Harvey E. Goldberg

Prof. Emeritus in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the Sarah Allen Shaine Chair in Sociology and Anthropology at the Hebrew University. His approach combines anthropology with Jewish studies. His research into the social and cultural history of Libyan Jewry draws from field work conducted with Libyan olim in Israel as well as historical sources, with Rabbi Mordechai Ha-Cohen's "Haggid Mordechai" being one of the most significant.

Libyan Jewry: A Personal Perspective – How Rabbi Mordechai Ha-Cohen of Tripoli Documented His Community

In recent months, the archive of Rabbi Mordechai Ben Yehuda Ha-Cohen of Tripoli has been cataloged and made accessible at the National Library of Israel. He was a scholar, halakhic jurist, and significant chronicler of Libyan Jewry in the early 20th century. Professor Harvey E. Goldberg, a researcher of Libyan Jewry who edited Mordechai Ha-Cohen’s book, “Higgid Mordechai”, shares the story of an exceptional rabbi and Renaissance man.