Biographical Dictionary of Rabbis

From Halachipedia

This dictionary is meant to be used as a quick reference to lookup the names of Rabbis, the time and place they lived, and the books they authored.

Titles of Books

Aruch Hashulchan
Rabbi Yechiel Michel Halevi Epstein (1829-1908). He was a community rabbi and a posek in Novardok, Lithuania.
Bach
Rabbi Yoel Sirkes (1561-1640), Rav and Rosh Yeshiva in Poland, author of the bach, the bayit chadash, a commentary on the Tur as well as the Haghot Habach on gemara. Father-in-law of the Taz.
Baer Heitev
Rabbi Yehuda Ashkenazi (1730-1770), Rabbi in Germany, author of Baer Heitev on SA OC and EH.
Beer Moshe
Rabbi Moshe Stern (1914-1997), also known as the Debrecziner Rav, author of Sh"t Beer Moshe as well as Kuntres HaElectric on the halachic issues of electricity, Rav in Hungary and later moved to New York. Brother of Rav Betzalel Stern
Beit Yosef
Rabbi Yosef Karo (1488-1575), also know as Maran or as the Michaber, the main halachic authority especially for sephardic, author of Kessef Mishne on Rambam, Beit Yosef on Tur, and the Shulchan Aruch.
Ben Ish Chai
Rabbi Yosef Chaim (1832 – 1909) was a leading Sephardic Rabbi, author of the Ben Ish Chai as well as Sh"t Rav Pealim, and Rabbi of Baghdad.
Beur Hagra
Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, the Gra (1720-1797), Lithuanian talmid chacham. Author of aderet eliyahu on torah, beur hagra on SA, Haghot hagra on gemara.
Chatam Sofer
Rabbi Moshe Sofer (1762-1839), Born in germany, Rabbi in hungary.
Chayei Adam
Rabbi Avraham Danzig of Vilna (1748-1820). Author of the Chayei Adam dealing with the laws of Orach Chaim as well as the Chochmat Adam, dealing with the other areas of Shulchan Aruch that apply to daily life.
Chavot Daat
Rabbi Yaakov Lorberbaum of Lisa (1759-1832). Rav in Lissa, Poland. Author of the Chavot Daat on Yoreh Deah, the Netivot Hamishpat on Choshen Mishpat, the Torat Gittin on Even Haezer, and the Mekor Chaim and Derech Chaim on Orach Chaim. Grandson of the Chacham Tzvi.
Chelkat Mechokek
Rabbi Moshe Lima (1605-1685), author of chelkat mechokek, commentary on EH, major halachic authority in Lithuania.
Chida
Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai ben Isaac Zerachia (1724 – 1806) was a Jerusalem born Sephardic rabbinical scholar. He is the author of Machzik Bracha, Birkei Yosef, Shem HaGedolim and many other books.
Hamoadim Bihalacha
Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin (1888-1978), founder and chief editor of Encyclopedia Talmudit, born in Europe but moved to Israel, author of Hamoadim Biahalacha and Latorah Vilamoaadim.
Iggerot Moshe
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), Lithuanian Rav who became one of the leading authorities of his generation in North America, author of Sh"t Iggerot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe on Gemara, and Darash Moshe on the Torah.
Kessef Mishne
: Rabbi Yosef Karo (1488-1575), also know as Maran or as the Michaber, the main halachic authority especially for sephardic, author of Kessef Mishne on Rambam, Beit Yosef on Tur, and the Shulchan Aruch.
Ketzot Hachoshen
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller Hakohen (1745-1813). Author of Ketzot Hachoshen on SA CM, Avnei Miluim on EH and Shev Shamytsa on the gemara. Brother of the Kuntres Hasfekos.
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried (1804-1886), Hungarian posek and rabbi in Ungvar, author of the Kitzur S"A.
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano
Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano (1890 - 1970) was the Rabbi of Meknes, Morocco and author of a compendium of Sephardic Halacha and Moroccan minhagim in a book titled Kitzur Shulchan Aruch.
Lechem Mishneh
Rabbi Avraham de Boton (1545-1588), author of lechem Mishneh on the Rambam, Rav in Salonica, Greece.
Machatzit Hashekel
Rabbi Shmuel Kelin Halevi (1724-1806), author of machatzit hashekel on the Magen Avraham.
Magen Avraham
Rabbi Avraham Gombiner Halevi (1637-1683), Rav in poland, author of Magen Avraham on SA OC.
Menuchat Ahava
Rabbi Moshe Halevi (1961-2001), major Sephardic posek in Israel, author of Menuchat Ahava on halachot of Shabbat as well as Birkat Hashem on halachot of Berachot.
Minchat Shlomo
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (1910-1995), one of the leading halachic authorities of his generation, Rosh Yeshiva of Kol Torah in Yerushalayim, author of Sh"t Minchat Shlomo, Minchat Shlomo on gemara, Meorei Esh on electricity in Halacha, Maadanei Eretz on agricultural halacha. His rulings are predominantly quoted in Halichot Shlomo, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchita and Nishmat Avraham.
Minchat Yitzchak
Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (1902-1989), dayan and posek, Rav and Av Beit Din in Romania, then in Manchester, England. Headed the Eidah Charedis in Yerushalayim, author of Sh"t Minchat Yitzchak.
Mishna Brurah
Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (1838 – 1933), known popularly as The Chofetz Chaim from his book on the laws of Lashon Hara, was an influential Lithuanian Rabbi, author of the Mishna Brurah as well as the Beur Halacha which is in more detail and the Shaar Hatziyun which quotes sources
Mishne Lamelech
Rabbi Yehuda Rosannes (1657-1727), Rabbi of Constantinople, Author of Mishna Lamelech on the Mishne Torah.
Mishne Torah
Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, the Rambam (1135 - 1204). Born in Spain, was one of the foremost Jewish philosophers with his Moreh Nevuchim. He also wrote a commentary on the Mishnayot as well as a fourteen volume code of law, called Mishne Torah, sometimes referred to as Yad Hachazaka.
Mishpatei Uziel
Rabbi Ben-Zion Meir Chai Uziel (1880-1953), sephardic chief Rabbi of Israel from 1939-1954, author of Sh"t Mishpatei Uziel, and Shaarei Uziel.
Noda Biyehuda
Rabbi Yechezkel Landau Halevi (1713-1794), European Rabbi, Author of Noda Biyehuda, the tzlach (tziyun linefesh chayah) on gemara, and the dagul merivava on the SA.
Or Litzion
Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul (1924-1988), one of the leading sephardic rabbis and halachic authorities of his generation, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef in Yerushalayim, author of Sh"t Or Litzion.
Pitchei Teshuva
Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt (1813-1868), Rabbi in Utian, Russia.
Pri Chadash
Rabbi Chizkiya da Silva (1659-1698), born in Italy but lived much of his life in Israel. Author of Pri Chadash on SA.
Pri Megadim
Rabbi Yosef Teomim (1727-1792), Galician Rabbi, Author of Pri Megadim: Mishbetzot Zahav on the Taz, Eshel Avraham on the Magen Avraham, and Siftei Daat on the Shach. Also author of Porat Yosef on yevamot and ketubot as well as ginat veradim on gemara.
Rama
Rabbi Moshe Isserles (1525-1572), Rabbi in Cracow, Poland, major ashkenazic halachic authority. Author of Darkei Moshe on the Tur, Sh"t Harama a set of responsa, and most famously the haghot on the SA.
Salmat Chaim
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1848-1932), Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim, founder of Eidah Hacharedis, author of Sh"t Salmat Chaim.
Shaagas Aryeh
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Ginzberg (1695-1785), Lithuanian Rav and author of Sh"t Shaagas Aryeh.
Shaare Teshuva
Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Margaliot (Mid 18th century-1818). Polish Rabbi most famous for his commentary on the Shulchan Aruch called Shaare Teshuva.
Shach
Rabbi Shabbtai Hacohen (1621-1663), author of the Shach, the Siftei Kohen, on SA YD and CM. Was forced to leave Vilna due to persecution and.
Shulchan Aruch
Rabbi Yosef Karo (1488-1575), also know as Maran or as the Michaber, the main halachic authority especially for sephardic, author of Kessef Mishne on Rambam, Beit Yosef on Tur, and the Shulchan Aruch.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav
Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liady (1745 – 1812), was the first Rebbe of Chabad and author of Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Tanya.
Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata
Rabbi Yehoshua Yeshaya Neuwirth (1935-), posek in Yerushalayim, author of Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata on the laws of Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Sma
Rabbi Yehoshua Falk Hakohen (1550-1614), Posek and Rosh Yeshiva in Poland, author of Sma, sefer meirat eynayim on Shulchan Aruch.
Sridei Eish
Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg (1884-1966), German Posek and Rosh Yeshiva, author of Sridei Eish, a set of responsa.
Taz
Rabbi David Halevi (1586-1667), Rav and Rosh Yeshiva in Poland, author of Taz, the Turei Zahav, on SA, son-in-law of the Bach.
Yaarot Dvash
Rabbi Yonatan Eibeshitz (1690-1764), Rabbi in Germany, author of Yaarot Devash, Kreti U'pleti on YD, Urim Vitumim on CM.
Yalkut Yosef
Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef (b. 1952), son of Rav Ovadia Yosef, is the author of Yalkut Yosef, which is a encyclopedic work of Sephardic halacha.

Names of Rabbis

Rabbi Akiva Eiger
Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1761-1837), author of tosfot rabbi akiva eiger on mishnayot, gilyon hashas on the side margin of the traditional gemara, chiddushei rabbi akiva eiger, and three volumes of teshuvot rabbi akiva eiger.
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Ginzberg
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Ginzberg (1695-1785), Lithuanian Rav and author of Sh"t Shaagas Aryeh.
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller Hakohen
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller Hakohen (1745-1813). Author of Ketzot Hachoshen on SA CM, Avnei Miluim on EH and Shev Shamytsa on the gemara. Brother of the Kuntres Hasfekos.
Rabbi Avraham Danzig
Rabbi Avraham Danzig of Vilna (1748-1820). Author of the Chayei Adam dealing with the laws of Orach Chaim as well as the Chochmat Adam, dealing with the other areas of Shulchan Aruch that apply to daily life.
Rabbi Avraham de Boton
Rabbi Avraham de Boton (1545-1588), author of lechem Mishneh on the Rambam, Rav in Salonica, Greece.
Rabbi Avraham Gombiner
Rabbi Avraham Gombiner Halevi (1637-1683), Rav in poland, author of Magen Avraham on SA OC.
Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt
Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt (1813-1868), Rabbi in Utian, Russia. Authored of Pitchei Teshuva on YD, CM, and EH as well as on the sefer, Gittin Ve’chalitza, and Nachalat Shiva on works of early Acharonim.
Rabbi Ben-Zion Abba Shaul
Rabbi Ben-Zion Abba Shaul (1924-1988), one of the leading sephardic rabbis and halachic authorities of his generation, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef in Yerushalayim, author of Sh"t Or Litzion.
Rabbi Bez-zion Meir Chai Uziel
Rabbi Ben-Zion Meir Chai Uziel (1880-1953), sephardic chief Rabbi of Israel from 1939-1954, author of Sh"t Mishpatei Uziel, and Shaarei Uziel.
Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Margaliot
Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Margaliot(Mid 18th century-1818). Polish Rabbi most famous for his commentary on the Shulchan Aruch called Shaare Teshuva
Rabbi Chaim Yosef David
Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai ben Isaac Zerachia (1724 – 1806) was a Jerusalem born Sephardic rabbinical scholar. He is the author of Machzik Bracha, Birkei Yosef, Shem HaGedolim and many other books.
Rabbi Chizkiya da Silva
Rabbi Chizkiya da Silva (1659-1698), born in Italy but lived much of his life in Israel. Author of Pri Chadash on SA.
Rabbi David Halevi
Rabbi David Halevi (1586-1667), Rav and Rosh Yeshiva in Poland, author of Taz, the Turei Zahav, on SA, son-in-law of the Bach.
Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna
Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, the Gra or the Vilna Gaon (1720-1797), Lithuanian talmid chacham. Author of aderet eliyahu on torah, beur hagra on SA, Haghot hagra on gemara.
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon
Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, the Rambam (1135 - 1204). Born in Spain, was one of the foremost Jewish philosophers with his Moreh Nevuchim. He also wrote a commentary on the Mishnayot as well as a fourteen volume code of law, called Mishne Torah, sometimes referred to as Yad Hachazaka.
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), Lithuanian Rav who became one of the leading authorities of his generation in North America, author of Sh"t Iggerot Moshe, Dibrot Moshe on Gemara, and Darash Moshe on the Torah.
Rabbi Moshe Halevi
Rabbi Moshe Halevi (1961-2001), major Sephardic posek in Israel, author of Menuchat Ahava on halachot of Shabbat as well as Birkat Hashem on halachot of Berachot.
Rabbi Moshe Isserles
Rabbi Moshe Isserles, the Rama, (1525-1572), Rabbi in Cracow, Poland, major ashkenazic halachic authority. Author of Darkei Moshe on the Tur, Sh"t Harama a set of responsa, and most famously the haghot on the SA.
Rabbi Moshe Lima
Rabbi Moshe Lima (1605-1685), author of chelkat mechokek, commentary on EH, major halachic authority in Lithuania.
Rabbi Moshe Sofer
Rabbi Moshe Sofer (1762-1839), Born in germany, Rabbi in hungary. Author of a commentary on torah, on the talmud and on the Shulchan Aruch as well as Teshuvot Chatam Sofer. Son in law of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and father of the ktav sofer.
Rabbi Moshe Stern
Rabbi Moshe Stern (1914-1997), also known as the Debrecziner Rav, author of Sh"t Beer Moshe as well as Kuntres HaElectric on the halachic issues of electricity, Rav in Hungary and later moved to New York. Brother of Rav Betzalel Stern
Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano
Rabbi Rafael Baruch Toledano (1890 - 1970) was the Rabbi of Meknes, Morocco and author of a compendium of Sephardic Halacha and Moroccan minhagim in a book titled Kitzur Shulchan Aruch.
Rabbi Shabbtai Hacohen
Rabbi Shabbtai Hacohen (1621-1663), author of the Shach, the Siftei Kohen, on SA YD and CM. Was forced to leave Vilna due to persecution at the hands of the Cossacks.
Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried
Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried (1804-1886), Hungarian posek and rabbi in Ungvar. Author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch mostly on Orach Chaim as well as Lechem visimla on hilchot nidda.
Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin
Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin (1888-1978), founder and chief editor of Encyclopedia Talmudit, born in Europe but moved to Israel, author of Hamoadim Biahalacha and Latorah Vilamoaadim.
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (1910-1995), one of the leading halachic authorities of his generation, Rosh Yeshiva of Kol Torah in Yerushalayim, author of Sh"t Minchat Shlomo, Minchat Shlomo on gemara, Meorei Esh on electricity in Halacha, Maadanei Eretz on agricultural halacha. His rulings are predominantly quoted in Halichot Shlomo, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchita and Nishmat Avraham.
Rabbi Shmuel Kelin Halevi
Rabbi Shmuel Kelin Halevi (1724-1806), author of machatzit hashekel on the Magen Avraham.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liady
Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liady (1745 – 1812), was the first Rebbe of Chabad and author of Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Tanya.
Rabbi Yaakov Lorberbaum
Rabbi Yaakov Lorberbaum of Lisa (1759-1832). Rav in Lissa, Poland. Author of the Chavot Daat and the Netivot Hamishpat, commentaries of the Shulchan Aruch. Grandson of the Chacham Tzvi.
Rabbi Yechezkel Landau
Rabbi Yechezkel Landau Halevi (1713-1794), European Rabbi, Author of Noda Biyehuda, the tzlach (tziyun linefesh chayah) on gemara, and the dagul merivava on the SA.
Rabbi Yechiel Michel Epstein
Rabbi Yechiel Michel Halevi Epstein (1829-1908). He was a community rabbi and a posek in Novardok, Lithuania, author of the Aruch Hashulchan.
Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg
Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg (1884-1966), German Posek and Rosh Yeshiva, author of Sridei Eish, a set of responsa.
Rabbi Yehoshua Falk
Rabbi Yehoshua Falk Hakohen (1550-1614), Posek and Rosh Yeshiva in Poland, author of Sma, sefer meirat eynayim on Shulchan Aruch.
Rabbi Yehoshua Neuwirth
Rabbi Yehoshua Yeshaya Neuwirth (1935-), posek in Yerushalayim, one of the foremost students of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, author of Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata on the laws of Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Rabbi Yehuda Ashkenazi
Rabbi Yehuda Ashkenazi (1730-1770), Rabbi in Germany, author of Baer Heitev on SA OC and EH.
Rabbi Yehuda Rosannes
Rabbi Yehuda Rosannes (1657-1727), Rabbi of Constantinople, Author of Mishna Lamelech on the Mishne Torah.
Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan
Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (1838 – 1933), known popularly as The Chofetz Chaim from his book on the laws of Lashon Hara, was an influential Lithuanian Rabbi, author of the Mishna Brurah as well as the Beur Halacha which is in more detail and the Shaar Hatziyun which quotes sources.
Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss
Rabbi Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (1902-1989), dayan and posek, Rav and Av Beit Din in Romania, then in Manchester, England. Headed the Eidah Charedis in Yerushalayim, author of Sh"t Minchat Yitzchak.
Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef
Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef (b. 1952), son of Rav Ovadia Yosef, is the author of Yalkut Yosef, which is a encyclopedic work of Sephardic halacha.
Rabbi Yoel Sirkes
Rabbi Yoel Sirkes (1561-1640), Rav and Rosh Yeshiva in Poland, author of the bach, the bayit chadash, a commentary on the Tur as well as the Haghot HaBach on gemara. Father-in-law of the Taz.
Rabbi Yonatan Eibeshitz
Rabbi Yonatan Eibeshitz (1690-1764), Rabbi in Germany, author of Yaarot Devash, Kreti U'pleti on YD, Urim Vitumim on CM.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad
Rabbi Yosef Chaim (1832 – 1909) was a leading Sephardic Rabbi, Rabbi of Baghdad, author of the Ben Ish Chai and Sh"t Rav Pealim.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1848-1932), Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim, founder of Eidah Hacharedis, author of Sh"t Salmat Chaim.
Rabbi Yosef Teomim
Rabbi Yosef Teomim (1727-1792), Galician Rabbi, Author of Pri Megadim: Mishbetzot Zahav on the Taz, Eshel Avraham on the Magen Avraham, and Siftei Daat on the Shach. Also author of Porat Yosef on yevamot and ketubot as well as ginat veradim on gemara.