Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of the Ben Ish Chai

The 13th of Elul 5785, marks the yahrzeit of Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known universally as the Ben Ish Chai. Following is a collection of key facts about his life, greatness, and enduring influence.

A Giant of Torah, Halacha, and Kabbalah

Rabbi Yosef Chaim ben Rabbi Eliyahu of Baghdad (27 Av 5595 – 13 Elul 5669) was one of the greatest sages of the last generations.
He was a halachic authority, kabbalist, preacher, leader, and prolific author who shaped the Torah world of the Middle Eastern Jewish communities.

His mastery spanned halacha, Kabbalah, science, medicine, astronomy, physics, and economics.

A Disciple of Rabbi Abdallah Somech

The Ben Ish Chai was among the foremost students of the famed Baghdad sage, Rabbi Abdallah Somech, absorbing both halachic precision and the depth of Kabbalah.

Miraculously Saved as a Child

At around age seven, he fell into a deep well and was miraculously rescued. Inside the pit, he vowed: If I survive, I will devote my entire life to Torah. He fulfilled that vow completely.

Leadership of Baghdad Without an Official Title

After the passing of his father, he became the spiritual leader of the Baghdad community — not through a formal appointment, but because all difficult halachic questions were brought to him, and he delivered public derashot that captivated the entire city.

A Master Preacher Who Reached All Levels of Society

In his sermons, he blended halacha, aggadah, and ethics.
He spoke to all segments of the population and frequently used parables, stories, and riddles — making deep Torah accessible and inspiring.

Author of Over 200 Works – But Only 53 Published

Rabbi Yosef Chaim wrote more than 200 manuscripts. Tragically, many were stolen from his home during the shivah after his passing, and others were destroyed in a flood in Baghdad.

The surviving 53 works cover every area of Torah study and reflect his vast knowledge across many disciplines.

The Mystery of Benaiah ben Yehoyada’s Role in His Writings

Many of his books are connected to the biblical figure Benaiah ben Yehoyada. During the Ben Ish Chai’s visit to Israel, he prayed at Benaiah’s grave — and that night, many profound secrets of Kabbalah were revealed to him in a dream.

Thus, he named several works after the verse: “And Benaiah son of Yehoyada, son of a living man, mighty in deeds, from Kabze’el…”

Composer of Over 200 Piyutim

Though more than 200 liturgical poems are attributed to him, only about 50 are known today.

His most famous piyut is “V’Amartem Ko LeChai”, honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He wrote it in Israel at the Rashbi’s gravesite, and it became beloved throughout the Jewish world.

Deep Love for the Land of Israel

The Ben Ish Chai constantly mentioned Eretz Yisrael in his teachings.

• He sent his books to be printed in Jerusalem to support its scholars

• He ensured charity funds reached Israel through official emissaries

• He encouraged wealthy donors to build and sustain institutions in the Holy Land

Through his influence, the philanthropist Yosef Avraham donated his entire fortune to establish Yeshivat Porat Yosef in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The Ben Ish Chai himself purchased a house and field in Israel in order to fulfill the land-dependent mitzvot. He appointed his adopted son and beloved student, Rabbi Ben Zion Mordechai Chazan, to purchase the land from the Waqf. Rabbi Chazan endured severe persecution from local Arabs and eventually had to flee back to Baghdad.