Rabbi Ĥayyim Yosef David Azulai (1727–1806) was born in Hebron and traveled to Africa, Asia, and Europe to raise money for the poor and those learning Torah in the Land of Israel. He settled in Livorno, Italy, and died there, and in 1960 his remains were brought to the Mount of Olives for burial.

He was a prolific writer and wrote more than one hundred books, on a wide range of Torah subjects. His most significant halakhic works are a book of responsa called Ĥayyim Sha’al and Birkei Yosef on Shulĥan Arukh. He also wrote a historical work, Shem HaGedolim, which contains rabbinic biographies as well as a bibliography of rabbinic literature. In writing it, he became an expert at identifying manuscripts. He also wrote books of exegesis, Musar, Kabbala, biblical commentary, and novellae on the Talmud.

He recounts his journeys collecting charity as an emissary of the Jewish community in his autobiography, Ma’agal Tov. There he describes his encounters with kings and other prominent individuals, and his visits to famous sites such as Versailles, the British library in London, and the Amsterdam Zoo.

From Rabbi Ĥayyim Yosef David Azulai:

One who cheats everyone and steals from everyone is considered by the masses to be a sharp trader and is praised for knowing how to profit. His theft becomes permitted as it is called a profit…. One who fears God will open his eyes and mind to the fact that for a tiny trace of theft, one requires reincarnation in order to repay that which he stole.

Rabbi Eliezer Papo (1786–1827) was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and served as the head of the Jewish community of Silistra, on the border of Romania and Bulgaria. His book Peleh Yo’etz is concerned with subjects of Musar and faith. It is arranged alphabetically, advising the reader with regard to every area of life in a clear and accessible style. Rabbi Papo was also a kabbalist, and was known for his fasting and adoption of other ascetic practices.

He was greatly revered by his community as a miracle worker, and there are many legends about him. For example, it is told that he accepted upon himself death at the hand of Heaven in order to stop a plague in his city. Each day, he would pray, “May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, that You have mercy on every man and woman, both small and great, of Your people Israel.” He would consult his wife on Musar matters.

From Rabbi Eliezer Papo:

I beg all who are knowledgeable in matters of faith to read my work and teach my words in public, in synagogues and study halls. Perhaps God will reconsider with regard to me and bestow merit upon me because my words bear fruit, and through this my soul will rejoice in God.

Rabbi Ĥayyim Palagi (1788–1869) was born in Izmir, Turkey, and was appointed the Ĥakham Bashi (chief rabbi) of Izmir. A prolific writer, he wrote around eighty books, on topics of Musar, Bible, halakha, and Kabbala. The title of each work contains his name, Ĥayyim. His book Tokheĥat Ĥayyim contains Musar insights derived from the Torah.

He worked tirelessly for the good of the community and enacted decrees benefiting the poor. For example, he ruled that the communal tax on kosher meat be distributed to the indigent. He also established compulsory education for children until they knew how to read and were proficient at using the prayer book. He endeavored to build a medical center for the Jewish community of Izmir with help from Baron Edmond James de Rothschild and Sir Moses Montefiore, and assisted in saving the Jews of Damascus during the “Damascus affair” blood libel.

He was popular with the Ottoman authorities and was buried in a state funeral attended by representatives of the army and government, and even by foreign diplomats.

From Rabbi Ĥayyim Palagi:

This is the character of [my wife,] the beauty of my home, who is blessed among women: Whenever there is any rejoicing or celebration in our home that involves making a meal for the poor, she does not give food to any of the invited guests until she has arranged the tables for the poor. After this, she prepares the tables of food for the invited guests.