ב"ה
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Monday, May 25, 2026

Halachic Times (Zmanim)
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Jewish History

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.

Daily Thought

Sometimes you look at yourself in the mirror and you feel unqualified. You know yourself, your failures and your faults, and you don't feel like you could be a model for others.

You say, "I should teach others? I should provide guidance?!"

So we tell you, “Yes. Because that is your place upon this planet: We live in a time when all those who know Alef must teach Alef and those who know what comes after Alef must teach that too.”

“And G‑d Above, who formed you and put you in the here and now, He knows who you are and how you are and what you are capable of accomplishing. If He believes in you, you must as well.”

Teach others and become great.

13 Tamuz 5736:4.