Honoring the Legacy of the 'Ben Ish Chai': 10 Fascinating Insights

Today (Monday), 13 Elul 5784, marks the 115th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the 'Ben Ish Chai.' Here are some fascinating insights into his legacy.

1. Rabbi Yosef Chaim, the son of Rabbi Eliyahu of Baghdad, is called the Ben Ish Chai after his famous work. (27th of Av, 5595 - 13th of Elul, 5669) He was one of the prominent authorities of his time, a kabbalist, preacher, leader, author, and an eminent halachic authority among the Jews of the Middle East, possessing a profound knowledge of both the revealed and mystical aspects of Jewish law.

2. The 'Ben Ish Chai' was one of the leading students of Rabbi Abdullah Somekh.

3. At the age of about seven, he fell into a deep well and was miraculously saved. While in the well, he vowed that if saved, he would devote his entire life to the study of Torah.

4. After his father's passing, he took on the leadership of the Baghdad community. His leadership wasn't about holding an official rabbinic position, but rather being the one who resolved difficult halachic questions and delivered sermons to the public.

Rabbi Zamir Cohen - What Happened During the Remarkable Dream Encounter Between Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and the Ben Ish Chai? Watch:

5. In his sermons, the 'Ben Ish Chai' would blend stories and moral teachings. He aimed his words at all layers of society and often used fables, stories, and riddles, captivating listeners to hear words of Torah.

6. Among his notable followers were: Rabbi Yehuda Petaya, Rabbi Salman Mutzafi, Rabbi Salman Eliyahu, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul, Rabbi Efraim HaKohen, and Rabbi Yehoshua Scharbani.

7. Rabbi Yosef Chaim wrote over 200 works, but only 53 were published. These writings cover all areas of Torah and reflect his extensive knowledge in science, medicine, astronomy, physics, and economics. Unfortunately, many of his works were stolen from his home after his death during the shiva, and some were lost in a flood that swept through Baghdad.

8. Many of Rabbi Yosef Chaim's books are associated with Benaiah ben Jehoiada, the army commander of King Solomon. This is because during his visit to Israel, he prayed at the grave of Benaiah ben Jehoiada and was then revealed many kabbalistic secrets. This is why he named his books for the verse about this righteous man: "Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, the Ben Ish Chai, was a man of many deeds from Kabzeel."

9. The 'Ben Ish Chai' composed over 200 piyyutim (liturgical poems), with about 50 known to us and the rest in manuscript. His most famous poem is: 'VeAmartem Ko LeChai' in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. This piyyut was composed in Israel at the gravesite of Rashbi, and it has been embraced by Jewish communities worldwide.

How Did the Ben Ish Chai Escape Death at Age 7? Discover the Compelling Life Story of Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad. Watch a captivating video about his life, deeds, and remarkable character, courtesy of "BeChagvey HaSelah":

10. The 'Ben Ish Chai' frequently emphasized the Holy Land in his sermons and was deeply concerned for the well-being of its inhabitants. He regularly sent his books to be printed in Jerusalem to support the local populace's livelihood. He also insisted that all funds collected for the Land of Israel reached their destination via emissaries from Israel and frequently contributed from his wealth, encouraging community patrons to build in Israel. Due to his influence, the wealthy Joseph Abraham donated his entire fortune to establish the Porat Yosef Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Old City.

The 'Ben Ish Chai' himself acquired a home and field in the Land of Israel to observe land-dependent commandments and appointed his adopted son and beloved student, Rabbi Ben Zion Mordechai Chazan, who also published his books, to purchase land from the waqf. Due to purchasing land from the waqf, Rabbi Chazan suffered harassment from Arabs and had to flee back to Baghdad.

Rabbi Zamir Cohen presents a special fable from the 'Ben Ish Chai.' Don’t miss it:

A Special Message for the Month of Elul, from the 'Ben Ish Chai'

The 'Ben Ish Chai' in the Room of Maran

A Special Merit from the 'Ben Ish Chai' for the 25th of Elul

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