10 Fascinating Facts About Baba Sali

1. Baba Sali was born on Rosh Hashanah in the year 1890 in the town of Tafilalt, Morocco. He immigrated to Israel in 1964, was a revered rabbi and kabbalist, and passed away on 4 Sh'vat, 1984.

2. From an early age, his parents carefully protected him, knowing he would grow to be a luminary for Israel. His mother placed his cradle next to the study hall wall so that words of Torah would capture his attention even as an infant..

3. At only six years old, his devout parents covered his face with a scarf when he left the house to prevent him from inadvertently encountering anything forbidden that could mar his holiness.

4. By sixteen, he was appointed to head the "Avir Yaakov" yeshiva. Three years later, after his father's passing, Rabbi Masoud, he became the head of the yeshiva.

5. He was a profound halachic authority and the foremost rabbinical figure for all Moroccan Jews. He hid his immense dedication to Torah study and his deep understanding of Pardes, the esoteric and literal dimensions of the Torah.

6. He lived with incredible sanctity. Daily, summer or winter, he immersed in the mikveh, sometimes breaking sheets of ice to do so, never letting the cold deter his purifying immersion, which he performed with kabbalistic intentions.

7. He frequently fasted and self-denied comforts. Most of his day was dedicated to Torah and blessing seekers, sleeping only a couple of hours each night.

8. The name Baba Sali means "the praying father." Indeed, he was the spiritual father of Jewish prayer, dedicating his life to the welfare of the holy nation, empathizing with their pains and struggles. Thousands, regardless of background, sought him out for blessings. He welcomed everyone warmly, showered them with love, and his holy blessings never returned void. He supported the poor and widows, arranged marriages for orphans, and was a father to all.

9. Countless tales are told among Moroccan Jews about his prayers' efficacy. His fame spread to Ashkenazic Jews in Israel, who also traveled to him, including Torah luminaries, to imbibe from his knowledge and be blessed by his prayers. Many share stories of miracles and spiritual phenomena.

10. Before his passing, he uttered farewell words; his close associates caught the phrase: "May my passing atone for the troubles of the people of Israel." His holy tomb in Netivot is a focus of prayer for all Jews, attracting about a quarter of a million visitors annually.

Rabbi Hertzel Chodor offers a rare glimpse into Baba Sali's life:

More about Baba Sali:

Avi Shoshan: "How Baba Sali saved my life". To read, click here.

Visit to Netivot for Baba Sali's yahrzeit. To read, click here.

A rare interview with Baba Sali's granddaughter. To read, click here.

Baba Sali declared, "The prayer was accepted" - and the child awoke. To read, click here.

Baba Sali's surprising advice to security forces: "Do not operate between 2:00-4:00". To read, click here.