Chacham Chaim Shabsi
Chief Rav and Rosh Yeshiva of Saloniki, one of the leading poskim of his generation, whose many teshuvos were published as Toras Chaim.
Biography
Torah and leadership
Chacham Chaim Shabsi zt"l, known as the Maharchash of Saloniki, was born in 5317 (1557). He studied under Rav Aharon Sasson and served as a dayan (rabbinical judge) on his beis din.
Chacham Chaim was Rosh Yeshiva of Kehillas Sholom in Saloniki. He had many talmidim who later served as rabbonim of various kehillos and wrote works of halachah. Among the best known of them were Rav Dovid Konforti and Rav Chisdai HaKohen Perachya.
From 5367 he was chief Rav of Saloniki. He was considered one of the leading poskim (halachic authorities) of his generation and received letters from all over the world. He is known to have had a halachic dispute with Rav Yom Tov Tzahalon of Tzfas.
Teachings and seforim
His teshuvos (responsa), numbering in the thousands, were published as Toras Chaim in several volumes, including Kuntres Agunos. His son, Rav Moshe, published some of his father's chiddushim (Torah insights) on Shas in his own sefer, Toras Moshe.
Later years and passing
Chacham Chaim passed away on 13 Nissan 5407 (1647), at the age of ninety. He was succeeded by his son, Rav Moshe.
Seforim
- Toras Chaim: His teshuvos, published in several volumes, including Kuntres Agunos.
Family & talmidim
Teachers: Rav Aharon Sasson
Talmidim: Rav Dovid Konforti, Rav Chisdai HaKohen Perachya
Children: Rav Moshe (his successor, author of Toras Moshe)