A Short Tribute

Hacham Hisdai Almoshlino was born in 1640 in Tetuan, Morocco. He learned Torah from his teacher Hacham Yitzhak Bibas, with whom he served in the rabbinic court, along with Hacham David Hacohen. In 1698, Hacham Yitzhak Bibas died, and in 1708 Hacham David Hacohen died as well, leaving him the sole rabbinic judge for two years. By 1710 he had five of his students join him in the rabbinic court.

Hacham Hisdai Almoshlino was famous for his miraculous abilities, and Jews and Muslims alike would come to receive his blessing.

Both his sons, Shlomo and Yitzhak, died during the same year, between Passover and Shavuot. Another son was born to him and also named Yitzhak - Hacham Yitzhak Almoshlino - who would eventually be appointed Chief Rabbi of Gibraltar.

Hacham Hisdai Almoshlino lived to a ripe old age and passed away on 4 Kislev, 5488 (1728). He authored two books: Mishmeret HaKodesh – explanations on RASHI's commentary on the Torah, published in Livorno in 1825 after his death, and Hessed El – sermons and commentary, published in 1826.