Yiḥyah Qafiḥ

Yihyah Qafih (1850–1931), also known as "Ha-Yashish" (the Elder), was a prominent Yemenite rabbi, rabbinical scholar, and advocate for reforms in Jewish education. He served as the Chief Rabbi of Sana'a, Yemen, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and was a permanent member of the rabbinic court there until his death. Qafih was also learned in astronomy and rabbinic astrology, as well as Jewish classical literature. He played a significant role in the intellectual and religious life of Yemen, initiating reforms in education, such as teaching arithmetic and geography alongside religious studies. Qafih became headmaster of a Jewish school established by the Ottoman Turks in Sana'a, where he employed Turkish teachers and advocated for the teaching of the Turkish language. His views on Jewish mysticism and the Zohar led to controversy within the community. His most known work, "Milḥamot HaShem," argued against the authenticity of the Zohar, sparking debate among rabbinical scholars. Despite facing opposition, Qafih's legacy includes his contributions to Jewish scholarship and his efforts to modernize Jewish education.