Hayim David HaLevi


Rabbi Hayim David HaLevi, also written Haim David ha-Levi, etc.,
was Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

Biography

He was born in Jerusalem and studied under Rabbi Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel at the Porat Yosef Yeshiva. When R. Uziel was appointed Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, he hired R. HaLevi as his personal secretary and as a close student. He then served as the rabbi of various cities in Israel:
In 1997, HaLevi was awarded the Israel Prize, for Rabbinical studies.

His writings

R. HaLevi was known for his clear-headed approach to halakha, particularly those relating to the Jewish state. Though unquestionably tied to Sephardi minhag, liturgy and halakha, R. HaLevi also includes Ashkenazi halakhic positions and customs in his books and responsa.
R. HaLevi seems to be the first Rabbi who published a Halachic prohibition of smoking.