Yahya (family)
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The Yahya family is a prominent Jewish family of sages, rabbis, and statesmen. Originating in the Iberian Peninsula, the family expanded into Italy and the Ottoman Empire over subsequent generations.
Prominent figures in the Iberian Peninsula[edit]
The progenitor of the Yahya dynasty is widely acknowledged as Don Yahya Ibn Yahya, also referred to as Ibn Yaish, who lived in Lisbon during the 12th century.[1]
Another early prominent figure from the family is David Negro Ben Gdalia Yahya, who allied with John I of Castile, during the latter's campaign to take the Portuguese throne in the late 14th century. Following Juan I's defeat, he relocated David Yahya to Castile, where he was conferred the positions of physician, member of the royal committee, and chief rabbi overseeing the Jewish communities within Castile. He died in Toledo in 1385.[1]
At the close of the 15th century, two household heads of the Yahya family fled Portugal. One branch relocated to Italy, while the other established itself in the Ottoman Empire.[1]
Notable members in Italy[edit]
Joseph ben David Yahya[edit]
He was born in Lisbon in 1425, and served as an advisor to Kings Afonso V and John II of Portugal. A prominent figure in Portuguese Jewry, he assisted Jewish refugees who sought sanctuary in Portugal following their expulsion from Spain, and he actively opposed any opposition to their migration within Portugal. In 1494, amid considerations by the Portuguese monarchy to enforce the conversion of Jews to Christianity, Yahya and his family fled the country. After a period of hardship, they found refuge in Ferrara. Initially welcomed, Yahya was later accused of aiding conversos (forcibly converted Jews who continued to practice Judaism in secret), subjected to beatings, torture, and a substantial ransom. He died following tortures in Ferrara in 1498.[1]
David[edit]
His son, David (1465–1543), born in Lisbon in 1465, served as a rabbi, teacher, and educator. Following his escape from Portugal with his father, he settled in Imola, Italy. In 1524, he assumed the role of a rabbi in Rome and subsequently became the rabbi of the Kingdom of Naples. Yahya's educational contributions included teaching Hebrew grammar, the craft of poetry and music, and logic, in addition to instructing on the Book of the Khazar and The Guide for the Perplexed, as documented in his correspondence with state leaders.[2]
David was recognized as an accomplished preacher, even garnering respect from Christian scholars who considered themselves his students. His standing within the Jewish community was further evidenced by the high regard in which he was held by Italy's leading rabbis, who honored his letters. Following the expulsion of Jews from Naples in 1540, Yahya returned to Imola. Despite his extensive writings, only a limited number of his works, including songs, lamentations, and a grammar book, have survived.[2]
Joseph[edit]
Joseph (1494–1539), the son of David, was born in Florence. He was a statesman, businessman, and Talmid Chakham (Torah scholar). During his youth, he studied at the yeshiva of Judah Minz in Padova. After his marriage, he dedicated himself to commerce and amassed wealth, yet he still made time for Torah study.[2]
In 1524, Joseph wrote a commentary on the Bible, which he intertwined with contemporary events and political analysis. He also attempted to base the national-religious views of Judah Halevi, viewing the Book of the Khazar as an exemplary work among philosophical approaches. Additionally, he authored a philosophical work on Torah and mitzvot.[2]
Upon his request, his children relocated his remains to the Land of Israel ten years after his passing, and Rabbi Joseph Karo oversaw their burial.[2]
Gedaliah ibn Yahya ben Joseph[edit]
Gedaliah, born in 1515 in Imola and died circa 1587 in Alexandria, Egypt, was a prolific scholar who wrote approximately 20 books on varied disciplines. He received his education at the yeshiva in Ferrara and subsequently resided in various cities within the Papal States. In 1569, following his expulsion alongside other Jews by Pope Pius V, he lost his fortune. After a period of wandering, he returned to Ferrara and later settled in Alexandria.[2]
His most notable work is "The Chain of Oral Tradition," dedicated to Jewish history while also encompassing general chronology, alongside discussions on medicine, magic, numismatics, and metrology.[2]
Notable members in the Ottoman Empire[edit]
David ben Shlomo[edit]
David ben Shlomo (1440–1524), born in Lisbon, was a rabbi, commentator of the Bible, and a medakdek. He died in Constantinople.[3]
Yaakov Tam[edit]
Jacob ben David Tam ibn Yahya (c. 1475–1542), also known as Yaakov Tam, was a renowned scholar and posek. He fled Lisbon with his father and was raised in Constantinople amidst a community of scholars. Eventually, he was appointed as a member of the Beth din of Rabbi Elijah Mizrahi. Following Rabbi Mizrahi's passing, Yaakov Tam assumed his role as an instructor, and his teachings resonated throughout the Jewish diaspora, particularly among Sephardic communities, although he was not officially recognized as their leader.[3]
One of his notable rulings, or psikot, asserted that Karaites should be regarded as part of the people of Israel, who are obligated to observe Shabbat and holidays since they are bound by the commandments. Yaakov Tam was proficient in Arabic, Turkish, and Spanish, and possessed knowledge of "the religion of the Ishmaelites" (i.e. Islam), which led Islamic judges to consult with him on numerous occasions. Many of his writings were lost in a fire a year before his demise. However, the remaining manuscripts were later collected and published in the book "Tumot Yesharim."[4]
Joseph[edit]
Joseph (d. 1573), likely the son of Yaakov Tam, was a distinguished physician who served as court physician to Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman sultan. Joseph accompanied his patron during several journeys and participated in Ottoman military expeditions. According to one source, he died in battle. Additionally, Joseph funded the printing of writings authored by some of his ancestors.[4]
Gedaliah[edit]
Gedaliah (d. 1575), son of Yaakov Tam, served as both a rabbi and a physician. He resided in Thessaloniki and Edirne, practicing medicine while also providing leadership to the Jewish communities in these cities and instructing in Torah studies. Around 1548, he returned to Constantinople, where he financially supported scribes engaged in copying scientific works authored by Jewish and Arab scholars.[4]
Gedaliah ben Moshe[edit]
Gedaliah ben Moshe (d. 1608), the grandson of Gedaliah, son of Yaakov Tam, was as a prominent figure in Thessaloniki. He established a midrasha dedicated to the study of science and Hebrew poetry, where he delivered lectures on philosophy and poetry. This institution functioned as a gathering point for local poets and scholars to present their works. Additionally, Gedaliah ben Moshe provided assistance to the families of scholars, aiding them during times of adversity. He died young, before his father.[4]
Bibliography[edit]
- "יחיא [Yahya]." Encyclopaedia Hebraica, Vol. 19, 1968, pp. 751–753