Rabbi Chaim ben Attar: The Holy “Or HaChaim” and His Lasting Miracles

On the 15th of Tammuz, we mark the anniversary of the passing of Rabbeinu Chaim ben Attar, author of the Or HaChaim commentary on the Torah. Following is a small glimpse into the greatness of this holy figure:

Who Was Rabbi Chaim ben Attar?

Rabbi Chaim ben Attar, known as the Or HaChaim after the title of his Torah commentary, was born in Morocco and later moved to Jerusalem. He passed away at the age of 47, less than a year after arriving in Jerusalem, and is buried on the Mount of Olives.

Why Is He Called “HaKadosh”?

The title HaKadosh (“the holy one”) is given only to a select few, including the Alshich and the Shelah. The Baal Shem Tov famously said that the Or HaChaim carried a spark of the soul of Mashiach.

Miracles at His Gravesite

Countless miracle stories are associated with those who prayed at his gravesite and committed to studying his commentary.

One famous account tells of Rabbi Hillel Shlesinger, who had no children for many years. A leading doctor told him bluntly, “You will have children when hair grows on the palm of your hand” — meaning: “Never.” Heartbroken, Rabbi Hillel went to the Or HaChaim’s grave on the Mount of Olives, wept, and vowed to study from the Or HaChaim every week. Miraculously, a year later, his daughter was born. He eventually built a large family; one of his sons-in-law was Rabbi Moshe Halberstam of the Badatz Eidah HaChareidit.

The Yahrzeit That Saved a Nation

During World War II, when the Germans approached Eretz Yisrael from both Syria and Egypt, the rabbinic courts in Jerusalem called for mass prayer at the Or HaChaim’s gravesite on his yahrzeit. Crowds gathered, led by the Rebbe of Hust and the Rebbe of Zvhil.

After reciting Tehillim, the Rebbe of Hust appeared joyous. When asked why, he answered: “The danger has passed. No sword will enter our land.”

He explained that he saw the four-letter Name of Hashem shining above the gravesite. The Rebbe of Zvhil said the same. Within two days, Germany suffered heavy losses on both fronts, Russia opened a new offensive, and the Germans retreated — saving the Jews of Israel.

A Well-Known Segulah for Righteous Sons

There is a famous segulah (spiritual remedy) that one who regularly studies the Or HaChaim will merit righteous sons who are dedicated to Torah and mitzvot.

The Gerrer Rebbe, the Lev Simcha, explained that since the Or HaChaim himself had no children, all of his spiritual “power of offspring” was channeled into his holy writings. Thus, every passage carries the potential to bring forth holy children.

The tomb of Rabbi Chaim ben Attar

Learning Or HaChaim Brings Many Blessings

Studying the Or HaChaim is said to bring numerous spiritual benefits:

• Strengthening emunah (R’ Yochanan of Karlin)

• Healing (Imrei Pinchas)

• Wealth and longevity (Segulat Moshe)

• Protection in times of danger (R’ Chaim Palagi quoting the Chida)

• Fear of Heaven (Or HaBahir)

• Purity of the soul (the Rebbe of Ruzhin)

It is said by tzaddikim that anyone who learns his commentary on Acharei Mot and Kedoshim is guaranteed not to leave this world without doing teshuvah.

The Baba Sali and the Weekly Or HaChaim

The family of the Baba Sali relates that every Friday he would sit at the entrance of his home until he completed the entire Or HaChaim commentary on the week’s Torah portion.

The Baal Shem Tov Knew the Moment He Passed Away

The Or HaChaim passed away on Motzaei Shabbat, the night of 15 Tammuz. At that exact time — in Mezhibuzh, the Baal Shem Tov was washing his hands before the third meal and said: “The western light has gone out.”

His students asked him on Motzaei Shabbat what he meant, and he replied that Rabbi Chaim ben Attar had passed away.

They asked how he knew and he explained: “There is a unique mystical intention (kavanah) in washing for Seudah Shlishit that only one person in a generation knows. At that moment, the kavanah was revealed to me, and I understood that Rabbi Chaim ben Attar had passed away.”

A Gravesite Sanctified for Generations

The gravesite of the Or HaChaim remains a place of deep holiness. Every year on 15 Tammuz — and throughout the year, multitudes ascend the Mount of Olives to pray at his resting place.