A Short Tribute

Hacham Rachamim Haim Yehuda Israel, son of Hacham Michael Yaakov, was born on 8 Tammuz 5575 (1815) in Rhodes.

He began his Torah studies with his father, author of Shenot Yamin, and his grandfather, Hacham Yehuda, author of Kol Yehuda.

In 1885, at the age of 70, he began to officiate as Rabbi of Rhodes, replacing Hacham Yitzhak Israel, who had immigrated to the Land of Israel. His sons were also rabbis, and one of them, Hacham Reuben Eliyahu Israel, also served as a rabbi in Rhodes.

Hacham Rachamim Haim Yehuda Israel passed away on 15 Nissan, 5652 (1892) and was buried in Rhodes. His commentary on Tractate Minchot and halakhic Responsa were published in his book, Ben Yamin.