant speech, arrogant conduct, and so on, despite all their learning.
May the merit of the Tzadik protect Am Yisrael!
(https://www.hyomi.org.il/eng/mobile/page.asp?id=91)
May the merit of the Tzadik protect Am Yisrael!
(https://www.hyomi.org.il/eng/mobile/page.asp?id=91)