Hacham Amor Abitbol


Hacham Amor Abitbol

Date of Birth: 5542 (1782)
Date of Death: 1st of Shevat, 5614 (1854)
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A Short Tribute

Hacham Amor Abitbol, son of Shlomo, was born in 1782 in Sefrou, Morocco. In 1798 he married Donna Elbaz and the couple had ten children born to them.

Hacham Amor Abitbol dealt in commerce and would study Torah during the night. He was famous for his hospitality and his home was open to everyone. Hacham Yaakov Abuhatzeira – known as the Abir Yaakov – would be his guest whenever he came to Sefrou from Tafilalt.

Hacham Amor Abitbol corresponded with the sages of his day, including Hacham Yitzhak ben Walid, Hacham Yosef Birdugo, Hacham Amram Elbaz and others. He had many students, including Hacham Moshe Raphael Elbaz, known as the RAM"A.

Hacham Amor Abitbol died on 1 Shevat, 5614 (1854) after a prolonged illness.

Hacham Amor Abitbol wrote extensive explanations and original commentary on the Torah that were published in the following books: Minhat ‘Omer – Responsa, ‘Omer Hatnufa – Commentary on the Torah, ‘Omer Man – Sermons on the weekly Torah Readings, Et HaZmir – missives and poesies, Shirat ‘Omer – commentaries on legends of our sages, Shirat Ha’Omer – poems and liturgical songs.

 

"It is our custom to light a yahrzeit candle in honor of the memory of the Sages, as it is said: “the life breath of man is the lamp of the Lord”. And it is good to add from the light of the Torah to the light of the candle, as it is said “For the commandment is a lamp, the teaching is a light”.

But even a few righteous are also good, and thanks to the sacred Torah and the teachings that Israel will learn in the Sage’s name on the anniversary of his death, the Holy One Blessed be He, will share our part with them, and we will never be ashamed because of our faith in the Holy One Blessed be He, and on his great benevolence and truth will we lean, for He hides his abundant goodness for those who are worthy and revere Him.”

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Rabbi Chananaia son of Akashia stated, God wanted to grant merits to Israel, therefore he gave them many laws and commandments as it states, "Because God wants righteousness he increased the amount of Torah and splendor."