Who Was Rebbetzin Kaduri?

Sarah Shadira bat Serach of the Nakash family, who would later be simply known as "Rebbetzin Kaduri," was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and came to the Land of Israel about 90 years ago. On the 12th of Tevet 5687, Rebbetzin Sarah married Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri, and the couple had two children. The Rebbetzin and her husband settled in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.

 

After the fall of the quarter during the War of Independence, they moved to the Bukharan neighborhood of the city. Rabbi Kaduri worked as a bookbinder for his livelihood, dedicating his free and not-so-free time to learning both the revealed and hidden Torah. The Rebbetzin, understanding the unique spiritual stature of her husband, lovingly accepted his packed schedule and his role as a public figure, always greeting the hundreds and thousands who knocked on their doors for blessings, amulets, or advice with a smile.

 

There were times when the Rabbi was late in returning home, and the Rebbetzin, who generally refrained from going out due to her modesty, would venture out with concern to find him, worried something might have happened. Often, she would find him immersed in study with another kabbalist, particularly learning with his mentor, the kabbalist Chacham Salman Eliyahu, of blessed memory, father of the kabbalist Rabbi Mordechai Tzemach Eliyahu, of blessed memory. The Rebbetzin spoke minimally, as others testified her mouth was pure, free of gossip or slander.

 

The Rebbetzin, known as a righteous woman who dedicated her life to mitzvot, managed the humble and modest household of the Rabbi with wisdom and self-sacrifice until her last day. On Lag BaOmer 5749 (1989), after enduring significant suffering, the righteous Rebbetzin passed away. Thousands accompanied the Rebbetzin at her funeral held at Har HaMenuchot in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem. Leading the procession was her righteous husband, Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri, attended by Torah and Chassidic leaders, Yeshiva students, Knesset members from across the political spectrum, and a wide public from all social strata.

 

Legend has it that on the Yom Kippur following her passing, during the opening of the aron for "Kol Nidrei," the kabbalist Rabbi Kaduri was asked to open the aron, but he refused, citing his widower status. In order to open the aron, he needed to remarry, which he did several years after Rebbetzin Sarah's passing, marrying Dorit, a Baalat Teshuva then 42 years old. Rabbi Kaduri lived on until the remarkable age of 106 (some say 112).

 

Rabbi David Kaduri, the son of Rebbetzin Sarah and Rabbi Kaduri, and Rebbetzin Rachel, their daughter, continue their legacy, particularly immortalizing them with humility, inner quiet, and a special smile reminiscent of their parents' unique characters. On the 18th of Iyar, a Sunday, we will all light a candle in honor and memory of the righteous Rebbetzin Sarah Kaduri, and visit her grave in Jerusalem. May her merit and role as "a help against him" assist us, and may our prayers be fulfilled for the good and blessing.