Hacham David Halevy Carasso


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A Short Tribute

Hacham David Halevy (the elder), son of Yehuda, was born in Salonica, where he served as President of the Rabbinic Court. Two sons were born to him, Hacham Yehuda and Hacham Samuel. His grandson, also named Hacham David Halevy (the younger), was active during the period that Hacham Raphael Asher Covo officiated as Rabbi of Salonica (1849) and served in the rabbinic court along with Hacham Haim Samuel Gattinio and Hacham Yaacov Menasheh.

Hacham David Halevy Carasso (the elder) passed away on 8 Kislev, 5552 (1792). His book, Yedei David – Responsa on the ‘Arba Torim, was published in Salonica in 1867, thanks to the efforts made by Hacham Yitzhak Ben Yehudah Carasso, and contains Responsa by both the grandfather and the grandson.

A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Israel and the Nations' in which he teaches that concerning laws governing money even the customs of non-Jews are learned by Jews

What was said by our Master and Rabbi Samuel de Medina, that “This custom is learned from foreigners…and we are to follow their custom” clarifies that customs of merchants may annul Halakha. There is always something to learn, even from the widespread customs of non-Jews. See in HaKnesset HaGedola, read Mateh Shimon and read Mekor Baruch, where it is written that in all that concerns laws governing money, custom is foremost and even the customs of non-Jews are learned by Jews.

Yedei David, section 18, p.22a, Sa’adi Halevy, Salonika 1867

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