Baba Sali • Yisrael Beracha
Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira
Recent GenerationsRabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, known by his nickname Baba Sali and the acronym Yisrael Beracha, was one of the greatest rabbis of Moroccan Jewry, a rosh yeshiva, head of a rabbinical court, and a kabbalist. He was born on Rosh Hashana 5650 (1889) in the town of Rissani in the Tafilal…
Biography
Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, known by his nickname Baba Sali and the acronym Yisrael Beracha, was one of the greatest rabbis of Moroccan Jewry, a rosh yeshiva, head of a rabbinical court, and a kabbalist. He was born on Rosh Hashana 5650 (1889) in the town of Rissani in the Tafilalet region of Morocco, into the distinguished Abuhatzeira family — a dynasty of rabbis and kabbalists that led the Jews of the region for generations. Already in childhood his exceptional gift was evident, and he devoted long hours to the study of Torah and Kabbalah. He later headed a yeshiva and served as head of the rabbinical court of the Tafilalet district. He was known for his asceticism, his lengthy prayers, and his devotion to the public, and many stories of salvation and miracles were woven around him. In 1951 he immigrated to Israel, and after a period in Jerusalem and Yavne he settled in the city of Netivot in the Negev, where his home became a pilgrimage site for tens of thousands of blessing-seekers from across the country and the world. He passed away on the 4th of Shevat 5744 (1984) in Netivot and was buried there; his grave became a pilgrimage site visited by many on his hilula and throughout the year.
Life Story
Childhood
Born on Rosh Hashana 5650 (1889) in the town of Rissani in the Tafilalet region of southeastern Morocco, to his father Rabbi Masoud Abuhatzeira, one of the local rabbis. The Abuhatzeira family was a distinguished dynasty of rabbis and kabbalists that led the Jews of the region for generations. Already in childhood his exceptional gift was evident, and he would seclude himself and devote long hours to the study of Torah and its secrets.
Teachers
He studied Torah under his father Rabbi Masoud Abuhatzeira, and also under his older brother Rabbi David Abuhatzeira. Among his teachers was also Rabbi Moshe Turgeman. Most of his effort, however, was invested in deep independent study of the Talmud, halacha, and kabbalistic works.
Family
He married several times. His first wife Rachel died in childbirth. He then married Pnina of the Amsalem family, and later Miriam of the Amsalem family. His last wife, Simi of the Ben-Shimon family, accompanied him in his Netivot years. Of his sons, Rabbi Meir Abuhatzeira and Rabbi Baruch Abuhatzeira (Baba Baruch) became known, continuing his path.
Key Events
In Morocco he served as rosh yeshiva and head of the rabbinical court of the Tafilalet district, leading the Jews of the region during a turbulent period of change. In 1951 he immigrated to Israel. After stays in Jerusalem and Yavne, he arrived in 1964 in the city of Netivot in the Negev, where he made his home. In Netivot his house became a pilgrimage site, and tens of thousands would come to hear his words and seek his blessing.
Miracles
Many stories of salvation and miracles were woven around the figure of Baba Sali, and he was known to the public as a miracle worker. Many recounted blessings that were fulfilled, prayers that were answered, and salvations he brought about. This image made him one of the most recognized and beloved tzadikim among North African Jewry and in Israel.
Influence
Baba Sali's influence extended beyond the borders of Morocco and Israel, reaching Jewish communities around the world. His figure became a symbol of piety, asceticism, and love of Israel, and is especially identified with strengthening the connection of North African Jews to their spiritual heritage. His grave in Netivot is a central pilgrimage site.
Death
He passed away on the 4th of Shevat 5744 (January 8, 1984), at age 94, in the city of Netivot. He was buried in the city, and his grave complex — designed by architect Avi Tzfati — became a pilgrimage site. Every year, on his hilula, tens of thousands of blessing-seekers visit the site.
Writings
Ahavat Yisrael
Jewish Thought
A Torah work dealing with matters of love of Israel and the foundations of spiritual service, reflecting his way and worldview.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
Baba Sali devoted long hours to Torah study with persistence and asceticism. He held that study must be accompanied by inner purity and pure intention, and that toil in Torah is the foundation of spiritual service.
Faith
He believed in simple and complete faith in divine providence and in the power of prayer. His lengthy prayers and supplications were known for their sincerity and depth, and many saw in them a source of salvation.
Ethics
His way was distinguished by extraordinary love of Israel, opening his home to every person, and receiving every person with a pleasant countenance. He saw in every Jew, of every community and in every state, a precious soul worthy of love and honor.
Customs
He practiced great asceticism, fasts, and frequent immersions. He preserved the customs of Moroccan Jewry and was careful about the orders of prayer and kabbalistic intentions, as his family bequeathed to him.
Character
He was distinguished by deep humility, inner calm, and pleasant ways. Despite his reputation and image as a miracle worker, he was careful to direct attention away from himself toward God and the Torah.
Grave Site
Timeline
Birth in Rissani in the Tafilalet region, Morocco
Study of Torah and Kabbalah, and emergence as a prodigy
Immigration to Israel
Settlement in Netivot in the Negev
Passing on the 4th of Shevat in Netivot
Legacy
Baba Sali is one of the greatest rabbis and kabbalists of Moroccan Jewry in recent generations, and his figure has become a symbol of tzadikut, asceticism, and love of Israel. His influence extends beyond the borders of Morocco and Israel, reaching Jewish communities around the world. His grave in Netivot is a central pilgrimage site, and the Abuhatzeira family continues to lead and influence in the spirit of his path.