Abya?, Yi?ya ben Shalom

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ABYA?, YI?YA BEN SHALOM

ABYA?, YI?YA BEN SHALOM (1873–1935), student friend of R. Yi?ya *K?fa?; among the heads of the Dor De'ah ("generation of wisdom") movement in Yemen. Abya? was renowned as a biblical scholar and as an expert in astronomy and natural medicine. His medical treatment acquired popular acclaim and many sick people, both Jews and Muslims, came to him for help, and he was noted for treating people free of charge. Abya? was head of the Maswari synagogue in San'a and taught Torah to the Jewish public; nonetheless, he earned his livelihood as a silver- and goldsmith. His ornaments were distinguished by their artistic delicacy. After the death of the chief rabbi, Yi?ya Isaac, in 1932, the community heads appointed him successor. However dissident groups and violent factions prevailed, and the rabbi's health was soon undermined.

bibliography:

A. Kora?, Sa?arat Teiman (1954), 76–77.

[Yehuda Ratzaby]

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