| Today is: Wednesday, Sivan 9, 5772 · May 30, 2012
• Passing of "Kaf Hachaim" (1939)
Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, better known as the Kaf Hachaim (the name of the monumental halachic work which he authored), was born in Baghdad in 1870. In his youth he studied Torah under the Sephardic greats of the times, such as the Ben Ish Chai. In the beginning of the 20th century Rabbi Yaakov Chaim emigrated to the Land of Israel, and settled in Jerusalem. There he became renowned as a great kabbalist as well as a recognized halachic authority. He authored an eight-volume book on Jewish law, with a special focus on Jewish law and customs from a mystical viewpoint. He passed away on the 9th of Sivan in Jerusalem and was buried on the Mount of Olives.
There are three places regarding which the nations of the world cannot accuse Israel and say, "You have stolen them." The Machpeilah Cave in Hebron, as it is written (Genesis 23:16): "And Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver." The Temple Mount in Jerusalem: "So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold" (I Chronicles 21:25). And Joseph's tomb in Shechem: "And [Jacob] bought the piece of land for a hundred kesitah" (Genesis 33:19).
- Midrash Rabbah
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