A Short Tribute
Hacham Yitzhak Shreim, son of Hacham Yosef, was born in the city of Aleppo, known then as Aram Tzova, in 1798 and is one of its eminent and celebrated sages. He dedicated most of his time to public welfare and devoted his wealth to supporting Torah establishments and charitable institutions, and to publishing his writings.
Hacham Yitzhak Shreim passed away on 15 Tishrei 5633 (1873), during the festival of Sukkoth, and was buried in the Burial Cave for the Righteous in Aram Tzova.
Hacham Yitzhak Shreim authored numerous books on the Torah, including: Be'er Yitzhak – on the Torah, Hadar 'Ezer – on the Prophets and the Writings, Likutim Mi'Pardess – on the Torah, Likutie Amarim and Mussar Hachamim – CHAZA"L on the Torah and Pi Ha'Be'er – a commentary on the RE"EM [Rabbi Eliyahu Mizrahi, 1455 – 1525].
A few quotes from the Rabbi on 'Tzedakah and Healing' in which he teaches to be patient with the poor, and to always listen when they speak
One should use one's wealth for charitable action, and provide food and drink for the poor to the best of one's ability, limiting spending for themselves and giving to the poor, and providing oneself with a small full yet full measure of satisfaction. In this way one comes to merit the World to Come… Aside from doing charitable acts for the poor, one must also be patient with them, listen to all they say and grieve together with them about their misery. One must attend to them the entire time they speak, and not say, "You have said enough, I have understood all you mean"; they should be cherished as are sons speaking before their fathers, and the longer they speak, the more one should be pleased…"
Mussar Hachamim, pp. 19-20, Machon HaKetav Publishing, Jerusalem, 1987
