Solomon Nissim Algazi
Solomon Nissim Algazi was a prominent Sephardi rabbi, Talmudist, and author in the Ottoman Empire. He was recognized as one of the leading rabbinic authorities of his era and was active in Jewish communities in both Smyrna and Jerusalem during the 17th century.
Early life and education
Algazi was born in 1610, likely in Bursa, into a distinguished rabbinic family; his grandfather was Joseph de Segovia Benveniste. He received his education from his father Abraham Algazi, the poet Joseph Ganso, and the well-known rabbi Meir de Boton, studying in their yeshiva in Gallipoli.Career
In 1635, Algazi settled in Jerusalem, later relocating to Smyrna in 1646, where he established a bet midrash and played a central role in communal life. During his time in Smyrna, he became a leading religious authority and teacher, and among his pupils were his son-in-law Aaron Lapapa and Hayyim b. Menahem Algazi.During the crisis centered on the pseudo-Messiah Shabbetai Zvi, Algazi was actively involved in the opposition and took part in the excommunication of Shabbetai Zvi. After Zvi's apostasy, Algazi returned to Smyrna and resumed his leadership role in the community.
Around 1670, he returned to Jerusalem and was appointed head of the local rabbinical court by 1673, where he was highly respected for his scholarship and piety.
Name
He added the name "Nissim" in gratitude after reportedly recovering from a life-threatening illness while traveling.Works
Algazi was a prolific author whose works focus primarily on Talmudic methodology, halakhic principles, and aggadic interpretation. Some of his most noted works include:Yabin Shemu'ah : A commentary on Halikot Olam by Yeshu'ah Ha-Levi and a supplement to Joseph Caro's Kelalei Ha-Talmud.Halikot Eli : Further methodological notes on Halikot Olam. Gufe Halakot : A systematic summation of halakhic principles.Ahabat Olam : A collection of sermons.Hamon Rabbah : An index of scriptural passages cited in Midrash Rabbah.Zehab Sebah : A study of Talmudic aggadot.Leḥem Setarim : Talmudic novellae, especially on tractate Avodah Zarah.Me'ullefet Sappirim : Selections from the Zohar.Raẓuf Ahabah : Notes on Tosafot to aggadic passages in the Talmud.Ta'awah la-'Enayim : Notes on difficult aggadic passages, often referencing Jacob Ibn Habib's Ein Yaakov.Shema Shlomo : Miscellaneous teachings and commentaries.- An additional work, Ziknat Shelomo, a commentary on the Ittur by Isaac ben Abba Mari, remains unpublished.