Yisrael Abuhatzeira (; 26 September 1889 – 8 January 1984), known as the Baba Sali (; ; ), was a leading Moroccan Sephardic rabbi and kabbalist who was renowned for his ability to work miracles through his prayers. His burial place in Netivot, Israel has become a shrine for prayers and petitioners.

Early life and family

thumb|Poster of Baba Sali - [[Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme|Museum of Jewish Art and History]]

Yisrael Abuhatzeira was born on Rosh Hashanah 5650 (1889). He was the scion of the distinguished Abu Hasira/Abuhatzeira family of Sephardic Torah scholars and tzadikim who were also known as baalei mofet (miracle workers). He is the grandson of Yaakov Abuhatzeira. The patriarch of this family was Shmuel Elbaz. Born in the Land of Israel, Shmuel lived in Damascus for a while, where he studied Torah together with Chaim Vital. In Shem Hagedolim, Chaim Joseph David Azulai described Shmuel as "an ish Elohim kadosh (a holy man of God). Wise people speak of his might and wonders in saving the Jewish community from many difficulties."

Shmuel's descendants eventually moved to the city of Rissani, Morocco, where Shmuel's descendent Mas'ud became the rabbi of the city. Mas'ud's son, Yaakov, known as the Abir Yaakov, succeeded his father as rabbi of Rissani. Yaakov's eldest son, Mas'ud, became an av beit din in the same city, and it was here that his son, Yisrael, was born.

Several years after his arrival in Israel, the news reached Abuhatzeira that Jewish life in Morocco had spiritually deteriorated greatly, so he returned to his country of birth to lead and inspire the community there. In 1964, he returned to Israel again and soon settled in Netivot, a city in the Negev. He received visitors from all over, asking him for blessings

Funeral and tomb

thumb|Grave of the Baba Sali

Abuhatzeira died on 8 January 1984 (4 Shevat 5744). His funeral was attended by an estimated 100,000 people. His gravesite in Netivot has become a popular pilgrimage site in Israel. On the anniversary of his death, thousands come to visit his tomb and pray.

References

  • Baba Sali Foundation
  • Portrait of the baba Sali
  • Stories of Baba Sali