Remembering Rabbi Chaim Palagi: A Legacy in Izmir

Rabbi Chaim Palagi was born in 1788 in Izmir, Turkey, to Rabbi Yaakov Palagi of the 'Beit Yaakov Rabbi' yeshiva and Rebbetzin Kali Kadin, daughter of the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Yosef Raphael ben Chaim Chazan.

In 1807, at the age of 19, Rabbi Palagi married, and by 1813, only 25 years old, he received the honorary title "Chacham Shalem" from his grandfather, the Rishon LeZion.

During his father's lifetime, Rabbi Yaakov, Rabbi Palagi refused official rabbinic or judicial positions. After his father's death in 1828, at age 40, he was appointed as a dayan (judge) in the Beit Din and head of the 'Beit Yaakov Rabbi' yeshiva.

In 1837, at 49, Rabbi Palagi was appointed head of the Great Rabbinical Court in Izmir, which included 45 dayanim. By 1855, at age 67, he became the Chief Rabbi of Izmir and received the title "Chacham Bashi." A year later, the Turkish Sultan Abdülmecid I approved his appointment, granting him extensive judicial powers.

(Illustrative photo: Shutterstock)

On the 22nd of Tishrei 1867, during Simchat Torah, Rabbi Palagi read the verse: "and Moses died there," and began to cry. The Jews of Izmir understood that their rabbi's departure was near and joined in tears. Four months later, on Rosh Chodesh Shevat, Rabbi Palagi fell ill and asked the city's inhabitants to pray for him. Two weeks later, on Shabbat Shirah, the 15th of Shevat, he requested his will be read to the public. The following day, the 16th of Shevat, he summoned a minyan of young scholars to perform a legal notice as was customary by the Rashash.

On the 17th of Shevat 1868, after reciting the Tikkun Chatzot prayer at night, Rabbi Palagi lay down at noon, smiling and joyful, and requested a glass of water. He blessed "Shehakol nihyah bidvaro," and passed away with purity and holiness at the age of 80.

Rabbi Chaim Palagi was buried in the ancient cemetery in Izmir in a state funeral attended by government representatives, foreign dignitaries, the Turkish military, and many rabbis. The Jews of Izmir accompanied their rabbi to rest, carrying his holy books and numerous candles.

It is said that light rain fell throughout his funeral, and when the earth was about to be placed over the grave, a strong wind suddenly blew, extinguishing all the candles at once. At the same time, several notable rabbis in the Land of Israel dreamed that a great rabbi from Turkey had died, and they were commanded to pay him their final respects.

Rabbi Chaim Palagi's Tombstone

Rabbi Chaim Palagi authored about 80 books covering all areas of Pardes, including books on the Tanach, the Talmud, ethics, Midrash, Halacha, Kabbalah, and responsa. He distributed all his books for free, never sold them. He is most renowned for his work "Kaf HaChaim."

Rabbi Palagi was also known as a disciple of Aaron HaKohen, meaning a lover and pursuer of peace, a lover of people, and one who brought them closer to Torah. He frequently helped the poor of Izmir and worked for a Jewish hospital in the area with the assistance of Moses Montefiore and Baron Rothschild. Rabbi Palagi instituted an ordinance in Izmir prohibiting removing a Jewish child from Torah study before he knew the entire order of prayers and other studies.

The Muslim guardians of the ancient cemetery in Izmir report that the mikvah there contains water from a natural spring under Rabbi Chaim Palagi's grave.