Ḥayim Mosheh Elyashar

Rabbi Haim Moshe Elyashar (, nicknamed "the Chama" ; January 11, 1845 – January 10, 1924) was a Sephardi chief rabbi in the Land of Israel and the first of the British colonial period.

Early life Eliashar was born in 1845 in Jerusalem to Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, who himself would hold the same title as his son. He was educated at a local Talmud Torah and excelled in school. He later learned directly from his father, as well as from Rabbi Yousef Bourla, who was Av Beit Din for the city. When he was 14 years old, he married Batya, the daughter of then then-chief rabbi Raphael Meir Panigel. Following his marriage, he became a merchant for income while continuing his rabbinic studies. He was well-known for his understanding of the torah and in his modesty. People from all over sent in halakha questions. He spoke many languages, including Arabic and Turkish. The well-established Sephardi community supported the Elyashar family and yearned to maintain the status quo, while Meir's supporters were more liberal. Meir was appointed, but later resigned, and the position went to 4 rabbis before him; he served from 1914 until 1915.

In 1918, the Rabbinic Council for Jerusalem was established to unite Ashkenazi and Sephardic rabbis under one organization. Rabbi , along with Elyashar, were two such members. The committee did not last long and was replaced with the , to which Elyashar served as president. This office was the basis for the later Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

Last years Elyashar lived in the Mekor Baruch neighborhood.