Yaakov Chaim Sofer (1870-1939) (Hebrew: יעקב חיים סופר) was an Orthodox rabbi, Kabbalist, Talmudist and posek ("decisor of Torah law"). Sofer is author of the work of halakha ("Jewish law") titled Kaf hachaim, by which title he is also known.
Sofer was born in Baghdad. He studied there under great Sephardi sages such as Yosef Chaim ("the Ben Ish Chai") and Abdallah Somech. In 1904, he journeyed to Palestine, in order to pray at the graves of tzad...
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Yaakov Chaim Sofer (1870-1939) (Hebrew: יעקב חיים סופר) was an Orthodox rabbi, Kabbalist, Talmudist and posek ("decisor of Torah law"). Sofer is author of the work of halakha ("Jewish law") titled Kaf hachaim, by which title he is also known.
Sofer was born in Baghdad. He studied there under great Sephardi sages such as Yosef Chaim ("the Ben Ish Chai") and Abdallah Somech. In 1904, he journeyed to Palestine, in order to pray at the graves of tzaddikim ("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; and in 1909, he moved to the newly founded Shoshanim leDavid yeshiva. It was here that he composed his works.
Rabbi Sofer authored several works of halakha as well as aggadah. His books are known for discussing the original traditions of Iraqi Jews and are studied to this day. Rabbi Chaim was well-known for his role in working on behalf of Torah education...
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