Malachi ben Jacob HaKohen

Malachi ben Jacob HaKohen was a prominent figure in 18th-century Judaism, distinguished as a Talmudist, methodologist, and Kabbalist. Born in Livorno between 1695 and 1700, he went on to become one of the most esteemed Kabbalists of his time. His education was influenced by the notable kabbalist Rabbi Joseph Ergas, author of the significant kabbalistic text Shomer Emunim. HaKohen's own reputation as a scholar and authority in Jewish law would eventually earn him recognition as the last of the great rabbinical authorities of Italy.

HaKohen served as the Rabbi of Livorno, Italy, and his opinions were widely respected and frequently cited by major halakhic authorities of the 18th and 19th centuries. His contemporaries praised him highly, and his decisions, including one from 1732 regarding a civil case in Rome, were included in notable collections such as the responsa of Rabbi Isaiah Bassani of Reggio. HaKohen also played a role in significant controversies of his time, notably siding with Jonathan Eybeschutz in his dispute with Jacob Emden. He lived a long life, passing away in 1772, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important Jewish scholars of his era.