The sage whose name we carry
Who Was the Ben Ish Chai?
Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known by the name of his most famous work, Ben Ish Chai, was one of the greatest Sephardic Torah leaders of the modern era — a halakhic authority, kabbalist and beloved teacher.
A life devoted to Torah
Rabbi Yosef Chaim was born in Baghdad, son of Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim, a respected scholar of the community. From his youth he devoted himself to Torah, studying with Rabbi Abdallah Somech.
After his father’s passing he succeeded him as the community’s preacher, delivering Torah lessons to thousands. He passed away in 1909, and his teachings spread throughout the Sephardic world.
A son of a living man
The title Ben Ish Chai comes from a verse describing Benayahu ben Yehoyada, the valiant man of great deeds. Rabbi Yosef Chaim also named his commentary on the Talmud’s aggadah Ben Yehoyada.
וּבְנָיָהוּ בֶן יְהוֹיָדָע בֶּן אִישׁ חַי רַב פְּעָלִים
“Benayahu the son of Yehoyada, the son of a living man, of great deeds.”
Halakhah, responsa and the depths of Torah
His work Ben Ish Chai presents practical Jewish law arranged around the weekly Torah portions, written so that every Jew could learn and observe. Rav Pe’alim collects his halakhic responsa, and Ben Yehoyada explores the aggadic teachings of the Talmud.
His writings continue to be studied and followed in Sephardic communities around the world to this day.
Carrying his name in Karmiel
Ben Ish Chai Yeshivah & Kollel in Karmiel honors his memory by sustaining Torah learning in the Land of Israel. Your support keeps his spirit of learning and service alive.
The sage whose name we carry
Rabbi Yosef Chaim
of Baghdad, zt״l
1832–1909 · Known as the Ben Ish Chai
Rabbi Yosef Chaim was a revered Torah scholar, halakhic authority, and kabbalist. His influence extended far beyond Baghdad, and his teachings remain deeply cherished in Sephardic communities around the world.
His best-known work, Ben Ish Chai, brings practical Jewish law together with teachings arranged around the weekly Torah portions. His writings, including Rav Pe’alim and Ben Yehoyada, continue to guide and inspire students of Torah.
To carry his name is to honor a life devoted to learning, service of Hashem, and sharing Torah. Your support helps keep that spirit alive in Karmiel.
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