Remembering Rabbi Kaduri: 10 Years Later

Today marks the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri, known as the "Elder of the Kabbalists," who was born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1898 to his parents Tufahah and Rabbi Ze'ev Diba. Rabbi Meir Malka, chairman of the foundation for Rabbi Kaduri's commemoration, and author of the book "Yeshuot Yitzhak," which chronicles his remarkable life.

First, a brief overview of his life: Although his exact birth year isn't fully confirmed, popular belief places his birth in 1898. It's certain that his birthday fell on the 16th of Tishrei, the Ushpizin day of Isaac, which is why he was given that name. As a youth, he studied at the "Midrash Beit Zilkha," where he met the famous Ben Ish Chai (Rabbi Yosef Chaim ben Eliyahu). At just 17, he was recognized as a prodigy in Torah study and even spoke before the Torah sages in Baghdad.

In 1922, before the foundation of the State of Israel, Rabbi Kaduri immigrated to the Land of Israel. He studied at the Porat Yosef Yeshiva and the Shoshanim L'David Yeshiva. He married his first wife Sarah, and they had two children, David and Rachel. After the state's establishment, he joined the Yeshivat HaMekubalim Beit El and earned a living as a bookbinder. Eventually, he led the Yeshivat HaMekubalim "Nachalat Yitzhak," founded by his son Rabbi David Kaduri.

Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri

During his life, Rabbi Kaduri wrote a lengthy manuscript titled "Petachai Olam," which has yet to be published. This five-volume work covers amulets, blessings, prayers, unique spiritual practices, and more. Personally, after his first wife passed away in 1989, he married his second wife, Dorit, in 1993.

On the 29th of Tevet 5766, Rabbi Kaduri passed away and was buried on the Mount of Rest in Jerusalem. His funeral attracted hundreds of thousands. One might have thought his legacy ended there, but it only began to unfold. Rabbi Meir Malka, leading the foundation in his memory, organized his gravesite and later authored a book about his life.

"Tens of thousands come here annually," shares Rabbi Malka from Rabbi Kaduri's gravesite. "We're witnessing great miracles from the prayers. I attribute this to the rabbi rewarding our work here. I lecture nationwide about Rabbi Kaduri, his actions, and his life miracles." Rabbi Malka's connection with Rabbi Kaduri began over 20 years ago, back in 1990, when he served as the cantor and shofar blower at Rabbi Kaduri's synagogue. "I recall returning home and wondering who I was to have such a privilege," he reflects. "During prayers, he often experienced spiritual ascension, disconnecting from the world, and truly rising above it."

How did the idea to write a book about Rabbi Kaduri's life arise?

"The book was written in a miraculous manner within five months. There were chapters where an inner voice, as if of the rabbi, would tell me to adjust certain details. The book includes 700 photos alongside chapters on his life history, miracles, charms, and his funeral. Materials came to me unexpectedly—people I'd never met started bringing me stories of miracles, like Rabbi Kaduri himself sent them, one by one. I didn't have to chase anyone."

What made Rabbi Kaduri so special, such that even today he remains a standout figure?

"Mystery. He was enveloped in it. His name was Yitzhak, and he'd constantly laugh as if concealing something. For instance, he smoked, claiming it was to rescue distressed souls from Gehenna. At 100, doctors found his lungs as healthy as a child's. He didn't smoke out of desire. He declined Marlboros, only smoking the simplest ones, just enough for the smoke to fulfill its purpose. Another distinctive trait was his work with amulets, designing one for every illness type. He inscribed on almonds, walnuts, apples, and more. Occasionally, he conducted almond rituals at the Kinneret to uplift someone's spirits. He was undoubtedly a unique, once-in-a-generation figure."