Tzadikim

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer (Hebrew: יעקב חיים סופר) was a Sephardi Rabbi, Kabbalist, Talmudist and posek. He is the author of Kaf Hachaim, a work of halakha that he came to be known by.

Born: 1870, Baghdad
Died: Jerusalem, Israel, 1939
 

Rabbi Sofer was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He studied the Torah under Abdallah Somekh and the Ben Ish Hai. In 1904, he journeyed to Ottoman Palestine together with colleagues Sadqa Hussein and the Asei HaYa'ar in order to meet with the Rishon LeZion, known as the Yisa Berakha, and to pray at the graves of the righteous. After visiting Jerusalem, he decided to settle there permanently. He studied in the Bet El yeshiva in the Old City of Jerusalem, well known for the study of kabbalah. In 1909 he moved to the newly founded Shoshanim leDavid yeshiva. It was here that he composed his works.

Sofer authored several works of halakha and aggadah. His books are known for discussing the original traditions of Iraqi Jews.

Works

In Kaf Hachaim (כף החיים), Sofer discusses the halakha in light of the Rishonim and AcharonimKaf Hachaim, usually published in ten volumes, covers Orach Chayim (8 vol.) and parts of Yoreh De'ah (2 vol.). It is often compared to the Mishna Berura in terms of scope and approach, but differs in its more extensive reliance upon quotations. This work also surveys the views of many kabbalistic sages (particularly Isaac Luria), when these impact the Halakha. Shinun Halacha is a work summarising the Halakhic conclusions presented in Kaf Hachaim.

In addition to the Kaf Hachaim, Sofer authored:

  • Kol Yaakov: on the laws of writing torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzot, as well as on the tefillin in general
  • Yagel Yaakov: a compendium of Shabbat drashot (sermons) delivered while in mourning for his father
  • Yismach Yisrael: novellae on the parsha, the weekly Torah reading.
  • Chayim Ad Haolam on the aggadah of the Talmud

May the merit of the tzadik Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer protect us all. Amen

Light a virtual Candle
  • Soul Elevations

    • שיינה מינדל בת ר' יחיאל הלל
    • Mercedes Yolanda Cabrera bat Mercedes
    • María Oralia Hernández Garza bat María
    • רבי יחיאל הלל בן רבי יעקב
    • Gary Fishmen ben Stanley
  • Healing

    • Roberto Isaac ben Teresa
    • LUIS FELIPE CABRERA ben ROSA MAGDA
    • Zalman ben Ruchel
    • Veronica Alicia bat María Guadalupe
    • יצחק ירחמיאל בן משה פייבל
    • Laura Alicia bat María Alicia
    • Roble G. Farias/Rivka bat Abraham bat Graciela Farias-Garza
    • Efrat bat Ziona
    • הראל בן חנה
    • Natalie bat Alexandra
    • LUIS FELIPE CABRERA ben GUADALUPE ARGIMIRO
    • Robert Eugene ben Marie
    • Patricio Luis Alberto Mauricio Angelo Gary ben Sara
    • Carol Chanah Dinah bat Fortuna Mazal
    • Joel ben Midge
    • כלב יצחק בן רבקה
    • Shmuel ben Manya
    • Aurelia bat Aurelia
  • Success in life

    • ANANDA MICHELLE CABRERA bat DANNIELA
    • ANANDA MICHELLE CABRERA bat DANNIELA
    • LUIS FELIPE CABRERA ben GUADALUPE ARGIMIRO
    • DANNIELA bat BLANCA SONIA
    • Ingrid bat Horst
    • Nicole bat Pilar
    • ANANDA MICHELLE CABRERA bat DANNIELA
    • Robert ben Yosef
    • ELSA CABRERA bat DANNIELA
    • Tzivia Gallegos bat Dionicio
    • LUIS FELIPE CABRERA ben GUADALUPE ARGIMIRO
    • Florrie Sésé bat Kae
    • Moshe Yitro ben Pedro Shaul
    • GRACIELA ben ISMAEL
    • Daniel ben Shimon
    • Augusto ben Salvador R. Hernandez
    • James Nathan Kelley Jr. ben James Nathan Kelley Sr.
Light a virtual Candle


Hillulot | Biographies | Prayers | Virtual Candle