Linguistic Expertise and Intellectual Influence
In addition to English, Hayim had mastery over Hebrew and French, and a working knowledge of Arabic, Turkish, German, and Russian. His wide linguistic capabilities allowed him to incorporate etymological, syntactical, and contextual nuances into his work.
He had a particular interest in Turkish loanwords in Persian. His precise commentary on the origins, meanings, and usage of these words led some contemporaries to mistakenly believe he was of Azerbaijani Jewish origin from Tabriz. In reality, he was a Tehran-born intellectual whose curiosity spanned cultures and languages.
Hayim’s knowledge of Jewish and Christian terminology was extensive and proved critical when he contributed to the Persian Encyclopedia, under the supervision of the renowned scholar Gholam Hossein Musaheb. His translations and editorial notes on articles dealing with Judaism were among the most accurate and objective of their time, reflecting both religious sensitivity and scholarly rigor.
Religious Background and Community Service
Raised in a devout Jewish household, Hayim studied Hebrew and Jewish theology under Rabbi Hayim Moreh, a prominent religious figure of his time. Due to the Rabbi’s blindness, Hayim often acted as his scribe, recording his lectures and transcriptions. These efforts resulted in the compilation of three religious books: Derech Hayim, Pateh Eliyahu, and Gedolat Mordechai.
This early religious tutelage helped form Hayim’s intellectual integrity and disciplined approach to scholarship. Though he pursued secular education, he never abandoned his religious roots and often served as a bridge between Iran’s Jewish community and its broader Persian cultural heritage.