A Short Tribute

Hacham Eliyahu Sham'a Halevy, son of Hacham Joseph, was born in Aram Tzova, now known as Aleppo, Syria.

He was a learned and venerable individual, known for his charitable deeds. As Mara D'Atra, he stood at the head of two communities in Aleppo; the ancient community that preceded the expulsion from Spain and the Francos community that arrived in Aram Tzova after the expulsion.

In 1814 an epidemic broke out in Aram Tzova, and Hacham Sham'a Halevi become ill. He passed away on 11 Iyar, 1814 and was buried in the burial cave for Tzaddikim adjacent the Great Synagogue of Aleppo.

His son collected his original commentary in two books, entitled Korban Moshe – containing Responsa, Maimonides and sermons, and Machshirei Milah – on circumcision.