The Rabbi Who Defied Tyrants: The Life and Legacy of the Radbaz

From Spain to Egypt: A Scholar in Exile

Rabbi David ben Zimra, known as the Radbaz, was just 13 years old when the Spanish Expulsion devastated the Jewish community. Refusing to convert, his family fled to Fez, Morocco. From there, the young Radbaz traveled to Egypt to study in the great yeshiva of Cairo. Later, he learned in Jerusalem and Tzfat, earning a reputation as one of the preeminent halachic (Jewish legal) authorities of his generation.

For forty years, the Radbaz led Egyptian Jewry as its chief rabbi. But unlike many in his position, he refused to live off communal charity. Instead, he supported himself through the grain trade by buying from Egyptian farmers and shipping massive quantities to Venice. This brought him both wealth and independence, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to Torah.

Thousands of halachic questions reached him from across the Jewish world, even when he walked through the streets. He once described how people would hand him written inquiries, and he would tuck them into his turban or cloak until he returned home to study and respond.

A Price for Principles

Later in life, the Radbaz yearned to return to the Holy Land. He moved to Jerusalem, where the local scholars pleaded with him to become the city’s chief rabbi. Though he agreed, he did so on one condition: he would take no salary. “I already have enough,” he said. “But if the Ottoman authorities come after me, seeking bribes or imposing fines, the community must take responsibility.”

The community accepted his condition. Unfortunately, the danger he foresaw soon became reality.

Because the Radbaz ruled without fear or favoritism, certain corrupt individuals slandered him before the Ottoman rulers. The local governor’s officer, called the kahiya, arrived at his home and launched a full investigation into his finances and leadership. Soldiers were sent to arrest him in chains.

In court, the Radbaz was questioned aggressively: “Why have you not come to greet the authorities during your year and a half here?” they asked. “Surely you are hiding something.”

He calmly replied: “It is our custom to visit our Torah sages, not political officials.”

This enraged the governor, who demanded the Radbaz either endure a public flogging or pay a massive fine of sixty perachim, an exorbitant amount.

The Community’s Betrayal and the Radbaz’s Response

The Radbaz turned to the community leaders, reminding them of their promise to cover such expenses. After all, it was local slander that had triggered the investigation.

But the leaders tried to dodge responsibility. “Maybe you should have chosen the beating instead,” they suggested.

Outraged, the Torah world turned to Rabbi Moshe of Trani (the Mabit), one of the greatest sages of the era. He rebuked the community sharply: How dare they speak this way about their own rabbi? Instead of mourning his public humiliation, they questioned his choices?

Disappointed by the betrayal and unwilling to endure more, the Radbaz left Jerusalem and settled in Tzfat. There, he spent his final years immersed in Torah alongside the likes of Rabbi Yosef Karo, the Arizal, the Mabit, and other giants of the generation.

A Life That Lit the Way

The Radbaz passed away at the age of ninety. He was buried near the Arizal in Tzfat, alongside the Mabit. His legacy lives on in thousands of responsa, halachic rulings, and the fearless example he set for generations to come.