Hacham Yehuda Even Denan


Hacham Yehuda Even Denan

Date of Birth: 5640 (1880)
Date of Death: 12th of Tevet, 5720 (1960)
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A Short Tribute

Hacham Yehuda Even Denan, son of Eliyahu, was born in 1880 in Fes, Morocco. He was an outstanding Torah scholar, who lived a pure and frugal life and maintained God-fearing ways.

Hacham Yehuda Even Denan taught at the Em Habanim Talmud Torah.

He passed away on 12 Tevet, 5720 (1960) and was buried in Fes.

Hacham Yehuda Even Denan authored and published four books: VeZot HaTorah – sermons on Tractate Avot, Lechem Yehuda – sermons on the weekly Torah reading portions, Minchat Yehuda – sermons on the Torah reading portions, and Noda' BiYehuda – a collection of sermons.

A few quotes from the Rabbi on Tzedakah and Hesed
in which he teaches that the wealthy are like funnels used to fill empty vessels

"Speak to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the people of Israel and say to them" that "The LORD bless you and protect you" - those who give a tithe to the priest and a tithe to the poor. "Bless you" by channeling great wealth to you. This indicates that the wealthy are like funnels into which the heavens pour generously, in order that they fill empty vessels – the poor on earth below. Should there be any obstruction below that prevents channeling plenty to the poor, the heavens will no longer pour forth, but should the hand be open – it being the bottom aperture – the channel that funnels plenty rushing down from above will even be widened.

Hacham Yehuda Even Denan, Minhat Yehuda, p. 44, Mas'oud Charbitte and Amram Hazzan Printing, Fes, 1935 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."