A Legacy of Integrity: The Life of Rabbi Abdallah Chaim

From Baghdad to Damascus: A Scholar with a Business Mind

Rabbi Abdallah Chaim, uncle of the famed Ben Ish Chai (Rabbi Yosef Chaim) was born in Baghdad in 1765 to Rabbi Moshe Chaim, the city’s leading rabbinic authority. From a young age, he displayed exceptional talent, excelling in both Torah study and commerce.

His father’s stature was such that even prominent Ashkenazic rabbis sought his approbation. Among them was Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, a disciple of the Vilna Gaon, who requested Rabbi Moshe Chaim’s endorsement for his seminal halachic work Pe’at HaShulchan.

However, a dispute with the president of Baghdad’s Jewish community led Rabbi Abdallah to leave the city and relocate to Damascus. There, he continued his successful business in diamonds and precious stones, quickly earning the respect of both Jews and non-Jews in the city.

One story in particular captured public admiration. A distinguished local official and close friend of the rabbi was preparing for the pilgrimage to Mecca. Before departing, he entrusted Rabbi Abdallah with a locked iron chest containing a fortune in gold, jewels, and gems. He instructed that the contents be given to his heirs if he did not return and asked that no one be informed of the deposit during his lifetime. At Rabbi Abdallah’s suggestion, the official listed the contents in duplicate. One copy was kept in the chest, and the other accompanied him on his journey. When word arrived that the official had passed away in Mecca, Rabbi Abdallah immediately summoned the heirs, disclosed the deposit, and distributed it honestly. The family, who had been completely unaware of the arrangement, were astounded by the rabbi’s integrity and publicized the story throughout Damascus.

A Shield for His People in a Time of Danger

Rabbi Abdallah's reputation in Damascus extended beyond his business acumen. During the infamous 1840 Damascus Affair, a time of baseless accusations and mass imprisonment of Jewish leaders, not a single person dared lay a hand on him. His influence and standing in the broader community allowed him to protect and rescue many Jews during that time of crisis.

In 1841, he left Damascus and moved to Jerusalem. His arrival proved to be a tremendous blessing for the city’s Jewish population. He became a pillar of communal support, distributing charity generously, both from his personal funds and from donations sent from Jewish communities in Baghdad and India. The notable philanthropist Rabbi Yechezkel Yehuda of Calcutta entrusted all his charitable contributions for the Land of Israel to Rabbi Abdallah's care.

Thanks to his efforts, the Knesset Yechezkel yeshiva was founded in 1844, with Rabbi Abdallah at its head. The institution attracted many of the great Torah scholars of the time. Dignitaries and visitors to Jerusalem, among them Sir Moses Montefiore, members of the Rothschild family, and other leaders, made a point of visiting him and paying their respects.

Honored by All

Rabbi Yaakov Sapir, in his work Even Sapir (vol. 1, p. 1b), listed Rabbi Abdallah among the most prominent sages and communal leaders of his time. He is also remembered as one of the early founders of the Ashkenazic Perushim community in the Land of Israel.

Rabbi Y. L. Frumkin wrote of him: “He was a great and pious tzaddik (righteous man), and it is impossible to recount all the acts of charity and kindness this man bestowed upon the poor and Torah scholars, whom he supported abundantly at his own table.” Before his passing, Rabbi Abdallah requested that no eulogies be delivered and that he be buried in a humble grave. Nonetheless, both Sephardic and Ashkenazic rabbis insisted on honoring him, accompanying him to his final resting place and offering words of tribute at the entrance to his grave “for the honor of the living” (yikara d’chaye).

Rabbi Abdallah Chaim passed away in Jerusalem on the 29th of Cheshvan, 1865. He left behind three sons and four daughters, all born in Baghdad, who carried forward his legacy of righteousness, generosity, and devotion to Torah.