The Legacy of Baba Sali: A Modern Saint's Journey

Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, more famously known as 'Baba Sali', was born on September 26, 1889, in Rissani, Morocco. He was the son of Rabbi Masoud Abuchatzeira and the grandson of the renowned Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, often called 'The Great Rabbi'.

From an early age, his parents, Rabbi Masoud and his wife Aisha, took extraordinary care of him. His cradle was placed next to the study hall wall so he could absorb the sounds of Torah learning even as a child. By six, they covered his face with a veil to shield him from inappropriate sights.

The young boy did not disappoint his devout parents, dedicating himself to Torah study with incredible diligence. He became well-versed in the many layers of Torah interpretation: simple, allegorical, homiletical, and mystical.

From a young age, Baba Sali practiced asceticism, took a vow not to eat meat, and often fasted during weekdays.

At the age of 13, Baba Sali married his niece, Percha, who bore him a son, Rabbi Meir, and daughters Sarah and Machi. Following her passing, he married Miriam Amsalem at 16, with whom he had Rabbi Baruch and daughters Abigail, Penina, and Aliza before she too passed away. At 65, he married Rebbezen Simy, who lives in Netivot, and they had a daughter, Esther Edri.

At just 16, he became head of the 'Avir Yaakov' Yeshiva in his birthplace Tafilalt, and at 18, following his father's passing, he was appointed head of the yeshiva, though he humbly kept his vast knowledge understated.

By thirty, following his brother Rabbi David's passing, Baba Sali became the head of the Tafilalt community's rabbinical court. He upheld the family tradition of leading the sacred community with authority.

In 1920, at thirty-one, Baba Sali came to the Land of Israel for the first time. Greeted with great honor in Jerusalem, he stayed for three years before returning to Morocco due to spiritual challenges in Jewish communities there and was called to lead after his brother's tragic murder.

In 1962, after most of his children had already relocated to Israel, Baba Sali returned, accompanied by many followers. Initially settling in Yavne with his son-in-law Rabbi Avraham Abuchatzeira, he later moved to Ashkelon, and in 1970 to Netivot, which became known as a 'City of Torah and Holiness' thanks to him.

After a memorial service for his grandfather in January 1984, Baba Sali fell ill and was hospitalized. Though doctors were optimistic, he seemed to prepare for his departure from the world.

On Sunday morning, January 22, 1984, his soul departed. Thousands from all walks of life attended his funeral, and his grave site became a spiritual beacon.

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Born into a lineage of rabbis and mystics, Baba Sali was regarded as the father of prayer for the Jewish people, tirelessly dedicating himself to their welfare, supporting the needy, and offering blessings to everyone who came to him.

His influence extended to Jewish communities worldwide, where his wisdom and authority were revered. Even political leaders respected his strong leadership.

Known for his religious devotion, Baba Sali immersed himself daily in a ritual bath, even in the harshest winters. He adhered strictly to traditional practices and expected the same of those who prayed with him.

Stories of his effective prayers abound—healing the sick, blessing the childless with fertility, and averting difficult decrees.

His reputation reached Ashkenazi Jews, who also sought his teachings and blessings.

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His book, "Ahavat Yisrael," offers interpretations on the commandments embodied in "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Before his passing, he entrusted Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu with two watches, indicating that when the clocks struck twelve together, the Messiah would come.

Many homes and businesses display his image, hoping for his blessings and success.

His Descendants

Baba Sali's son, Rabbi Meir Abuchatzeira, viewed as his spiritual heir, passed away in 1983 in Ashdod. His sons—Rabbi Elazar in Be'er Sheva, Rabbi David Chai in Nahariya, Rabbi Raphael in Tiberias, and Rabbi Yekutiel in Ashdod—continue his legacy.

His son Rabbi Baruch Abuchatzeira, known as "Baba Baruch," established institutions in Netivot in his memory.

His younger son-in-law, Rabbi Yashar Edri, leads Chabad institutions in Netivot.

His Resting Place

Baba Sali's tomb in Netivot, marked by a grand building in Moroccan architectural style, is a pilgrimage site. His yahrzeit on the 4th of Shevat attracts tens of thousands, including rabbis and public figures, and sees nearly 250,000 visitors annually.