Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri: The Mysterious Life and Miracles of the Elder Kabbalist

The 29th of Tevet, marks the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of the great kabbalist Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri, who was born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1898 (Hebrew year 5659) to his parents Tufaha and Rabbi Ze’ev Diva. Throughout his life he became known as “Zaken HaMekubalim” — the Elder of the Kabbalists.

One of the people who works tirelessly to preserve his memory is Rabbi Meir Malka, chairman of the Rabbi Kaduri Memorial Foundation and author of the book Yeshuot Yitzhak, which tells the life story of the greatest kabbalist of our generation.

Early Life and Background

The exact year of Rabbi Kaduri’s birth is not fully verified, though 1898 is the widely accepted estimate. What is certain is that he was born on the 16th of Tishrei — the day of the Ushpizin of Yitzhak Avinu — which is why he was given the name Yitzhak.

As a child he was sent to study at Midrash Beit Zilka, where he met the Ben Ish Chai (Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad). By age 17 he was already regarded as a prodigy in Torah study and even delivered lectures before the leading sages of Baghdad.

Immigration to Israel and Torah Study

In 1922 — before the establishment of the State of Israel, Rabbi Kaduri immigrated to the Land of Israel. He studied at Yeshivat Porat Yosef and Yeshivat Shoshanim LeDavid. He married his first wife, Sarah, and they had two children: David and Rachel.

After the establishment of the State, he began studying at the Beit El Kabbalists’ Yeshiva, while earning a living as a bookbinder.

Later, he became head of the kabbalistic yeshiva Nachalat Yitzhak, founded by his son Rabbi David Kaduri.

His Writings

Over the years, Rabbi Kaduri authored a massive manuscript entitled “Pitchei Olam”. It consists of five volumes dealing with:

• Amulets

• Segulot

• Prayers

• Yichudim

• And other mystical practices

Passing and Legacy

On the 29th of Tevet, 5766 (2006), Rabbi Kaduri returned his soul to his Creator. He was buried on Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem and his funeral was attended by hundreds of thousands of people.

But contrary to those who thought his legacy would fade, it only grew stronger. Rabbi Meir Malka, head of the memorial foundation, helped establish Rabbi Kaduri’s gravesite and later authored a book about his life.

“Tens of thousands come here every year,” says Rabbi Malka while standing at the gravesite. “We see tremendous salvations through the prayers. I believe this is because the Rav gives goodness in return for the work we are doing here. I also lecture across the country about Rabbi Kaduri — his deeds and the miracles he performed during his lifetime.”

A Personal Connection

Rabbi Malka first met Rabbi Kaduri over 20 years ago, when, in 1990, he served as the cantor and shofar-blower in Rabbi Kaduri’s synagogue.

“I remember walking home the first time and thinking, Who am I to have merited blowing shofar before the Elder of the Kabbalists of our generation?”

“During the prayers,” he recalls, “the Rav would sometimes experience aliyat neshamah — a spiritual ascent. He would disconnect from himself and literally rise upward.”

Writing the Biography: A Miraculous Process

“I merited to write the book in a miraculous way, within just five months. There were chapters I wrote, and suddenly an inner voice — almost like the Rav’s, told me: Change this. This part isn’t precise enough.

“The book includes 700 photographs, along with chapters on his life story, his miracles, his segulot, and even his funeral.

“The materials gathered almost on their own — people I didn’t know began showing up with stories, documents, miracle accounts.
It was as if the Rav himself sent each person here, one after another. I didn’t have to chase anyone.”

What Made Rabbi Kaduri So Unique?

“The mystery,” Rabbi Malka explains. “He was surrounded by an aura of mystery. His name was Yitzhak, and he was always smiling — as if hiding something.”

“He used to smoke, and said it was to save oppressed souls from Gehinnom. When he was 100 years old, doctors checked his lungs and said they were as clean as a child’s. He didn’t smoke out of desire — when offered Marlboro he refused, choosing only the simplest cigarettes. The main thing was that the smoke should perform its spiritual function.”

Another unique aspect was his work with amulets. He prepared a different amulet for each type of illness. He wrote on almonds, walnuts, apples, and more. Sometimes he would perform a “almond repair” ceremony at the Kinneret for someone — intended to increase joy in that person’s heart.

“Without a doubt,” says Rabbi Malka, “he was a special and rare figure — one of a kind in his generation.”