A Short Tribute

Hacham Yitzhak Houri, son of Hacham Menachem, was born in 1808 in Djerba, Tunisia. He first learned Torah from his father and from Hacham Yitzhak Haddad.

Hacham Yitzhak Houri officiated as a dayan in Djerba, and is most likely the individual behind Aliyat Rabbi Yitzhak Houri, the famous Djerba yeshiva that housed a large library of important books and where many of the Djerba sages studied.

Hacham Yitzhak Houri is known for having supported Hacham Sassi Hacohen Yonatan, President of the Djerba Rabbinic Court, from childhood. He gave his daughter to him in marriage, and supported them until Hacham Sassi Hacohen Yonatan became president of the rabbinic court. Later in life, his luck turned and he lost his wealth; he moved to Zauia, Libya, to preach Torah.

Hacham Yitzhak Houri passed away on 21 Nissan, 5628 (1868). Hacham Yitzhak Houri wrote various original commentaries on the Torah that can be found in Bnei Shalishim, part of the book entitled Kiryat ‘Arba.