Remembering Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhatzeira: The Legacy of 'I'll Fly and Take Shelter'

Tonight (Tuesday, 14th of Shvat) marks the 114th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhatzeira, a distinguished scholar and Kabbalist who lived in Morocco at the turn of the 20th century.

1. Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhatzeira was the fourth and youngest son of Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira, fondly known as the "Avir Yaakov" after his celebrated works. The Abuhatzeira family has a long legacy of producing great rabbis, with the most well-known being Rabbi Israel Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali, one of Rabbi Yaakov's grandsons.

2. Rabbi Yitzhak was a scholar and Kabbalist, active in Tafilalt, Morocco in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

3. Named 'Yitzhak' after the Arizal, his father recognized a spark of the Arizal's soul within him, permitting him to study Kabbalah from a young age.

4. Rabbi Yitzhak often secluded himself in his home's upper room, dedicating day and night to Torah study. Known for his extensive knowledge, for five years he studied the entire Talmud by night with Rabbi Israel (the "Baba Sali"), including commentaries, Tosafot, and the Maharsha.

5. He gained significant renown for his piyyut "I'll Fly and Take Shelter," an expression of longing for the divine presence and unshakeable faith in the coming of the Messiah and ultimate redemption:

I will fly and take shelter, wandering far and wide. I'll stay in the desert, perhaps finding my beloved:

The weapon of his love burns within my heart. Since he left, my soul is embittered:

My cherished one has gone away and abandoned me. Which path should I take to find him:

I set out to seek my beloved among friends, but was caught in a trap, beaten by the guards:

I awaited my beloved, wondering when he'd come, to adorn me and show compassion:

Reveal your arm to gather the scattered, uncover the final salvation, and raise your banner:

Arise, my only one, return in repentance. My sister, my bride, your savior is here:

Precious jewel, treasured and praised, more precious than gold. Dance joyfully:

Remember your youthful kindness; I'll establish your sanctuary with sapphire stones:

My beloved is coming, leaping over mountains. Arise, my love, for the call of freedom has come:

6. The piyyut is deeply influenced by the Biblical "Song of Songs", capturing its mood and the tale of the bride seeking her beloved, incorporating its language and phrases.

7. This piyyut is unique for its straightforward and heartfelt expression of the mutual search between the beloved and the bride, symbolizing the Jewish people and Hashem.

8. The piyyut expresses the yearning of the Jewish community for Hashem to redeem them, highlighting Hashem's deep desire to redeem them due to their repentance and past good deeds.

9. The piyyut consists of ten stanzas—the first six depict the voice of the Jewish people: "I will fly and take shelter, wandering far and wide. I'll stay in the desert, perhaps finding my beloved." The next three stanzas reflect Hashem's response to the Jewish people: "Arise, my only one, return in repentance. My sister, my bride, your savior is here." The final stanza combines both perspectives, with the first half echoing the Jewish people's voice towards Hashem: "My beloved is coming, leaping over mountains," and the second half offering Hashem's comforting reply to the Jewish people: "Arise, my love, for the call of freedom has come."

10. On the 14th of Shvat, 5672 (1912), Rabbi Yitzhak embarked on a fundraising journey for the "Avir Yaakov" Yeshiva, hiring an armed guard for protection. Near the town of Tullel, they were ambushed by bandits. During the gunfire exchange, the bandits fled into the woods without taking the money; however, Rabbi Yitzhak succumbed to a gunshot wound. May his memory be a blessing and his merit protect us.

Did you enjoy this article? Learned something new? Tell us in the comments.