For nearly six decades, Hacham Baruch Ben-Haim, zt”l, stood as a towering figure within the Syrian Jewish community of New York and New Jersey. His name evokes reverence, respect, and deep affection among the thousands whose lives he touched. Now, on the twentieth yahrzeit (anniversary of his passing), his family has released a comprehensive biography. Hacham Baruch, offers a vivid portrait of this extraordinary leader, ensuring his wisdom and impact resonate with future generations.
Born Baruch Mizrahi in the hallowed atmosphere of early 20th-century Jerusalem, Hacham Baruch’s path was shaped by profound influences. The book details his upbringing in a home steeped in Torah, his formative years at the legendary Porat Yosef Yeshiva under the guidance of Hacham Ezra Attieh, zt”l, and his close, lifelong friendship with his study partner, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. These early chapters paint a picture of a Yerushalayim pulsating with holiness and scholarship, the vessel that forged the Hacham’s character and brilliance.
Author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer masterfully weaves together historical context with intimate anecdotes gathered from over one hundred interviews, bringing Hacham Baruch’s multifaceted personality to life. We see the brilliant scholar with a photographic memory, equally comfortable discussing intricate halacha, Kabbalistic concepts, or practical communal matters. Yet, this intellectual giant was also profoundly humble, possessing a unique ability to connect with every individual – man, woman, or child – on their own level, offering tailored advice and unwavering support. His oft-repeated phrase, “the people,” underscored his deep love and dedication to the community he served.
The book chronicles his journey – from a brief rabbinical post in Cape Town, South Africa, to his pivotal arrival in New York in 1950 to assist Chief Rabbi Yaakov Kassin, zt”l, who would become his father-in-law. It delves into his tireless work building the community’s spiritual infrastructure: teaching generations at Magen David Yeshivah, guiding Congregation Shaare Zion, establishing the Torah Center, and advising countless individuals and families through life’s milestones and challenges.
Readers will find compelling stories illustrating Hacham Baruch’s wisdom and sensitivity – his patient, decades-long approach to guiding a neighbor towards Shabbat observance, his insistence on comforting mourners personally, his profound understanding of human nature in halachic rulings, and his unwavering defense of community standards, such as upholding the takana against conversions for marriage or his firm stance against the Brooklyn eruv. These narratives reveal a leader who balanced immense compassion with principled strength, always prioritizing the spiritual well-being and continuity of his flock.
Hacham Baruch is more than just a biography; it is a testament to the enduring power of dedicated leadership rooted in deep Torah knowledge and genuine love for one’s people. It captures the essence of a leader who, despite his immense stature, remained accessible and devoted, leaving an indelible mark on the Syrian Jewish world. For members of the community, this book is a precious opportunity to reconnect with a beloved leader. For others, it offers invaluable insights into the life of a 20th-century sage and the flourishing community he helped shape.
This lovingly compiled volume serves as both a tribute and an inspiration, a reminder of the heights attainable through Torah, humility, and unwavering commitment to Klal Yisrael.
Hacham Baruch is available for purchase from David Ben-Haim at 917.570.2701 or at hachambaruch@hotmail.com.