A Short Tribute
Hacham Abraham Dayan, son of Hacham Yishaiah, was born in the city of Aleppo, Syria. Hacham Abraham Dayan was one of Aleppo's most prominent rabbis in the 19th century and served as head of its Musta'arabi congregation. Musta'arbim is the name given to Jews who lived in Arab countries prior to the Jews' expulsion from Spain.
Hacham Abraham Dayan lived in great hardship and poverty. He spared himself the expense of having his books published. In his introduction to his book Shir Chadash, he writes of his journey to Safed – which proved to be disappointing – in search of a printing press that would be less expensive than those in Aleppo. The books he wrote include: Shir Chadash – on the Psalms; Zichron Nefesh – reprimand and morals; Po'el Tzedek – Responsa; Veyosef Avraham – Responsa; Tuv Ta'am – morals and sermons on the Bible and Mishna.
Hacham Abraham Dayan considered his wise sons as his successors and even introduced their Halachic thought in his books of Responsa.
Hacham Abraham passed away on 17 MarHeshvan 5636 (1876) and was buried in Aleppo.
