R. Jacob ben Masoud Abi-Hasira( 1807–1880) was a codifier and kabbalist, widely renowned for his great piety; people streamed to him to receive his blessings. Three times he tried to fulfillhis dream of going to Erez Israel, but the community and even the government stood in his way. In the end however, he left despite their protestations. He succeeded in making his way as far as Damanhur, near Alexandria, but there he died and was buried. The anniversary of his death is commemorated in many communities. R. Jacob's works, almost all of which were published in Jerusalem, include: Doresh Tov (1884); Pittuhei Hotam, on the Torah (1885); Yoru Mishpatekha, responsa (1885); Bigdei ha-Sered, on the Passover Haggadah (1887, and Leghorn, 1890); Ginzei ha-Melekh, on Kabbalah (1889, 1961); Mahsof ha-Lavan. on the Torah (1892); Alef Binah, on the alphabet (1893); Ma'gelei Zedek (1893); Levonah Zakkah, on the Talmud (1929); Sha'arei Teshuvah (1955); Yagil Ya'akov, poems (Algiers, 1908; Jerusalem, 1962).

ביאור מקראות בסדר א"ב על-פי הקדמות האר"י ודרושים בקבלה. דף [1,ב-2,ב] הקדמה, מאת ר' רפאל משה אלבאז, צפרו, מרחשון תרנ"ב; [דף 2,ב]: "מכתב מאליהו", ר' אליהו ב"ר אברהם אביחצירא, פאס, אלול תרנ"ב: "מגלת יוחסין" של משפחת אביחצירא. עם "הסכמות" ר' רפאל מאיר פאניזיל ור' יעקב שאול אלישר, ירושלים, תמוז תרמ"ד.