Torah Study
The Sephardic Jewish sages studied and taught Torah, delving into all aspects of the Torah, in Midrash and Halacha. They knew that everyone had a part and believed that Derekh Eretz (common decency) preceded the Torah. We have gathered from the words of their Torah in order to learn and teach.
Hacham Abraham Bittan - in which he teaches that by being together in peace and brotherhood, they will all be learned in Torah
Hacham Abraham Corkidi - , in which he teaches that the principal aspect of the commandment to write Torah scrolls concerns writing books used for study
Hacham Abraham Dayan - in which he admonishes a person who studies Torah but ignores its commandments
Hacham Avraham Azulai - in which he teaches that the Torah is like a mirror, in which each sees according to his own form
Hacham Eliyahu Benamozegh - in which he teaches to respect human wisdom and to apply it in Torah study.
Hacham Eliyahu Hatzarfati - in which he teaches of the superior wisdom of Torah scholars who drink wine
Hacham Eliyahu Lavi - in which he teaches that the transgressor's repair is through Torah, which distances the evil inclination
Hacham Eliyahu Sham'a Halevy - in which he warns those who have attained Torah not to descend to scorn towards those who have not
Hacham Eliyahu Yitzhak Hazan - in which he teaches that not even a Halachic matter should be recounted during the Torah Reading
Hakham Abraham Halevi - in which he teaches that it is not respectful for a Torah scroll to be left on its own, and appropriate that three be standing
Hacham Baruch Toledano - in which he teaches that Torah's value depends on fulfilling the commandments concerning man and his brethren
Hacham Binyamin Mekiketz Didi - in which he teaches that the value of studying with others is similar to that of prayer in community, and advises not to study as though one is a destitute person
Hacham David Papo - in which he teaches that hearing Torah from sages is preferable to studying from books
Hacham David Sabbah - in which he interprets “A Woman of Valor” in terms of the obligation to wear tzitzit [ritual fringed garment] which she undertakes of her own desire and will
Hacham David Zakut - in which he teaches that the name of Heaven becomes beloved by those who are pleasant with people
Hacham Hai Moise di Picciotto - in which he replies to Maimonides on the matter of Torah scholars who depend on others for their income
Hacham Haim Yosef David Azoulai - in which he teaches that vowel symbols are not written in Torah scrolls to allow people to propose different interpretations
Hacham Hezekiah Shabtai - in which he teaches that one working for his livelihood who reads the Shema is considered as studying Torah
Hacham Jacob Sasportas - in which he teaches to pursue truth, and to not be ashamed of making mistakes
Hacham Joseph Ergas - in which he teaches that not all intellects are identical, and that one should teach students to ask questions themselves
Hacham Joseph Nachmias - in which he explains how “Thou shalt not kill” applies to teachers whose mouths remains closed and to those who are not teachers yet open their mouths…
Hacham Yaakov Chaim Sofer - in which he explains "increase peace in the world" in that they teach Aggadah to the public
Hacham Yaakov Elmaliach - in which he teaches not to withhold one's interpretations and commentary but to share them for the public's benefit
Hacham Yaakov Hacohen Tarab - in which he teaches to submit body and soul in hiring a tutor for children of paupers at one's own expense.
Hacham Yehuda Alkalai - in which he says that each soul of the People of Israel holds one of the Torah's letters.
Hacham Yehuda Leon Ashkenazi - in which he teaches that one does not acquire the Law of Moses without accepting Abraham's attributes
Hacham Yihya Moshe Abudi - in which he teaches that one's study is difficult, for the countenance of his master is not kindly
Hacham Yitzhak Eliyahu Laniado - in which he teaches that an angel visits the embryo and teaches him, "having all goodly things of his master's in his hand".
Hacham Yitzhak Molcho - in which he teaches how to fulfill the mitzvah of "writing down this poem" by purchasing a book on morals
Hacham Yom Tov Algazi - , in which he teaches that when one arrives in this world, what one's soul received in Sinai is renewed.
Hacham Yosef Haim Illouz - in which he praises his father, who treated his students as friends while serving as an example to them.
Hacham Yosef Kapach - in which he replies that the learning of a craft is to be valued as much as is Torah study
Hacham Yosef Massass - in which he explains how Torah scholars cause poverty to their sons by having them not become scholars.
Hacham Yoseph Elmaliakh - in which he exempts Torah scholars who are not idle from all types of taxes
Hacham Yoseph Rubin Elkabelah - in which he teaches to afford people with humility the merit of teaching Torah, because they do not ever get angry with students
Hacham Khalifa Ben Malka - in which he expresses his misgivings about the ancient custom of the Tikkun when it is not properly fulfilled
Hacham Levi Sa'adia Nahmani - in which he teaches that the Torah is similar to a path that changes with every step you take forward
Hacham Machluf Idan - in which he teaches us to gather strength against one's inclination and study in poverty, and so attain delight and pleasure
Hacham Meir Yonah - in which he warns Torah scholars to remain humble and not be prideful among their colleagues
Hacham Moshe Alshich Hakadosh - in which he teaches that one's grasp of Torah is one's "tikun" and passion
Hacham Moshe Dayyan - in which he teaches that Scripture should not be learned like a mere song without comprehension
Hacham Moshe Dayyan - in which he teaches that a friend's wife is to be considered as is the friend, and one should rise before her, out of respect for her husband
Hacham Mullah Mattityah Garji - in which he recounts how he was privileged to see the countenance of the old rabbi of Izmir and receive his blessing.
Hacham Nissim Hacohen Rabin - in which he teaches that one is not to benefit from one's [yirat shamayim] reverence of the Almighty by imposing oneself on others
Hacham Allwan Shimon Avidani - in which he interprets the verse "But they that wait for the LORD shall renew their strength"
Hacham Ezra Attiah - in which he teaches that as one becomes wiser, one discovers the clear language for simple folk
Hacham Ovadia Hadiah - in which he explains that simple interpretations are preferred by the Holy One, blessed be He
Hacham Wobasht Ayetgav - in which he teaches that in order to fulfill "and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children" one must fulfill "and [thou] shalt talk of them".
Hacham Rachamim Hayuta Hacohen - in which he teaches that the purpose is to act or to teach – to know how to teach and how to act
Hacham Rakhamim Melamed Hacohen - in which he teaches that a rabbi who takes bribes decrees strife on the People of Israel
Hacham Raphael Ankawa (Ankaoua) - in which he notes that according to the law, learning Torah without a head-covering is permitted
Hacham Raphael Berdugo - in which he teaches that "Torah is his craft" refers to those who study during the entire time when they are not engaged in their craft
Hacham Raphael Elashvili - in which he that all [the people] of Israel merit to study Torah, as they have a share in the World to Come.
Hacham Raphael Yaakov Hakak - in which he reprimands those who are devoted to God and his Teachings but act as though they do not see the public's situation
Hacham Chalom Messas - in which he teaches that a person lacking humility, even if he is a Torah scholar, is not beloved by the Almighty
Hacham Samuel Isaac Modigliano - in which he teaches that one who speaks the truth is greater than one who is learned in Torah, for faith preserves good attributes
Hacham Shem Tob Gaguine - in which he teaches that the kedusha ritual was instituted so that the People of Israel would all be involved in Torah
