Baba Sali: The Life, Miracles, and Legacy of Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira

Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, known as the “Baba Sali,” was born on the 1st of Tishrei, 5650 (September 26, 1889), in the city of Rissani in the Tafilalt region of Morocco.

His father was Rabbi Mas’ud Abuchatzeira, the eldest son of Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, author of Avir Yaakov and one of the greatest sages of Morocco in recent generations. Rabbi Yisrael was the brother of Rabbi David Abuchatzeira and Rabbi Yitzchak Abuchatzeira, known as “Baba Chaki.”

His parents — Rabbi Mas’ud and his righteous wife Aisha, protected him with exceptional care from the moment he was born. His mother placed his cradle beside the wall of the study hall so that Torah words would fill his ears from infancy. At age six, his holy parents would cover his face with a scarf when he left the house so he would not be exposed to improper sights.

The young boy lived up to their hopes, immersing himself in Torah with extraordinary diligence until he mastered all levels of Torah.

Youthful Asceticism and Early Marriage

From an early age, he practiced asceticism, including vowing not to eat meat and fasting on weekdays.

At age 13 he married Percha, his niece, who bore him his son Rabbi Meir and his daughters Sarah and Machi. After her passing, he married at age 16 Miriam Amsalem, who bore him his son Rabbi Baruch and his daughters Avigail, Penina, and Aliza. She, too, passed away. At age 65 he married Rabbanit Simi, who still lives in Netivot; their daughter is Esther Edrei.

Rise as a Torah Scholar and Community Leader

At age 16, he was appointed Rosh Metivta (head of the academy) of the Avir Yaakov Yeshiva in Tafilalt. Two years later, upon the passing of his father, he became head of the entire yeshiva. Though already recognized as a Torah giant, he concealed his greatness and did not publicize his Torah insights.

At age 30, after the passing of his brother Rabbi David, Rabbi Yisrael was appointed Av Beit Din (chief rabbinical authority) of Tafilalt and its surrounding districts. He inherited the mantle of leadership from his ancestors and became the spiritual guide to the entire region.

Immigration to the Land of Israel

First Arrival: 1920

In 1920, at age 31, he immigrated for the first time to the Land of Israel and was received with great honor in Jerusalem. After three years, he needed to return to Morocco because of the deteriorating spiritual state of Moroccan Jewry. Upon his return, he was asked to lead the community after his brother Rabbi David had been murdered by an Arab attacker.

Second Arrival: 1962

In 1962, after most of his sons had already settled in Israel, Rabbi Yisrael immigrated again, accompanied by hundreds at the port. He first settled in Yavneh, where his son-in-law Rabbi Avraham Abuchatzeira lived. From there he moved to Ashkelon, and in 1970 he moved to Netivot, which became known as the “City of Torah and Holiness” thanks to him.

Final Days and Passing

After the yartzeit of his grandfather, on the 20th of Tevet 5744, he felt unwell and was taken to the hospital. No one imagined these were his final days. Although the doctors were optimistic, the Baba Sali spoke words of farewell.

On Sunday morning, the 4th of Shevat, 5744 (1984), shortly before 8 AM, his holy soul ascended to heaven.

Thousands from all sectors of Jewish society accompanied him to his final resting place. His gravesite quickly became a national center of prayer.

A Father to All Israel

Born into a lineage of towering sages, Kabbalists, and miracle-workers, the Baba Sali became known as the father of prayer for the Jewish people. He devoted his life to their needs — feeling their pain, sharing their struggles, supporting widows and orphans, marrying off the needy, and serving as a compassionate father to all.

Tens of thousands streamed to him from every community, and he greeted each person with warmth, humility, and blessing.

His halachic authority was widely respected, and great Torah figures called him: ​“The complete and all-encompassing sage, the outstanding judge, leader of the community and the academy.”

Even Arab rulers honored him and complied with his requests.

Holy Practices and Ascetic Lifestyle

His spiritual practices became legendary:

• Daily immersion in the mikvah during both summer and winter — even breaking ice to immerse

• Ascetic living with only 2–3 hours of sleep each night

• Frequent fasts and self-discipline

• Entire days dedicated to Torah study and receiving people in need

He did not allow clean-shaven men to pray with his small minyan after his immersion rituals.

Countless stories testify to the power of his prayers — miraculous recoveries, barren women who conceived, harsh decrees annulled, and many other wonders.

His renown spread into the Ashkenazi world as well, and many prominent rabbis traveled to receive his blessing.

Writings and Teachings

His book “Ahavat Yisrael” contains profound commentaries on the 127 mitzvot hinted at in the commandment “Love your fellow as yourself.”

In his later years, he gave two watches to his student, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, saying: “When the hands point to twelve, Mashiach will arrive.”

His portrait is commonly displayed in Jewish homes and businesses as a symbol of blessing and protection.

His Descendants and Legacy

His son Rabbi Meir Abuchatzeira, whom he saw as his successor, passed away in 1983 at age 66. Rabbi Meir’s sons continued in his path:

• Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira (Be’er Sheva)

• Rabbi David Chai Abuchatzeira (Nahariya)

• Rabbi Raphael Abuchatzeira (Tiberias)

• Rabbi Yekutiel Abuchatzeira (Ashdod)

His son Rabbi Baruch Abuchatzeira (“Baba Baruch”) established institutions in Netivot in his father’s memory. His younger son-in-law, Rabbi Yashar Edrei, heads Netivot’s Chabad institutions.

The Baba Sali’s Grave in Netivot

The Baba Sali is buried in Netivot. His gravesite is marked by a large building designed in traditional Moroccan style.

Every year on the anniversary of his passing (4 Shevat), tens of thousands of rabbis, public figures, and Jews from all backgrounds come to pray there. Each year, approximately a quarter of a million people visit his gravesite.