The Tzaddik of Netivot: Remembering the Baba Sali, Forty Years Later

A Life of Holiness from a Young Age

The 4th of Shevat marks forty years since the passing of Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, known lovingly as the Baba Sali (“the praying father”). Born in Rissani, in the Tafilalt region of Morocco, the Baba Sali descended from the revered Abuchatzeira family, a dynasty of Torah sages, kabbalists, and miracle workers.

By age 18, he was appointed head of the yeshiva in Rissani. Even in his youth, he was known for extraordinary holiness. He engaged in long periods of ta’anit dibbur (desisting from speech), vowed not to eat meat for fifty years, immersed frequently in the mikveh (ritual bath), and fasted regularly.

A Journey Between Morocco and the Land of Israel

The Baba Sali married four times during his life. His first marriage was to his cousin Rachma, arranged by his father. Tragically, she passed away two years later, shortly after giving birth to their son. At age 16, he remarried Friha Amsalem. Later, during a period he spent in the Land of Israel, he married Miriam Amsalem in Boudenib, Morocco. Around 1954, he married Simy Ben-Simchon.

In 1922, after violent anti-Jewish riots in Morocco, during which his father was targeted, Rabbi Yisrael moved to the Land of Israel and studied at the famed Beit El Mekubalim Yeshiva. After a period, he returned to Morocco. Years later, he immigrated to Israel once again, first settling in Yavne, then Ashkelon, and finally moving to Netivot, where he lived until his death.

Blessing, Prayer, and Miracles in Netivot

In Netivot, the Baba Sali became a beacon for Jews across Israel and the world. Thousands would travel to his home to receive a blessing or even just a cup of water or arak (sharp drink) he had blessed. He spent most hours of the day immersed in Torah study, sleeping no more than three hours a night.

Many of his practices became famous as proven spiritual remedies. One of the most well-known is the recitation of Psalms: the Baba Sali taught that everyone should recite the entire Book of Psalms (Tehillim) at least once a month. He also instructed people to pray at the grave of the Saba Kadisha, Rabbi Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari, on the Mount of Olives. There, he said, one should stand and recite the entire Tehillim, and afterward ask for one personal request, a practice many adopted and found great salvation through.

A Legacy of Compassion and Song

The Baba Sali composed many piyyutim (liturgical poems), including the well-known “Yodu Lecha Ra’ayoni El Mibeten Yotzri.” He also wrote many Torah works, though a number of these writings were unfortunately lost over the years.

He welcomed all who came to him, regardless of background or observance, with deep warmth, love, and a fatherly smile. His kindness, spiritual power, and unwavering devotion to the Jewish people live on in the hearts of countless admirers around the world.