Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer

Years: 1870–1939

Primary city: Jerusalem

Biography

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, known by the title Kaf HaChaim after his multi-volume halachic work, was a Sephardi rabbi, kabbalist, Talmudist, posek, and sofer. Born in Baghdad, he later settled in Jerusalem and studied under Rabbi Yosef Chaim and Rabbi Abdallah Somech, becoming associated with the Bet El and Shoshanim LeDavid yeshivot. His major work, Kaf HaChaim on Orach Chaim and parts of Yoreh Deah, preserves Baghdad minhagim within a comprehensive synthesis of halacha and kabbalah.

Works

  • Kaf HaChaim
  • Yagel Yaakov
  • Yismach Yisrael
  • Chaim ad HaOlam

Explore the full interactive rabbinic map →