Torah Study
The Sephardic Jewish sages studied and taught Torah, delving into all aspects of the Torah, in Midrash and Halacha, in plain and secret. They knew that everyone had a part and believed that Derekh Eretz (the way of the land) 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 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 Moshe Dayyan - in which he teaches that Scripture should not be learned like a mere song without comprehension
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
