Hacham Nissim Haim Moshe Modai was born in Izmir, Turkey. Learned in Torah and in the rulings by sages of ancient times, he presided over Izmir's rabbinic court.
Hacham Nissim Haim Moshe Modai passed away on 26 Iyar, 5651 (1891). He authored the following books: Drisha M'Haim – sermons on various topics, and Meimar Haim – Responsa, printed in Hacham Haim Modai's book, Haim L'Olam.