Discourses on the Torah by R. Hayyim ben Joseph Hazzan (d. 1712). Hazzan was the son of R. Joseph Hazzan (d. after 1694), author of Ein Yosef (Izrnir, 1675, see above). This R. Hazzan served as did his father, as a rabbi in Izmir. In 1700, however, he went to Jerusalem, and, once there decided to remain. R. Hazzan later went as an emissary of Jerusalem to Germany and France, a second trip to Poland and Russia. While in Mir, Russia, R. Hazzan became ill and died. The title page states that it is Shenot Hayyim ("the years of life") (Proverbs 4:10, 9:11),

Fine discourses for all their desires, on Hamishah Homshei Torah, with meticulous composition, learning from the learned, "affording all manner of store" (Psalms 144:13), "myrrh, and aloes" IPsalms 45:9, Song of Songs 4:14), as Nega'im and Ohalot (difficult tractates). I have collected some new kellalim (principles) from the principles of the Talmud, "an orchard of pomegranates" (Song of Songs 4:13), "blessed of children" (Deuteronomy 33:24), "all who see them" (Isaiah 61:9) will call them "trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3) ....

The title page is dated, in the year, "the way of the tree of life” דרך עץ החיים (453 = 1693) Genesis 3:24). The colophon is dated "And the Lord shall guide you continually תמיד (454 = 1694) and satisfy [your soul) in drought" (Isaiah 58:11). Shenot Hayyim has approbations from his father, R. Joseph Hazzan, R. Solomon ha-Levi, R. Israel b. Hayyim Benveniste, and R. Elijah b. Solomon Abraham ha-Kohen. R. Hayyim Hazzan's introduction follows, in which he writes that "One who learns Torah and forgets [his learning) is like a woman who gives birth and buries her offspring" (Sanhedrin 99a), and one who fails to review his learning is "comparable to a farmer who sows but does not reap" (ibid.). Elaborating on this theme, R. Hazzan concludes in order not to forget, with the assis­tance of the One who, "gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29), he wrote "this for a memorial in a book" (Exodus 17:14). He entitled the book Shenot Hayyim, with his name that all should know that if any reader finds any issues in a topic, Tosefot, or aggadah, and the name of the one who raised the difficulty is not given, R. Hazzan should not be held guilty, for it is not his intention to wear someone else’s tallit.

The text follows in two columns in rabbinic type with marginal references. Shenot Hayyim concludes with an index and the epilogues of the editors, R. David b. Solomon Altaras and R. Moses b. Daniel Magiori. Initial words of parashot are in a frame of florets and at the endings of sections of the book are varying tail-pieces. This is the only edition of Shenot Hayyim, published according to Friedberg, in only two hundred copies. This is R. Hazzan's only published work. However, he left behind considerable novella that was never published. Some of R.Hazzan's responsa were included in Ginnat Veradim (Constantinople 1716-17).