Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach


Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach

Date of Birth: 5641 (1881)
Date of Death: 14th of Elul, 5721 (1961)
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A Short Tribute

Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach was born to Mazal Tov and Hacham Shmuel in Aram Tsova (Aleppo), Syria, in 1881.

Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach was Hacham Ezra (Kabaz) Hamaoui's student and married his daughter, Jamilla. The couple had two sons and a daughter: Hacham Yitzhak Mordecai of the Magen David yeshiva, Moshe, and Zachia.

Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach immigrated to the United States where he dealt in commerce, served as shochet, and was a leader of the Halabi (Syrian) Jewish community. He was deeply involved in religious matters and was often approached with questions on halachic issues; he did his best to provide answers and helped many on their religious journeys. A pillar of his community, he was known for his righteous ways.

Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach passed away on 14 Elul, 5721 (1961) in New York. He is the author of Va'Issa Yaakov, a book of sermons and responsa.

A few quotes from the Rabbi on Torah Study
in which he teaches not to withhold one's interpretations and commentary but to share them for the public's benefit
"If you have learned a lot of Torah, do not credit it favorably for yourself", meaning: Through rigorous and deep Torah study, you have reached original interpretations; do not keep the original commentary for yourself, but "let your fountains flow forth" and share it for the public benefit.
Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach, Va'Issa Yaakov, p. 10, Jerusalem, 1956 From 'The Daily Sage'
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"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."