Chaim Ibn Attar (Ohr HaChaim)

Chaim Ibn Attar, better known as the Ohr HaChaim after his most famous work, was a North African rabbi, Torah commentator, halakhic decisor, and kabbalist. In 1733, he left his native Morocco for the land of Israel. On the way, he passed through Italy, where the community of Livorno pressed him to stay. He founded a yeshiva and had a number of his works printed, which gained him renown in Europe as well as in his native Morocco. He eventually arrived in the land of Israel, where he made a great impression on his student, Hayyim Joseph David Azulai, better known as Chida. His eponymous Torah commentary, Ohr HaChaim, is very original, blending kabbalistic teachings with deeply insightful and original readings. He was held in especially high esteem by the early Chasidim.