“The Daily Sage”
Online Database for Sephardic Jewish Literature
The online database brings together hundreds of life stories and makes thousands of sources accessible from the writings of Jewish sages of recent generations, especially Sephardic sages and those from Islamic countries. The sources are transcribed from the sages' original writings, many of which were printed in old editions and are kept in private libraries, while some still exist only in manuscript form and are not accessible to the wider public.
The “Daily Sage” online database opens a window into the world of Jewish sages wherever they lived, with particular emphasis on Sephardic sages in the communities of North Africa, the Balkans, the Mediterranean basin, Yemen, the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus mountains, India, Italy, Spain, France, and the countries to which they migrated. The “Daily Sage” rebuilds the scattered building blocks of memory, returning the heritage treasures of all Jewish communities to Israeli society and to the entire Jewish people — reviving the voices of the past (“Dovav Siftei Yeshenim”) and integrating them into today’s Jewish and Israeli identity. The sages’ teachings are presented in an accessible and contemporary way, together with the life story of each individual sage.
Every day, the website “Daily Sage — The Online Database for Sephardic Jewish Literature” publishes study pages dedicated to sages for whom that day marks the anniversary of their passing or a significant event in their lives. The study page includes the biography of the sage and selected teachings from his writings.
Jewish identity with social values at the center
The sages’ teachings in the online database cover seven key areas relevant to both individual and communal life, offering a moderate and inclusive Jewish identity centered on social values:
- Charity and kindness - acts of kindness, charity, caring for the poor and needy, social responsibility, and the pursuit of justice.
- Torah study - for each and everyone, midrash and interpretation emphasizing moral conduct according to the principle “Derech Eretz precedes Torah”.
- Love of the Jewish people - seeing the good in every Jew, judging others favorably, and promoting peace in the world.
- Jewish customs - respect for every community’s customs, even when their origins are unknown, as all customs of Israel are considered Torah.
- Legacy of the forefathers - respect for community elders, parents, and their traditions, listening to them and learning from their teachings.
- Redemption of Israel - the return of the Jewish people to their land, immigration (aliyah), and settlement in Israel, guided by justice.
- Relations between Israel and the nations - honoring every human being created in God’s image, protecting the stranger and the local resident, and fostering positive international relations.
Educational content and media on the “Daily Sage” website
The 'Daily Wiseman' website, in addition to the sources, includes a variety of media platforms:
Digital textbooks that focus on one value and connect to additional content.
Videos in which men and women choose a wise man and tell how they connect with his words of wisdom.
The 'Weekly Sage' tractate in Eli Barkat's corner on Kobi Oz's Friday program on Channel 2.
Posters designed with short sentences from the sayings of the wise.
Cards with short sentences from the sayings of the wise combined with pictures for discussion and activity.
The “Daily Sage” website serves scholars, educators, teachers, and researchers who wish to deepen their knowledge of the teachings of Jewish sages, especially Sephardic sages, and to connect more closely with their wisdom. The database is a source of inspiration for content creators, speakers, preachers, article writers, and media professionals. It also enables the development of diverse educational content suitable for students, youth movements and informal education, study groups, and learning communities focused on Jewish-Israeli identity, spirituality and society, educational excellence, social change processes, and leadership.
Stay connected to the “Daily Sage” through a daily email newsletter, allowing for daily learning.
To access the “Daily Sage” website and subscribe to the newsletter: www.hyomi.org.il
The “Daily Sage” operates with the support of the Posen Foundation.
