The Story Behind "Baba Sali"
In memory of the recent anniversary of his passing, we explore the life of Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira z"l: After three separate relocations to Israel, he settled down and left behind a legacy of miraculous stories and spiritual teachings. Discover the extraordinary life of Baba Sali, who passed away at the age of 94.
- דודו כהן
- פורסם י"א חשון התשע"ד
#VALUE!
Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, known affectionately as "Baba Sali," was born in 1890 in Morocco and passed away in 1984 in Israel. He is buried in Netivot, where even today, multitudes visit his grave, especially on his annual yahrzeit, the 4th of Shvat.
His father, Rabbi Masoud Abuchatzeira, was the eldest son of Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, known as the "Abir Yaakov." His mother was Rebbetzin Aisha. This esteemed family was renowned for their miraculous deeds. Baba Sali was the brother of Rabbi David Abuchatzeira and Rabbi Yitzchak Abuchatzeira (known as "Baba Chaki"). Incidentally, the name "Baba Sali" translates to "the praying father."
From a young age, Baba Sali's devotion to Torah study was unparalleled, dedicating 18 hours a day to learning. Remarkable stories tell of his frequent fasting and avoidance of food, eating meat and fish only on Shabbat and holidays. Alongside Torah study, he also learned writing holy texts, ritual slaughter, and circumcision. Later, he delved into Kabbalah, primarily following the teachings of the Arizal.
Baba Sali married his first wife, Frecha, at the tender age of 13. Tragically, she passed away young but not before giving birth to three children: Meir, Sarah, and Machsi.
Three years after his first marriage, Rabbi Yisrael married Miriam of the Amsalem family, and they had four children: Abigail, Baruch (later known as "Baba Baruch"), Pnina, and Aliza.
At just 18, following his father's passing, Rabbi Yisrael took over as the head of the local yeshiva in Morocco, named after Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, "Abir Yaakov." He served there for 13 years before becoming the chief rabbi of the Tafilalt region at age 30.
In 1922, Baba Sali moved to Israel for a year, studying at the Kabbalistic yeshiva "Beit El" in Jerusalem. He returned to Morocco as Jews faced growing persecution, with his wife and son Meir even imprisoned due to false accusations. Baba Sali visited Israel again, lived in Tiberias and other Galilee areas, studied at the "Porat Yosef" yeshiva in Jerusalem, but returned to Morocco due to the difficult spiritual conditions in the Jewish communities. Ultimately, his family made a permanent move to Israel in 1970, settling in Netivot. His home soon became a pilgrimage site, not only for Moroccan Jews but for many others, known for his miracle-working powers, answered prayers, and healing blessings. He distributed amulets, blessed bottles of water or arak, and offered countless blessings. Several books documenting his attributed miracles were published during and after his lifetime. His love was so profound that many still display his classic portrait in homes, mainly among Sephardic communities.
After Miriam's passing, Rabbi Yisrael, then 65, married Rebbetzin Simi, known today as "Lalla Simi," who still resides in Netivot. They had a daughter named Esther.
One of Baba Sali's notable pupils was Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu z"l. A few years before his own passing, he gifted Rabbi Eliyahu two watches, prophesizing the Messiah's arrival when the hands struck 12. At 1:05, you can view the Channel 2 news segment and hear Rabbi Zamir Cohen's account of the intriguing event.
In 1983, his eldest son Meir, who was expected to carry on his legacy, passed away. Just a year later, at the age of 94, after his health declined to the point he had to break his vow against eating meat, Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira passed away and was laid to rest in Netivot. His yahrzeit attracts thousands of his followers. Today, his son, Rabbi Baruch Abuchatzeira, oversees the Netivot center, while two of his grandsons continue Baba Sali's path in other parts of Israel – Rabbi David Abuchatzeira in Nahariya in the north and Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira in Be'er Sheva in the south. It is estimated that around a quarter of a million people visit the Netivot grave site annually.
