A Short Tribute

Hacham David Zakut, son of Mazal Tov, was born in Modena, Italy, circa 1778. He was appointed Rabbi of the Modena community in 1849.

Hacham David Zakut delved into the laws governing ritual circumcision and studied its medical aspects. He wrote several halakhic works on the topic, based on the anatomical and medical knowledge of his times.

Hacham David Zakut also focused on educational issues and was against assimilation; he sought to reconcile the science and culture of his day with the principles of Jewish faith.

Hacham David Zakut passed away on 29 Iyar, 5625 (1865) and was buried in Modena. He is the author of Zecher David – sermons on the Torah, and a book on ethics, Limudei Hashem.