A Short Tribute
Hacham Yehuda Even Denan, son of Eliyahu, was born in 1880 in Fes, Morocco. He was an outstanding Torah scholar, who lived a pure and frugal life and maintained God-fearing ways.
Hacham Yehuda Even Denan taught at the Em Habanim Talmud Torah.
He passed away on 12 Tevet, 5720 (1960) and was buried in Fes.
Hacham Yehuda Even Denan authored and published four books: VeZot HaTorah – sermons on Tractate Avot, Lechem Yehuda – sermons on the weekly Torah reading portions, Minchat Yehuda – sermons on the Torah reading portions, and Noda' BiYehuda – a collection of sermons.
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Tzedakah and Healing' in which he teaches that the wealthy are like funnels used to fill empty vessels
"Speak to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the people of Israel and say to them" that "The LORD bless you and protect you" - those who give a tithe to the priest and a tithe to the poor. "Bless you" by channeling great wealth to you. This indicates that the wealthy are like funnels into which the heavens pour generously, in order that they fill empty vessels – the poor on earth below. Should there be any obstruction below that prevents channeling plenty to the poor, the heavens will no longer pour forth, but should the hand be open – it being the bottom aperture – the channel that funnels plenty rushing down from above will even be widened.
Minhat Yehuda, p. 44, Mas'oud Charbitte and Amram Hazzan Printing, Fes, 1935
