Aaron Berakhiah of Modena

Rabbi Aaron Berakhiah ben Moshe, born in 1549 in Modena, was an Italian rabbi and kabbalist. He is best known for his liturgical guide, Ma’avar Yabbok, written to assist the work of the local chevra kadisha (Jewish burial society) on behalf of the dying and deceased, and also containing deathbed prayers and guidance. He had previously composed another collection of prayers, Ashmoret HaBoker, at the request of a local group whose members would rise early for extra prayer. Berakhiah also wrote a number of other works, including kabbalistic treatises and commentaries.