Israel ben Joseph Halevi Caslari

Provençal Jewish physician and poet (f. 14th century)

Israel ben Joseph Halevi Caslari was a 14th-century Jewish physician and poet, known to have resided in Avignon in 1327. His literary output includes a notable liturgic poem for the holiday of Purim, which commences with the phrase מי כמוך‎. This poem showcases his poetic skills and contribution to Jewish literature. As a member of the Jewish community in Avignon, Caslari's work reflects the cultural and religious heritage of his time.

Caslari's family background has been the subject of scholarly debate. Some researchers, including Neubauer and Leopold Zunz, have suggested that he was a member of the Yitzhari family, based on the signature in a manuscript of his poem that includes the phrase לבני יצהר‎. However, this opinion has been disputed by Gross, who argues that the appellation may be honorary rather than indicative of actual family ties. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his family connections, Israel ben Joseph Halevi Caslari's poetic work remains a significant part of his legacy as a literary figure of the 14th century.