Background
Sofer was born in Baghdad, where he studied under Sephardi sages such as Yosef Chaim (the Ben Ish Chai) and Abdallah Somech.
Sofer was born in Baghdad, where he studied under Sephardi sages such as Yosef Chaim (the Ben Ish Chai) and Abdallah Somech.
Not to be confused with Chaim Sofer, the Hungarian rabbi and author of Machne Chaim
Sofer is the author of Kaf Hachaim, a work of halakha (Jewish law), by which title he is also known. In 1904, he journeyed to Ottoman Palestine in order to pray at the graves of tzadikim ("the righteous"). After visiting Jerusalem, he decided to settle there permanently.
In 1909 he moved to the newly founded Shoshanim leDavid yeshiva.
Rabbi Sofer authored several works of halakha and aggadah. His books are known for discussing the original traditions of Iraqi Jews and are studied to this day.
Rabbi Chaim was well known for his role in working on behalf of Torah education in Jerusalem.