9 Sivan · Yahrzeit

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer - "Kaf HaChaim"

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim ben Rabbi Yitzchak Baruch Sofer (1870-1938), wrote "Kaf HaChaim", which for many Sephardim is the equivalent of the "Mishnah Berurah". Yahrzeit - 9 Sivan Resting place - Har HaZeitim Hakham Yaakov Chaim Sofer was born in Baghdad in 1870 to Esther and Rabbi Yitzchak Baruch of the Mussa family. He studied Torah and the craft of a sofer stam [writer of sacred texts] under his father, and was educated at the "Midrash Zilkha" Yeshiva, headed by the sage and Rosh Yeshiva Gaon Abdallah Somekh, along with the chief rabbi of the Baghdad community and rabbinical court judge, Rav Elisha Dangoor. He first studied Torah under Gaon Rabbi Abdallah Ovadia Somekh - author of "Zivchei Tzedek" - and learned together with the Ben Ish Chai. He was ordained as Moreh Tzedek [posek]. He earned his living as a scribe copying manuscripts, hence his surname Sofer. Hakham Yaakov Chaim Sofer immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1904 together with his colleagues Rabbi Yechezkel Ezra Rachamim and Rabbi Tzadka Chussin. He lived in Jerusalem and studied at the kabbalistic Yeshiva "Beit El." In 1909, together with several other rabbis from Baghdad, he founded the "Shoshana LeDavid" synagogue in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood, where he delivered drashot on Shabbat and festivals. He studied and wrote his books in a small attic next to the synagogue. Eventually he joined the study of Kabbalah at the "Rechovot HaNahar" Yeshiva together with Chaim Shaul Cohen Dweck. The Kaf HaChaim is the author of several works of halacha and aggadah. His books are known for discussing the ancestral traditions of Iraqi Jews. In Kaf HaChaim (כף החיים) he discusses halacha in light of the Rishonim and Acharonim. Kaf HaChaim, usually published in ten volumes, covers Orach Chaim (8 volumes) and parts of Yoreh Deah (2 volumes). His writings include: Kol Yaakov - on the halachot of scribal writing, Chukei Chaim - sermons for various occasions, Chaim Ad HaOlam - sermons and explanations of conclusions on the reading of tractates, Yagel Yaakov - sermons on the weekly Torah readings, Yismach Moshe - sermons on the weekly Torah readings. Additional writings still in manuscript form include: Be'er Mayim Chaim - Responsa, Beit Yaakov - sermons on the weekly Torah readings, Chafetz Chaim - sermons for various occasions, Edut Yaakov - sermons for the four special Shabbatot and a commentary on Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), as well as Chezyonot Yaakov - over 800 dreams, visions and revelations that he recorded. He is often compared to the Mishnah Berurah" in terms of scope and approach, but he differs in his broader use of citations. In his writings he also examines the views of many kabbalist sages (particularly the Arizal) where they influence halacha. "Shinun Halacha" is a work summarizing the halachic conclusions presented in Kaf HaChaim. Hakham Yaakov Chaim Sofer passed away in 1939 at the age of 69, and was eulogized by sixteen Jerusalem rabbis. He is buried in the section of the Babli (Iraqi) community on Har HaZeitim. May the merit of the tzadik protect Am Yisrael! (https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/492-Rabbi-Yaakov-Chaim-Sofer)

Pilgrimage site: Grave: Yaakov Chaim Sofer