Rabbi David u’Moshe: A Life of Miracles, A Death of Sacrifice

A Hidden Life, A Revealed Legacy

This Shabbat (the first day of the Jewish month of Cheshvan) marks the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of Rabbi David u’Moshe, a righteous sage known for his miraculous deeds and deep compassion. Though little is known about the details of his birth and personal life, tradition holds that he passed away in the year 1171.

His full name was Rabbi David ben Moshe, but he became widely known simply as Rabbi David u’Moshe. Born and educated in Jerusalem, he quickly rose to prominence as a wise and humble Torah scholar. He was later chosen to travel to Morocco to raise funds for the poor of the Land of Israel, a task for which he was considered uniquely suited due to his modesty and powerful oratory skills.

Miracles, Comfort, and Courage in Morocco

During his time in Morocco, Rabbi David u’Moshe became a beloved spiritual figure. People came to him for prayers for healing, for children, and for hope. In a time when the Moroccan sultan imposed severe decrees against the Jews, the rabbi delivered stirring sermons that uplifted the spirits of his community and encouraged them not to lose faith.

To the Jews of Morocco, he was a living embodiment of the verse: “The tzaddik decrees, and God fulfills" and many miracle stories are associated with him.

Each Friday, Rabbi David u’Moshe would go from village to village collecting charity for the needy of the Holy Land. On one such Friday, the first of Cheshvan, he arrived in the village of Agouim, where he would ultimately pass away.

A Life Given to Save Lives

According to tradition, when Rabbi David u’Moshe arrived in Agouim with his assistant (a non-Jew from Israel who had grown up in his household), he found the surrounding villages struck by a deadly illness. Both Jews and Arabs were sick, and many had already died.

Lifting his eyes to the heavens, Rabbi David u’Moshe cried out:

“Master of the Universe! I came here to collect money for the poor of the Land of Israel and now everyone is ill or dying.”

A heavenly voice responded:

“You have the power to nullify the decree, for both Jews and Arabs.”

He answered, “Then I accept death upon myself in exchange for their lives.” At that moment, he passed away. When his assistant returned, he found the villagers who had been gravely ill just hours earlier healthy and strong. Rabbi David u’Moshe had given his life to save them.

An Enduring Legacy

Even after his passing, many who visit his gravesite report experiencing salvation and miracles. Synagogues and study halls throughout the Jewish world bear his name, and many light a candle in his memory each year.

Moroccan Jews have long observed his hilulah (memorial celebration) on the first of Cheshvan. The tradition continues today, especially in communities throughout Israel. It is also common among Moroccan Jews to invoke his name for protection from harm and the evil eye, based on the enduring belief that his merits continue to echo in Heaven: “You shall decree a thing, and it shall be established for you” (Job 22:28).