Rabbi Chaim Ben Atar
Rabbi Chaim Ben Atar, also known as the Ohr HaChaim, was a prominent 18th-century rabbi and Torah scholar, born in 1696 in Morocco. He is widely celebrated for his commentary on the Torah, known as Ohr HaChaim, which blends mystical insights with traditional rabbinical commentary. The Ohr HaChaim's works are highly regarded in Jewish study for their depth and spiritual insight.
In 1733, Rabbi Chaim Ben Atar moved to Eretz Israel, where he continued his scholarly work in Jerusalem. His teachings and writings significantly influenced both his contemporaries and later generations of Torah scholars. His approach was unique in that it incorporated Kabbalistic interpretations alongside a more pshat (literal) approach to Torah study, making his commentary appealing to a wide range of Jewish thinkers.
Rabbi Chaim Ben Atar passed away in 1743 in Jerusalem. His legacy continues to thrive through the study of his works in yeshivas and study halls worldwide. His commentary on the Torah remains a fundamental text in Jewish learning, cherished for its profound insights and its ability to inspire spiritual devotion and intellectual rigor.