15 TEVET 13. This explains why confusion and distractions are called TeHiLaH, as it is written, “All His angels he charges with TaHaLaH (folly [i.e., confusion])” (Job 4:18) – because they all come precisely at the time of praise (TeHiLaH) and prayer. [These distractions attack a person during his prayers] for one of two reasons. The first possibility is that they come to be rectified – since now is the time for this [i.e., when a person is praying with proper concentration], and these distracting thoughts contain certain holy sparks which are in need of rectification (also see above, Lesson #26). Another possibility is that these thoughts come to distract a person from his prayers because he is not fit to pray. A person needs to strive with enormous energy to overcome the confusion and extraneous thoughts that attack him at the time of prayer. For all the foolish and inane thoughts that a person entertains now and then, and all the mental confusion that a person experiences at various points throughout the day, all come to him precisely when he is praying. It is just then that they all sound themselves off, and they confuse a person’s thoughts precisely when he is praying; they occur to him specifically at that time. Therefore, one must invest enormous effort and energy into overcoming these thoughts and distractions. Complete with all these extraneous thoughts, the prayers then come to the tzaddikim to be elevated, as expressed in the verse, “For the sake of My praise, I will restrain (eChToM) My anger for you” (Isaiah 48:3). For all prayers come to the tzaddik, who is associated with Mashiach, and Mashiach, in turn, is associated with the nose (ChoTeM), as in the verse, “The breath of our nostrils, the anointed one (mashiach) of God” (Lamentations 4:20). [The underlying connection is that] “Mashiach will judge by his sense of smell” (Sanhedrin 93b), as in, “He [Mashiach] will breathe of the fear of God” (Isaiah 11:3); and [“the fear of God” alludes to] prayers, as in, “The fear of God, that is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). For the tzaddik smells and senses in the prayers he receives from people the spiritual state of each and every one of them as he is – since each person’s confusion and distractions are contained within his prayers.

A Short Tribute
Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen was born in 1874 (5634) to Hacham Shalom Hacohen and his wife Tarki on the island of Djerba in the south of Tunisia. He studied with his father and with Hacham Yosef Berreby, who was subsequently appointed Chief Rabbi of Tunisia. In 1891, at the age of 17, he moved to the town of Zarzis and was appointed to the position of ritual slaughterer. In 1895 he married his cousin Mas'ida and they had two sons and four daughters. He later suffered from an illness that damaged his eyesight.

Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen returned to Djerba to continue his studies but his damaged eyesight now made studying more difficult. He refused to fill rabbinic positions for many years, but in 1917, when Hacham Moshe Zaqen Mazouz passed away, he agreed to replace him and was appointed to the Djerba Bet Din [rabbinic court]. He served as head of the rabbinic tribunal from 1935 until his death.

Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen instated many important takanoth [communal bylaws] and was vigilant about religious observance throughout the island of Djerba. He held classes on Mishna and posqim [Halachic decisors] in his home every Sabbath and provided his pupils with the tools for halachic ruling. The Hacham was renowned for his modesty and for his identification with the poor of the community. He even avoided eating meat on weekdays and categorically refused to benefit from the special status of his public positions.

He was among the founders of the Atereth Zion movement in 1919 that promoted Aliyah to the Land of Israel and supported institutions in the Yishuv [pre-state Israel] and Hebrew language instruction. Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen also purchased a dunam of land [1/4 acre] in Jerusalem's Beit Hakerem neighborhood. In his essay Geulat Moshe he presents detailed propositions as to the structure of the future State of Israel. The Hacham corresponded with the British Supreme Commissioner and maintained ongoing correspondence with the world leaders of the Zionist movement. When the state was eventually established, he ruled that Israel's Independence Day be made a three-day celebration in Djerba.

In 1943 the Nazis invaded Djerba. Although the Nazis were beaten, the war had a negative impact on Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen's health. He sent his son Shushan to Tunis in 1949 to obtain the certificates required for immigration but the degeneration of his health prevented his Aliyah to Israel.

Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen wrote some 40 works, several of which were published during his lifetime and some posthumously, while others still remain in manuscript form. His famous and important works include: Responsa Shoel and Nishal in 9 volumes, Brit Kehuna - 4 volumes of innovations on the Shulchan Aruch and a collection of Jewish customs, Darash Yaacov – an anthology of sermons, and Yad Moshe, on the Torah.

Hacham Kalphon Moshe Hacohen passed away on 18 Shevat 5710 (1950) on a Sabbath day and was buried in Djerba. His remains were brought to Israel 55 years after his death, where he was buried in Jerusalem's Har Hamenukhot cemetery on 7 Heshvan 5765 (2005).

A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Love of Israel' in which he teaches not to ignore argument but to eliminate it entirely
There is no trait characteristic to the People of Israel as good as the one of amity and, by contrast, no characteristic as bad as argument. Should one note any disagreement with another, it is not fitting to ignore it or to continue arguing and disagreeing. The right thing to do is to seek out the cause and to remove it entirely…
This is how our father Abraham acted… His shepherds were certainly well-bred, and the major cause of the quarreling and fighting no doubt originated with Lot's shepherds. Nevertheless, Abraham did not quarrel with him about this, nor did he ignore it. He sought out the root and reason for the quarrel so that they could go to live different territories.
Darkei Moshe, p. 4a, David Idan Press, Djerba, 1935
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Customs of Israel' the custom clearly being that ritual circumcisers take no fee.
It is the custom that circumcisers take no fee for circumcision and that they vie with one another for the privilege. Many of them even go from one town to another, where there is no circumciser, and take no fee aside from travel expenses. The more meticulously observant ones among them even pay the travel expenses out their own pockets.
Brit Kehuna Hashalem, p. 277b, 1940
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Tzedakah and Healing' in which he clarifies [the prophesy that] that the liberation of Zion will take place through the judgement of nations, but the return to it through charity
What is said in the verse, "Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and they that return by righteousness" suggests that Zion was redeemed by First World War, when an explicit judgement and law issued by all nations decreed that it [Zion] was to be given to the Nation of Israel, "justice" referring to the judgement issued by the nations. "They that return" – meaning the return and ingathering of the exiles – will, however, take place through charity, that is, merit and good deeds… We must each try to make a vigilant effort to avoid sin and to increase in good deeds, charity in particular, so that we may hope and expect to deserve that the declaration about to be issued by the heads of nations will favor the people of Israel and the ingathering of the exiles.
Torah Vehaim: entry on redemption, pp. 72-74, Hai Haddad Press, 1963
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Israel and the Nations' in which he teaches not to ignore argument but to eliminate it entirely
It is fitting and correct that we recognize the value of humankind, God created man in His image. Conflict between human creatures is also inappropriate, whether between an Israelite and his Israelite brethren, or between an Israelite and a Christian, or between an Israelite and an Ishmaelite. For as concerns universal reconciliation and being humane, we are all brothers, whereas where religion and law are concerned they are to do as they wish, and we are to follow the written, oral and holy Torah transmitted in God's name. Also, no government can access anything that concerns spirit, they can judge only the physical body, and have therefore permitted us to act according to the Torah and its commandments.
Darkei Moshe, p. 4a, David Idan Press, Djerba, 1935
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Redemption of Israel' according to which it is not enough to establish a national homeland; the redemption of Zion is in the ingathering of the exiles.
The Torah clarifies that there are two returns: The first – that the Almighty shall return our captives and take mercy upon us; the second – that the Almighty will gather the scattered and distant ones among us from all the nations among which the Lord had us dispersed. And that He will bring us to the land inherited by our forefathers, and will reward us and make us more numerous than our forefathers. Now, we have been privileged in our times with the first return. The Lord, in his mercy, instilled in the hearts of the enlightened great rulers that there no longer be injustice and oppression, subjugation and slavery, for the entire House of Israel in the Diaspora, and also that the Land of Israel be returned to us – our Land and our forefathers' legacy, Zion the city of our festivals – as a national homeland for the nation of Israel, and all of our brethren who live there have obtained the privilege of citizenship in the Land…
The Lord will yet return, to act a second time by gathering the remaining dispersion of Israel with the coming of the Redeemer to Zion.
Darkei Moshe, pp.235 – 237, David Idan Press, Djerba, 1935
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Traditions of the Fathers' explaining that a son is to attend to his father's bidding whatever the father's rank
We should always keep a careful watch on the education of our children and household members so as to guide and direct them in keeping with Torah and the commandments, so that they follow in God's way and always be just and charitable… not only during our life… before losing our strength, we should instruct our children to follow the ways of God. For it is highly commendable that every person fulfill his father's directives and legacy, and always follow his advice, even if his father is the least of persons of the lowest rank.
Darkei Moshe, p. 5, David Idan Press, Djerba, 1935

A Short Tribute
Madam Frecha-Flora Sassoon was born to Aziza and Yehezkel Abraham Gabay in 1859, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. The Sassoons were a family of merchants and businesspeople who reached India from Iraq. The Sassoons, being very wealthy, were sometimes referred to as the Rothschilds of the East. Madam Frecha-Flora Sassoon was educated by private tutors and the Baghdadi community’s rabbis, and attended a Catholic school. By the age of 17, she had mastered Jewish texts and seven languages.

In 1876, she married her uncle, Mr. Sliman Sasson, who ran many of the Sassoon family ventures. The couple had three children: David Sliman, Rachel, and Mazal-Tov.

In 1894, her husband died and she undertook the entire operation of the family's business. During the 1896 plague epidemic in India she provided financial support for Mordecai Zeev Havkin, who developed vaccines against plague and cholera, and helped save many lives. She was also active in the anti-purdah movement that fought the attempt to impose complete veiling of women's bodies, including their faces and, in some cases, their eyes as well. In 1901 she moved to London, where she hoped to obtain medical treatment for her daughter, Mazal-Tov. Whenever she traveled, she would be accompanied by ten men, so she could pray with a minyan, and a shochet as well, to ensure that she would have kosher food.

In 1910 she visited Baghdad with two of her children, David Sliman and Rachel. Her trip included official meetings with the Walli of Baghdad, with Hacham Ezra Danghoor – Chief Rabbi of Baghdad, and with Hacham Yosef Haim, the son of the Ben Ish Hai. During her stay she read the Torah in the synagogue from a Torah scroll that one of the Sassoon family heads had donated.

Following the Balfour Declaration, Madam Frecha-Flora Sassoon supported the plan to establish a Jewish state. She also supported and provided guarantees for Jewish refugees who sought to reach England. She visited in Jerusalem in 1925 with her son, David Sliman.

With the help of her daughter Rachel, who remained in India, Madam Frecha-Flora Sassoon located and collected manuscripts written by Jews from the Orient. Today, the Sassoon collection is one of the more important sources for the research of manuscripts pertaining to Jewish Studies. Madam Frecha-Flora Sassoon was an expert in Oriental Jewish manuscripts, in Midrash, and in Sephardi customs and halakhic practice, and corresponded with Hacham Yosef Haim, known as the Ben Ish Hai, on halakhic issues and additional topics.

Madam Frecha-Flora Sassoon passed away on 9 Tevet, 5696 (1936) and was buried on the Mount of Olives cemetery. Her articles were published in the Jewish Forum journal.



A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Love of Israel' in which she teaches that a woman is not like the surplus amounts of the Incense Offering, who might be honored as a chairperson once in seventy years
First, I offer my deep thanks to the Beit HaMidrash L'Darshanim committee for their great honor in electing me as Chairperson of the Annual Meeting. I have been told that since the founding of this institution, it has been unheard of that a woman be honored as Chairperson. This is perhaps because it says "I have found no woman among all these", or because you recite "Who hath not made me a woman" in your daily prayers. If so, I find it puzzling that you have honored me as Chairperson. Perhaps this is according to what it says in Tractate Kritot, page 6b, that "Once in sixty or seventy years the surplus would reach half the amount" (a reference to the Incense Offering). For, to your mind, men are the basis and principle of the human species, and woman are only the surplus, something extra and inessential. Just as the incense made of the surplus once in sixty or seventy years was legitimate, so you must have said: This Beit Midrash was founded seventy years ago, and was always chaired by men – they are the essence, and now, once in seventy years, the time has come to give the honor to a woman, one of the gender that is considered as surplus and not essential. I harbor no grudge toward you for the honor you have bestowed upon me, far from it; I rejoice that you have, once in seventy years, also honored a woman. Nevertheless, I will have you note that this fact is not a good sign… Hear me, o teachers and pupils, I hereby reveal to you that you have not entirely erred. I am for the LORD, I love the Torah with all my soul and labor at it, and I lead my children, as well, in the way of Torah.

Y. K. Herzog, Imrei Yoel, C, Sermon of the Great Rabbanit Madam Frecha Sassoon, p. 204-205, Express Printing, London, 1930

A Short Tribute
Hakham Yaakov Hacohen (Maslaton) Tarab, son of Yoseph, was born in Damascus, Syria. His wife was named Rosa.

Hakham Yaakov Hacohen Tarab became renowned for his devotion to Torah, and was proficient in its explicit and concealed aspects as well as in Halakhic and Aggadic literature. His custom was to rise at midnight to study in Hakham Haim Vital's study house.

Hakham Yaakov Hacohen Tarab officiated as Av Bet Din in Beirut and was known for the sermons he gave on Sabbaths and Festivals.

Hakham Yaakov Hacohen Tarab passed away 22 Tevet, 5682 (1923). He authored the following books: Dvar Tov, Beit Ya'akov – sermons on diverse topics and, following his decease, his descendants published additional manuscripts of his in She'erit Yaakov – sermons and innovations on Maimonides.

A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Traditions of the Fathers' in which he points out hidden meanings in A Song for the Sabbath Day that embellish honoring one's father and mother
"Above the thunder of mighty waters, more majestic than the breakers of the sea is the LORD, majestic on high. Your decrees are indeed enduring; holiness befits Your house, O LORD, for all times." 'Above the thunder of mighty waters' – was meant to say: 'from the voice of Torah'. A notarikon [acronym] for 'from the voice' –from the voice of Torah, that is likened to waters, as has been said: Ho, all who are thirsty, come for water'– can be found in 'more majestic than the breakers of the sea is the LORD, majestic on high' that spells out the [Hebrew] initials of 'my mother and my father', meaning that one honors one's father and mother to merit the World to Come. When is it most fitting and becoming to do so? On the Sabbath day, entitled 'sacredness', and by so doing one also gains the merit of long life.
Dvar Tov, p. 163, Jerusalem, 1914
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Tzedakah and Healing' in which he teaches not to let your inclination chill you on your way to doing charity, and smite the hindmost of thee
…"how, undeterred by fear of God, he met you on the way, when you were famished and weary, and cut down the stragglers in your rear". 'How he met you by the way' hints at the commandment of charity, since it is known that the word 'way' is a term for charity, as Scripture says, ' that they may keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice'. Thus it is always; the more important a commandment, the more does the evil inclination seduce a person to avoid it…
This is what 'how he met you on the way' means – that it chills you on the way, the way referring to the commandment of charity ['met' and 'chill' in Hebrew share the same letters]; he cut down the stragglers in your rear' – 'stragglers' is to be read as those who lag behind in this commandment will be pursued. The entire claim of the evil inclination rests on saying that 'you were famished and weary' – you were made faint and weary for scant earnings, and others will come and to take them with ease.
Dvar Tov, p. 34b, Jerusalem, 1914
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Torah Study' in which he teaches to submit body and soul in hiring a tutor for children of paupers at one's own expense.
They said "Be careful with [regard to the education of] the sons of paupers as from them Torah will issue forth" – happy are they and happy is their lot. On this basis, every wise person will act judiciously and devote his body and soul to fulfill this commandment and not spare his wealth, and hire a tutor from his own pocket and wealth to teach children of paupers whose fathers lack their own [wealth] and orphaned sons who have no father to plead on their behalf.
Dvar Tov, p. 34b, Jerusalem, 1914
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Love of Israel' in which he teaches that the half shekel is so that the whole person envision that he is comparable to half a person.
"Reish Lakish said: It was manifestly known to the Master of the Universe, that in the future Haman was going to weigh out shekels against the People of Israel." We learn a moral reprimand from his words, that announce and inform us that in the People of Israel's moments of grace, when they were called 'sons of God' and 'God's Tribe', we were connected and united as one person, with no distancing between our hearts.
The whole person should not imagine that he lacks nothing, whether because of his wisdom or his wealth, and that he requires no assistance from others, for he is mistaken in such thinking - since he is but half a person and is incomplete without his brethren, the other half.
For this reason, our teachers of blessed memory carry the intention of a blessing with this commandment. It is a loud and clear proclamation, as is written: "On the first of the month of Adar a proclamation is made about the shekalim" – meaning that each one is to give half a shekel, symbolizing unity; in so doing each person will give from the heart, and be inspired to be at peace with his brethren. This is what Reish Lakish meant when he said: "It was revealed and known to the Master of the Universe, that in the future Haman was going to weigh out shekels against the People of Israel", meaning, to inform on them about unity, for they are not in unity.
She'erit Yaakov, Sermons, p.35a, Rabbi Haim Zuckerman Press, Jerusalem, 1932
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Redemption of Israel' in which he hints at the permutation of the letters Torah, Sabbath and unity in redemption
"When you take a census of the Sons of Israel" –Moses said to the Holy One, blessed be he: "How will You raise the value of Israel, by redeeming them from amongst the nations, and restoring original splendor? He said to him: "When you take" – the initials of which spell Torah, Sabbath, unity. By dealing in Torah, observing the Sabbath, and through unity, the three mentioned arrangements of letters will unite and everything will be mended, and Israel will speedily be redeemed in our days, amen.
Dvar Tov, p 30b, Jerusalem, 1914
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Customs of Israel' in which he teaches that sounding the charity done on the day of Purim is called holy.
"And it shall be upon Aaron while officiating, so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before the LORD and when he goes out – that he may not die." The word 'sound' indicates charity, which is the gematria [numerological] equivalent of 'monies'. They also said: 'Three sounds gladden, the sound of Torah, the sound of money, and the sound of rains' – charity given on Purim, in particular, as it reveals Mordecai's inspiration … This is what I indicated in: 'And it shall be' – that spell the letters of the Name [in Hebrew]. When will the Name of God be completed, Israel redeemed and Aaron called upon to officiate? At the time that 'the sound of it is heard' – hinting at the sound of Torah and the sound of money, both of which hasten the redemption… in particular 'when he comes into the sanctuary' - by the charity, which is called holiness, done on Purim day. It also hints that He will be charitable with Torah scholars, who are called holy; therefore it is certainly the case that 'he goes out', for they cause us to leave the exile - 'that he may not die'.
Dvar Tov, p.25b, Jerusalem, 1914

The weather is going to be 28 and cloudy.
Have a good day bye Kaliyah

A Short Tribute
Hacham Shlomo Mazouz, son of Hacham Menachem Mazouz, was born in 1908 on the island of Djerba. He officiated as a rabbi and dayan in Djerba. Between 1935 and 1936 he published the Mekatziel journal on original commentary on Halakha and Talmud. He immigrated to Israel in 1956 and settled in Netivot. Once in Israel, he refused to work as a rabbi and made a living running a sewing supplies shop, thus earning the respect of Netivot's residents.

Hacham Shlomo Mazouz had nine children, among whom were Rabbi Yehezkel Mazouz - a rabbi in Netivot, Manny Mazouz – a Supreme Court judge, Yemima Mazouz – legal counsel to the Ministry of Finance and Shula Ben-Zvi – Director of the Israel Land Authority.

His son, Manny Mazouz, testifies that his father was a cultured person with a liberal and tolerant attitude, who held that people are each responsible for their actions and that all people, including his own children, have the right to choose their own direction and shape their own worldview in keeping with their understanding.

Hacham Shlomo Mazouz passed away on 25 Tevet, 5742 (1982).

Hacham Shlomo Mazouz authored many books, including Kerem Shalom – Halakhot governing interest, Hesheq Shlomo, in two parts – original commentary on the Talmud, Sho'el U'Meshiv – Responsa in four parts corresponding to the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, and Kiseh Shlomo – a book of Responsa and original commentary on the Shulchan Aruch.

24 Tevet 5780.
The weather is going 28 and snowing today.
Have a good day!
Kaliyah:)

A Short Tribute
Hacham Hai Moise di Picciotto was the son of Hacham Hillel Haim di Picciotto, who immigrated to Aleppo, Syria from Livorno, Italy in 1732.

The di Picciotto family was a very respected and wealthy family that dealt in commerce and supported charitable institutions. Several members of the Picciotto family served as consuls to various European countries - including Italy, Austria and France - because they were European subjects, had excellent reputations and were known for their outstanding characters.

Hacham Hai Moise di Picciotto learned Torah from his father and from other sages. Writing about himself, he testifies that "Until the age of seventeen I was raised among sages and Talmud teachers" and that he studied with private tutors hired by his father "who went to such great lengths to raise me on Torah and worship, and to find me a master and teacher".

By the age of eighteen he had already begun to deal in commerce which, as he mentions in his book, he regretted.

Hacham Hai Moshe di Picciotto married the daughter of Hacham Mordecai Galante, Chief Rabbi of Aleppo. They were renowned as exceptionally warm and generous hosts.

Hacham Hai Moise di Picciotto passed away on 26 Tevet 5576 (1816) in Syria. Some two years before he died, he managed to have his book of ethics and sermons on Genesis and Exodus, VaYachel Moshe, publishe