Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai traversed Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa on behalf of his brethren in Eretz Yisrael. His missions raised vital funds, to keep the Jews from being driven out of town, whilst facing bandits, maritime disasters, and oppressive authorities along the way. With the aid of his diary, this episode gives a vivid first-hand account of his challenges, deprivation, triumphs and breadth of travel.
Beyond his journeys, the Chida’s genius is seen through his prolific writings. Author of 100 different sefarim on Halacha, Tanach, Kabbala & Talmud, they continue to guide Judaism today. Shem HaGedolim, remains a monumental encyclopedia of rabbinic authors and works, which reflect his incredible memory and knowledge. Birkei Yosef and Rav Pe’alim are cornerstones of psak, written as he travelled thousands of miles over many decades.
But the final act was written in 1960.
Timestamps:
– 0:00 — Intro mention of Shem ha‑Gdolim editions
– 0:21 — Podcast intro by Mena Reisner
– 1:00 — Hosts reconnect; travel note and dedication
– 2:32 — Episode topic: life & travels of Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (the Chida)
– 3:01 — Family origins; great‑grandfather and signature story
– 4:13 — Birth in Jerusalem, early life, prodigy and writings
– 7:53 — Teachers, Kabbalistic training, reason for emissary mission
– 10:26 — Language issues, letters of recommendation, mixed receptions in Europe
– 15:04 — Collection logistics, contacts with non‑Jewish authorities, successes
– 18:46 — Travel hazards and accidents; manuscript research in libraries
– 22:32 — England/France encounters and sightseeing
– 26:29 — Return to Eretz Yisrael (1758), political troubles, five‑year stay in Egypt
– 31:05 — Tunis episode, personal losses, diary entries
– 35:49 — Second mission, Livorno quarantine, composing Shem ha‑Gdolim
– 39:05 — Scope of travels, settlement in Livorno, later life and death (1806)
– 42:23 — Burial details, estate instructions, study practices, halachic/Kabbalistic approach
– 48:55 — Stories/legends (attempts to hasten redemption, miracles)
– 55:07 — Reburial efforts to Jerusalem; episode closing and contact info