Hacham Yeshayahu Joseph Pontremoli


Hacham Yeshayahu Joseph Pontremoli

Date of Birth: (0)
Date of Death: 24th of Av, 5630 (1870)
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A Short Tribute

Hacham Yeshayahu Joseph Pontremoli was born to Leah, the daughter of Hacham Abraham Krispin, and Hacham Haim Binyamin, author of Petah HaDvir, in Izmir.

He learned Torah with the sages of Izmir, in particular from Hacham Moshe Huddada. After achieving a high level of Torah learning, he began to teach, raising many of his students to become the future rabbis and sages of Izmir. He corresponded with the sages of his generation on halakhic issues, and even his father would consult with him on halakhic matters before publishing new rulings.

Hacham Yeshayahu Joseph Pontremoli was blessed with wonderful personal qualities and always spoke carefully and gently, taking great care to avoid idle matters and often choosing to remain silent.

Hacham Yeshayahu Joseph Pontremoli authored several works: Panim BaMishpat - halakhic renewal, on the Torah and on Shulchan Aruch Hoshen Mishpat, and Pnei Yoseph – sermons and original commentary on the Torah and Haphtarot, were printed in Izmir in 1873 and 1880, respectively. Additional books have remained in manuscript form: Melechet HaMelech – on Maimonides, a study method for Tractate Ketubot, and a collection of Responsa, entitled Meshiv Nafshi.

Hacham Yeshayahu Joseph Pontremoli passed away at a young age, while his father was still alive, on 24 Menahem Av, 5630 (1870).

 

"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."