A Short Tribute

Hacham Yitzhak Molcho, son of Abraham, was born circa 1721 in Salonica. While still a young man, he was appointed rabbi of the Sicilian Jews living in Salonica. He developed a reputation as a fiery preacher with outstanding abilities and was well-loved by his public. Despite his devotion to his community, he would not hesitate to reprimand even its wealthier members when the situation called for it.

Hacham Yitzchak Molcho passed away on 28 Iyar 5541 (1781) during a local epidemic. He authored two works: Orchot Yashar was first printed anonymously in Salonica in 1769; his sons had a second edition printed in 1791 in which the author's name appeared. Zoveakh Toda, his second book, concerns halakha on ritual slaughter according to Salonica customs.