The Hidden Light: Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri and the Secrets of the Kabbalah

A Sacred Birth and a Prophetic Blessing

Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri, one of the most venerated Kabbalists of the modern era, was born in Baghdad on the second day of Sukkot, a day associated with the ushpizin (spiritual guests on Succot) of Yitzchak Avinu, after whom he was named. His father, Rabbi Kaduri, was a successful spice and perfume merchant known for his generosity and deep respect for Torah scholars. Tradition holds that their family had been privileged with appearances of Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet) throughout the generations.

As a young boy, Yitzchak studied under the famed Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known as the Ben Ish Chai. He later described how his teacher’s face radiated as he delivered Torah lessons. Rabbi Kaduri would eventually receive the Ben Ish Chai’s ceremonial belt from the family and was personally blessed to live a long life free of illness, blessings that were fulfilled.

A Lifelong Quest for Holiness

In his early years, Rabbi Kaduri studied in the renowned Beit Zilka study hall in Baghdad. Even then, he quietly began learning Kabbalah. Yearning for greater spiritual heights, he left home at a young age and immigrated alone to the Land of Israel to continue his Torah studies and connect with the great sages living there.

Six years later, he briefly returned to Iraq at his family’s request before settling permanently in the Holy Land. Upon returning, he adopted his father’s name, Kaduri, as his own surname and became widely known as Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri.

Master Kabbalist and Guardian of Mystical Knowledge

In Jerusalem, Rabbi Kaduri studied at the esteemed Porat Yosef Yeshiva. He would later establish his own institution, Yeshivat Nachalat Yitzchak, that was dedicated to the study of Kabbalah. Rabbi Kaduri often emphasized that learning the hidden dimensions of Torah hastens the coming of the redemption. He also spoke frequently about the power of holy speech and the importance of guarding one’s words.

Over the years, Rabbi Kaduri became recognized as an unparalleled expert in the creation of protective amulets (kame’ot) and in the sacred Names of Hashem. On rare occasions, he would reveal esoteric knowledge, such as mystical Names said to be effective against terrorists or the spiritual location of Miriam’s Well in the Kinneret.

Though he spoke little, his wisdom and holiness left a profound impact. Revered as the “Elder of the Kabbalists,” he was equally respected for his mastery of Jewish law.

Global Reverence and a Lasting Legacy

In 1990 (5750), Rabbi Kaduri visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New York. The Rebbe blessed him and commented that his name, "Kaduri," reflected his influence not just in the Land of Israel but across the entire globe.

Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri passed away on the 29th of Tevet, 5766 (January 2006), at the age of 107. Tens of thousands mourned his passing, and his legacy continues to illuminate hearts across the Jewish world.