Hacham Rahamim Churba-Cohen was born in Aleppo, Syria to Rabbi Abraham and Garaz Churba-Cohen, at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. He studied under the eminent Hachmei Halab, from whom he learned the details and intricacies of the halachot and minhagim according to the Syrian tradition. It was they who recognized the seed of greatness within young Rahamim, and they nurtured that seed. Indeed, Hacham Rahamim became well known for his vast Torah knowledge, depth of Talmud study, and leadership qualities.

In the late 1920’s Hacham Rahamim arrived in America. He was immediately accepted by the Syrian community as an authority on the laws and traditions of Halab. For sixty years, he was an inspiration to three generations of Syrian Jews, transmitting to them the precious heritage of their forefathers.

When the beloved Hacham passed away, his son Rabbi Shlomo Churba-Cohen and his brothers established a congregation in memory of their parents. Since 1994, Congregation Shaare Rahamim has continued to follow along the path forged by the revered Hacham. In order to best serve the community, Congregation Shaare Rahamim Synagogue and Learning Center sponsors various projects to further the knowledge of our precious heritage.

In this capacity, Congregation Shaare Rahamim is pleased to present a Haggadah reflecting the unique traditions of Halab. The Haggadah is designed as a comprehensive Pesah guide, providing the reader with step-by-step instructions for Pesah--from the holiday preparations through the Seder.

May our synagogue and its varied projects serve as a zechut for our beloved Hacham Rahamim Churba-Cohen, of blessed memory, and his wife Adele, of blessed memory.

Wishing you a Hag Kasher V’same’ah