Grave

Yaakov Chaim Sofer

Kaf HaChaim

Yahrzeit (Hillula)

9 Sivan — Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer - "Kaf HaChaim"

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim ben Rabbi Yitzchak Baruch Sofer (1870-1938), wrote the "Kaf HaChaim", which for many Sephardim is the equivalent of the "Mishnah Berurah". Yahrzeit - 9 Sivan Resting place - Har HaZeitim Chacham 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 [writing sacred religious manuscripts] under his father, and was educated at the "Midrash Zilkha" Yeshiva, headed by the sage and Rosh Yeshiva Gaon Abdallah Somekh, and by the chief rabbi of the Baghdad community and rabbinical court judge, Rabbi Elisha Dangoor. He first studied Torah under Gaon Rabbi Abdallah Ovadia Somekh – author of "Zivchei Tzedek" – and studied together with the Ben Ish Chai. He was ordained as a Moreh Tzedek [halachic decisor]. He earned his living as a scribe of manuscripts, hence his surname Sofer. Chacham Yaakov Chaim Sofer immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1904 together with his colleagues Rabbi Yechezkel Ezra Rachamim and Rabbi Tzadka Hussein. He lived in Jerusalem and studied at the kabbalistic "Beit El" Yeshiva. 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 holidays. He studied and wrote his books in a small attic room 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 authored several works of halacha and aggadah. His books are known for discussing the ancient traditions of Iraqi Jews. In Kaf HaChaim (כף החיים) he discusses halacha in light of the Rishonim and Acharonim. The 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 on the conclusions of tractates studied, Yagel Yaakov - sermons on the weekly Torah portions, Yismach Moshe - sermons on the weekly Torah portions. Additional writings, still in manuscript form, include: Be'er Mayim Chaim - Responsa, Beit Yaakov - sermons on the weekly Torah portions, Chafetz Chaim - sermons for various occasions, Edut Yaakov - sermons for the four special Shabbatot and a commentary on "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 more extensive use of citations. In his works he also examines the views of many kabbalistic sages (particularly the Arizal) where they impact halacha. "Shinun Halacha" is a work summarizing the halachic conclusions presented in the Kaf HaChaim. Chacham 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 Bavli (Iraqi) community on Har HaZeitim. May the merit of the Tzadik protect Am Yisrael! (https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/492-Rabbi-Yaakov-Chaim-Sofer)