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

    • William ben Ricardo
    • מרים בת שרה
    • Fernanda bat Manuel
    • Yechiel Michael ben Mordechai Tzvi.
    • John ben Sarah
    • Shoshana bat Eliahu Michael
    • Beatrice bat Maria
    • Kim bat Robert
  • Healing

    • Shoshana Ruchel bat Gersonna Necha
    • צבי בן תמר
    • Moshe Refael ben Chassibah
    • Hilda bat Sarah
    • איתמר מנחם בן נעמי
    • Rachamin Sasson Raphael ben Bracha Fruma Gittel
    • אליאב בן חוה
    • Henya Mary ben Sarah
    • Fernanda bat Lourdes
    • Tinok HaKohen ben Raizel (newborn)
    • Lori Fisher bat Phyllis
    • Heidi bat Xiomara
    • Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua ben Esther Malkah
    • Abram ben Jeniffer
    • Luz bat Sarah
    • Abby bat Carmen
    • Itzhak ben Sarah
    • Michael ben Ihor
  • Success in life

    • Harrison Patrick ben Patricia
    • Luiz ben Lino
    • Natalia Nechama Feyga bat Janna
    • Leo ben Josephine
    • Kim bat Robert
    • Yitzak Benjamin ben Mordehai.
    • Chanah Dinah bat Joseph
    • Sarah bat Myriam
    • Eric Michael ben Avraham
    • Danniela bat Blanca Sonia
    • Yaakov ben Itzhak
    • Patricia bat (john) Avraham
Light a virtual Candle


Hillulot | Biographies | Prayers | Virtual Candle