A Short Tribute

Hacham Moshe Zaqen Mazouz, son of Kamos, was born in 1851 in Djerba, Tunisia. He learned Torah from Hacham Abraham Hacohen, Hacham Sassi Ma'atuk Cohen Yonatan, and Hacham Haim Hacohen - who would be his principal teacher.

In 1870, Hacham Moshe Zaqen Mazouz was asked to lead community affairs in Djerba's Kebira quarter; he filled this position his entire life.

In 1875, Hacham Moshe Zaqen Mazouz was appointed dayan in Djerba, and in 1905 appointed Av Beit Din – President of the Rabbinic Court.

Hacham Moshe Zaqen Mazouz had numerous students, and the majority of Djerba’s sages of recent generations base themselves on his instruction and Halakhic rulings.

Hacham Moshe Zaqen Mazouz passed away on 2 Iyar, 5675 (1915) and was buried in Djerba. He authored many books, including: Sever Panim – original commentary on Talmud, Sha'arei Moshe – responsa and original Halakhic rulings, Shem Moshe, Tzaddik V'Nisgav – on Tractate Beitza, Vayakhel Moshe – sermons, Kara Moshe – original commentary on Bible and on sayings by ChaZa"L.