Joseph Ben Phinehas

Joseph ben Phinehas was a Baghdad businessman and banker. Joseph and his partner Aaron ben Amram were engaged in large and far-flung business transactions by 877. Eventually they were accorded the official position of jahbadh in 911/12, whose functions involved the collecting of state revenues, the issue of bills of exchange on behalf of the government, and long-term loans to the caliph’s administration. Being close to the government also provided them the opportunity to act as private bankers for the vizier and other high officials. The firm attracted the patronage of Jewish merchants from the provinces of the Islamic empire and beyond, making them deeply involved in international trade. Joseph also used his influence to further the cause of Babylonian Jewry in government circles. After his death, Joseph’s position at court was inherited by his grandsons, the sons of his son-in-law Natira who died in 916.