The Baba Sali: Difference between revisions
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The Baba Sali was born on 1 Tishrei 5650 in the city of Rissani, Morocco to his father Rabbi Masoud Abuchatzeira, son of Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, author of the 'Abir Yaakov'. | '''Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira''' known as '''The Baba Sali''' was born on 1 Tishrei 5650 in the city of Rissani, Morocco to his father Rabbi Masoud Abuchatzeira, son of Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, author of the 'Abir Yaakov'. | ||
[[File:הבבא סאלי.jpg|thumb|The Baba Sali]] | |||
After the murder of his uncle Rabbi David Abuchatzeira HY"D, he began serving as rabbi and head of the rabbinical court in the city of Erfoud, Morocco. During these years, the Rebbe's shliach to Morocco, Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, arrived in Erfoud and began the connection between Chabad and the Baba Sali, and together they established Chabad institutions in Erfoud. | After the murder of his uncle Rabbi David Abuchatzeira HY"D, he began serving as rabbi and head of the rabbinical court in the city of Erfoud, Morocco. During these years, the Rebbe's shliach to Morocco, Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, arrived in Erfoud and began the connection between Chabad and the Baba Sali, and together they established Chabad institutions in Erfoud. | ||
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A close connection formed between the Baba Sali and his son the Baba Meir with the Rebbe's shliach to Morocco Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, and thus began the connection between the Baba Sali, Chabad and the Rebbe. The connection was rooted in the initial establishment of institutions in the city of Erfoud where the Baba Sali served as rabbi and head of the rabbinical court. When Rabbi Matusof arrived in Erfoud to establish a yeshiva there, the Baba Sali was a full and active partner in establishing the institutions. | A close connection formed between the Baba Sali and his son the Baba Meir with the Rebbe's shliach to Morocco Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, and thus began the connection between the Baba Sali, Chabad and the Rebbe. The connection was rooted in the initial establishment of institutions in the city of Erfoud where the Baba Sali served as rabbi and head of the rabbinical court. When Rabbi Matusof arrived in Erfoud to establish a yeshiva there, the Baba Sali was a full and active partner in establishing the institutions. | ||
During the period when the yeshiva was established, Rabbi Matusof worked to create a connection between the Baba Sali and the Rebbe. In the following years, Rabbi Matusof maintained a strong connection with the Baba Sali, his son the Baba Meir, and other family members. | During the period when the yeshiva was established, Rabbi Matusof worked to create a connection between the Baba Sali and the Rebbe. In the following years, Rabbi Matusof maintained a strong connection with the Baba Sali, his son the Baba Meir, and other family members<ref>Beis Moshiach Weekly Magazine Issue 1367</ref>. | ||
The beginning of the Baba Sali's connection with Chabad and the Rebbe is described in the book History of Chabad in Morocco: "In the month of Iyar 5711 (1951), Rabbi Shlomo Matusof arrived in Erfoud and established a Talmud Torah there with the assistance of the Baba Sali. In the following period, they worked together to expand the Talmud Torah and to save Jewish children from studying in the French school where they only learned foreign studies. A continuous correspondence developed between Rabbi Matusof and the Baba Sali, and sometimes when Rabbi Matusof would travel on his journeys and reach distant Erfoud, he would meet with the Baba Sali and together they continued to work for the Jews of the community in general and their children in particular." | The beginning of the Baba Sali's connection with Chabad and the Rebbe is described in the book History of Chabad in Morocco: "In the month of Iyar 5711 (1951), Rabbi Shlomo Matusof arrived in Erfoud and established a Talmud Torah there with the assistance of the Baba Sali. In the following period, they worked together to expand the Talmud Torah and to save Jewish children from studying in the French school where they only learned foreign studies. A continuous correspondence developed between Rabbi Matusof and the Baba Sali, and sometimes when Rabbi Matusof would travel on his journeys and reach distant Erfoud, he would meet with the Baba Sali and together they continued to work for the Jews of the community in general and their children in particular<ref>History of Chabad in Morocco, Chapter 38 - Baba Sali, page 264 and see there in detail</ref>." | ||
During his visits to Erfoud, Rabbi Matusof stayed in the Baba Sali's home, where Rabbi Matusof together with Rabbi Meir Abuchatzeira - the Baba Meir - would sit at night and discuss Torah and chassidus. Sometimes the Baba Sali, Baba Meir and Rabbi Shlomo Matusof would converse together. In these conversations, they also discussed differences between Sephardim and Ashkenazim in customs based on Kabbalah, about the Tanya, and more. | During his visits to Erfoud, Rabbi Matusof stayed in the Baba Sali's home, where Rabbi Matusof together with Rabbi Meir Abuchatzeira - the Baba Meir - would sit at night and discuss Torah and chassidus. Sometimes the Baba Sali, Baba Meir and Rabbi Shlomo Matusof would converse together. In these conversations, they also discussed differences between Sephardim and Ashkenazim in customs based on Kabbalah, about the Tanya, and more<ref>History of Chabad in Morocco Page 264</ref>. | ||
== Connections with the Rebbe == | == Connections with the Rebbe == | ||
He merited to maintain correspondence with the Rebbe, parts of which were later printed in Igros Kodesh. | He merited to maintain correspondence with the Rebbe, parts of which were later printed in Igros Kodesh. | ||
== The Rebbe Encourages Him to Save the Education of Morocco's Children == | ==== The Rebbe Encourages Him to Save the Education of Morocco's Children ==== | ||
Several months after the Baba Sali arrived in Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe sent him - on 26 Teves 5712 - a letter containing words of blessing and encouragement to work with the Sephardic community. At the beginning of the letter, the Rebbe addresses the Baba Sali with rare titles, one of which is "chad mib'nei aliyah" which means a complete tzaddik according to Tanya: "Pillar of Torah, luminous light, one of the elevated ones, from his head above a great golden crown." | Several months after the Baba Sali arrived in Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe sent him - on 26 Teves 5712 - a letter containing words of blessing and encouragement to work with the Sephardic community. At the beginning of the letter, the Rebbe addresses the Baba Sali with rare titles, one of which is "chad mib'nei aliyah" which means a complete tzaddik according to Tanya: "Pillar of Torah, luminous light, one of the elevated ones, from his head above a great golden crown." | ||
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And in the merit of his work fulfilling this role with mesirus nefesh, may Hashem lengthen his days and years with goodness and pleasantness, and he shall still flourish in old age, vigorous and fresh, and succeed in his mighty work to increase and glorify Torah, and in his personal matters from soul to flesh, sufficiently and more." | And in the merit of his work fulfilling this role with mesirus nefesh, may Hashem lengthen his days and years with goodness and pleasantness, and he shall still flourish in old age, vigorous and fresh, and succeed in his mighty work to increase and glorify Torah, and in his personal matters from soul to flesh, sufficiently and more." | ||
== Cancellation of Plans to Immigrate to the United States == | ==== Cancellation of Plans to Immigrate to the United States ==== | ||
A short time after arriving in Eretz Hakodesh, he considered immigrating to the United States, due to his despair over bringing close the Moroccan immigrants who had come to Eretz Hakodesh. In his biography "Sidna Baba Sali" it is told about his letter to the Rebbe from 1952 regarding his desire to leave his flock in Eretz Hakodesh and immigrate to the United States: | A short time after arriving in Eretz Hakodesh, he considered immigrating to the United States, due to his despair over bringing close the Moroccan immigrants who had come to Eretz Hakodesh. In his biography "Sidna Baba Sali" it is told about his letter to the Rebbe from 1952 regarding his desire to leave his flock in Eretz Hakodesh and immigrate to the United States: | ||
"His entire purpose in ascending to Eretz Hakodesh was to sit in peace with Torah and divine service, and due to the low spiritual state in Eretz Yisrael... he is thinking of going from holy to mundane, and perhaps immigrate to the United States... where one can sit with Torah and divine service without any disturbance... The Rebbe answered the Admor a long and reasoned response with words of Chazal and words of Kabbalah and Chassidus... In his letter to the Admor the Rebbe writes, that from Heaven they merited the Admor to be a "communal man and leader in Israel" whom hundreds and thousands listen to, and that from Heaven he was given such strong powers. Therefore it is preferable that he remain close to the places where our Sephardic brethren who thirst for the word of Hashem are found... and therefore he advises our Rabbi to remain in the land." | "His entire purpose in ascending to Eretz Hakodesh was to sit in peace with Torah and divine service, and due to the low spiritual state in Eretz Yisrael... he is thinking of going from holy to mundane, and perhaps immigrate to the United States... where one can sit with Torah and divine service without any disturbance... The Rebbe answered the Admor a long and reasoned response with words of Chazal and words of Kabbalah and Chassidus... In his letter to the Admor the Rebbe writes, that from Heaven they merited the Admor to be a "communal man and leader in Israel" whom hundreds and thousands listen to, and that from Heaven he was given such strong powers. Therefore it is preferable that he remain close to the places where our Sephardic brethren who thirst for the word of Hashem are found... and therefore he advises our Rabbi to remain in the Holy land." | ||
Indeed in a letter from 9 Nissan 5712 the Rebbe writes to him: "I pleasantly received your precious letter from before, and also this second letter from the end of Adar. And I come with this to propose my opinion regarding your question... that since your desire is to sit with Torah and divine service therefore you moved your tent to Eretz Hakodesh, and there is consideration that perhaps you will travel to the United States." | Indeed in a letter from 9 Nissan 5712 the Rebbe writes to him: "I pleasantly received your precious letter from before, and also this second letter from the end of Adar. And I come with this to propose my opinion regarding your question... that since your desire is to sit with Torah and divine service therefore you moved your tent to Eretz Hakodesh, and there is consideration that perhaps you will travel to the United States." | ||
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On 13 Nissan 5713 the Rebbe was happy to hear that he had no complaint about his aforementioned letter that advised him "to dedicate his powers for the community and not sit alone. And as understood in the known letter of Rav Sherira Gaon, that when Rav came to Babylon and arrived at a place of Torah, he did not establish his residence there, but rather went to a place where there was no Torah, and dedicated his powers to build a fence in the valley that he found." | On 13 Nissan 5713 the Rebbe was happy to hear that he had no complaint about his aforementioned letter that advised him "to dedicate his powers for the community and not sit alone. And as understood in the known letter of Rav Sherira Gaon, that when Rav came to Babylon and arrived at a place of Torah, he did not establish his residence there, but rather went to a place where there was no Torah, and dedicated his powers to build a fence in the valley that he found." | ||
== Encouraging and Assisting Chabad Activities == | ==== Encouraging and Assisting Chabad Activities ==== | ||
Since getting to know Chabad, the Baba Sali supported all the Rebbe's activities in Eretz Hakodesh, Morocco, and in general. He maintained friendly connections with important Chabad chassidim in Morocco, Eretz Hakodesh, and France. | Since getting to know Chabad, the Baba Sali supported all the Rebbe's activities in Eretz Hakodesh, Morocco, and in general. He maintained friendly connections with important Chabad chassidim in Morocco, Eretz Hakodesh, and France. | ||
== "Drawing Close Will Surely Bring Benefit" == | ==== "Drawing Close Will Surely Bring Benefit" ==== | ||
On 21 Tammuz 5712, the Rebbe wrote to the administration of Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchak in Eretz Hakodesh: "I learned that Rabbi Abuchatzeira published a letter about them, and it is surprising that they did not inform me about this beforehand, please send a copy of his letter." | On 21 Tammuz 5712, the Rebbe wrote to the administration of Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchak in Eretz Hakodesh: "I learned that Rabbi Abuchatzeira published a letter about them, and it is surprising that they did not inform me about this beforehand, please send a copy of his letter." | ||
The Rebbe wrote to them again on 9 Elul 5713: "Surely they will maintain connection with the Gaon and Chassid etc. etc. Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira... drawing close from both sides will surely bring benefit." | The Rebbe wrote to them again on 9 Elul 5713: "Surely they will maintain connection with the Gaon and Chassid etc. etc. Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira... drawing close from both sides will surely bring benefit." | ||
== Thanks for the Activities of the Rebbe's Shluchim in Morocco == | ==== Thanks for the Activities of the Rebbe's Shluchim in Morocco ==== | ||
When he returned to Morocco in 5714, and saw what the shluchim had accomplished there in all the cities and villages, he sent a very enthusiastic letter of thanks to the Rebbe. | When he returned to Morocco in 5714, and saw what the shluchim had accomplished there in all the cities and villages, he sent a very enthusiastic letter of thanks to the Rebbe. | ||
As he related, the Rebbe would send him the seforim of Chabad Rebbes to Morocco, and he would send the seforim of his grandfather the Admor Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira ztvk"l. | As he related, the Rebbe would send him the seforim of Chabad Rebbes to Morocco, and he would send the seforim of his grandfather the Admor Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira ztvk"l. | ||
== In Tomchei Tmimim Brunoy == | ==== In Tomchei Tmimim Brunoy ==== | ||
Between 5714-5724, the Baba Sali lived in Erfoud and would visit Casablanca, and also travel to France, where he frequently visited and stayed at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy and studied Likkutei Torah there and maintained close connections with the yeshiva heads and rabbis: Rabbi Yosef Goldberg Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Nissan Nemenov Mashpia and Director, Rabbi Yisroel Noach Belinitzky. | Between 5714-5724, the Baba Sali lived in Erfoud and would visit Casablanca, and also travel to France, where he frequently visited and stayed at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy and studied Likkutei Torah there and maintained close connections with the yeshiva heads and rabbis: Rabbi Yosef Goldberg Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Nissan Nemenov Mashpia and Director, Rabbi Yisroel Noach Belinitzky. | ||
== In Yeshivas Chabad Casablanca == | ==== In Yeshivas Chabad Casablanca ==== | ||
The Baba Sali would periodically visit Casablanca and would come to visit the Chabad yeshiva. Sometimes this was to immerse in the mikvah on the yeshiva grounds and when they knew he was coming, they would immediately heat the water for the tzaddik. | The Baba Sali would periodically visit Casablanca and would come to visit the Chabad yeshiva. Sometimes this was to immerse in the mikvah on the yeshiva grounds and when they knew he was coming, they would immediately heat the water for the tzaddik. | ||
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His son Rabbi Baruch Abuchatzeira studied in Yeshivas Chabad in Casablanca and maintained friendly connections with Chabad throughout the years. | His son Rabbi Baruch Abuchatzeira studied in Yeshivas Chabad in Casablanca and maintained friendly connections with Chabad throughout the years. | ||
== Support for the Rebbe's Mivtzoyim == | ==== Support for the Rebbe's Mivtzoyim ==== | ||
When he returned to Eretz Hakodesh in 5724 he continued the warm connection with the Rebbe and his shluchim in Eretz Yisrael. When "Mivtza Tefillin" was announced, he issued a call to join the campaign together with Rabbi Ezra Attiah and Rabbi Raphael Baruch Toledano. He also issued a holy call to encourage Mivtza Neiros Shabbos Kodesh by girls who reached chinuch age. | When he returned to Eretz Hakodesh in 5724 he continued the warm connection with the Rebbe and his shluchim in Eretz Yisrael. When "Mivtza Tefillin" was announced, he issued a call to join the campaign together with Rabbi Ezra Attiah and Rabbi Raphael Baruch Toledano. He also issued a holy call to encourage Mivtza Neiros Shabbos Kodesh by girls who reached chinuch age. | ||
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In 5741 he published a letter of blessing for all those who participated in buying letters in the Torah scroll of Jewish children: "We are all waiting and anticipating the complete redemption that will come immediately with Moshiach Tzidkeinu, and for this we must unite and unite all of Am Yisrael. The Lubavitcher Rebbe has recently called to unite all Jewish children through writing a special Torah scroll for Jewish children who are Tzivos Hashem. It is a great merit for each Jewish boy and girl to buy one letter in this Torah scroll, and parents should do everything so their children will buy and merit one letter from the Torah scroll. My personal blessing is sent to every boy and girl who register for the Torah scroll of Tzivos Hashem. And surely we will all merit immediately the coming of King Moshiach, may he come and redeem us and lead us upright to our Holy Land. Servant of Hashem awaiting the near redemption. Israel Abuchatzeira." | In 5741 he published a letter of blessing for all those who participated in buying letters in the Torah scroll of Jewish children: "We are all waiting and anticipating the complete redemption that will come immediately with Moshiach Tzidkeinu, and for this we must unite and unite all of Am Yisrael. The Lubavitcher Rebbe has recently called to unite all Jewish children through writing a special Torah scroll for Jewish children who are Tzivos Hashem. It is a great merit for each Jewish boy and girl to buy one letter in this Torah scroll, and parents should do everything so their children will buy and merit one letter from the Torah scroll. My personal blessing is sent to every boy and girl who register for the Torah scroll of Tzivos Hashem. And surely we will all merit immediately the coming of King Moshiach, may he come and redeem us and lead us upright to our Holy Land. Servant of Hashem awaiting the near redemption. Israel Abuchatzeira." | ||
== Against Harming the Rebbe == | ==== Against Harming the Rebbe ==== | ||
At the beginning of Menachem Av 5743 he published (together with Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri) a warning proclamation against those who harmed chassidim who taught the Tanya in Williamsburg: "All this because of spreading the teachings of Chassidus and their attachment to the light of the seven days the holy Baal Shem Tov in the way of Chabad's analytical and deep teachings whose foundations are in holy mountains through the divine Tanna our master the Baal HaTanya and Shulchan Aruch and his holy successors, until may he be separated for good long life the wonder of the generation, genius of Israel and its holy one, the honorable holy master our teacher and Rebbe of Lubavitch shlita." | At the beginning of Menachem Av 5743 he published (together with Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri) a warning proclamation against those who harmed chassidim who taught the Tanya in Williamsburg: "All this because of spreading the teachings of Chassidus and their attachment to the light of the seven days the holy Baal Shem Tov in the way of Chabad's analytical and deep teachings whose foundations are in holy mountains through the divine Tanna our master the Baal HaTanya and Shulchan Aruch and his holy successors, until may he be separated for good long life the wonder of the generation, genius of Israel and its holy one, the honorable holy master our teacher and Rebbe of Lubavitch shlita." | ||
== Memories of His Son-in-Law Rabbi Yashar Edrei == | == Memories of His Son-in-Law Rabbi Yashar Edrei == | ||
From the memories of his son-in-law Rabbi Yashar Edrei, the Rebbe's shliach and director of Beis Chabad Netivot: | From the memories of his son-in-law Rabbi Yashar Edrei, the Rebbe's shliach and director of Beis Chabad Netivot: | ||
[[File:הבאבא סאלי במחיצת חתנו.jpg|thumb|The Baba Sali With His Son-in-Law Rabbi Yashar Edrei]] | |||
* Once they brought him a piece of honey cake [lekach] that the Rebbe sent him. He rejoiced over this as if finding great treasure. He immediately called me and all the household members, and distributed with tremendous joy a small piece to each person, saying that it is a great merit for us and wonderful segulah to eat from the cake that the Rebbe sent. | * Once they brought him a piece of honey cake [lekach] that the Rebbe sent him. He rejoiced over this as if finding great treasure. He immediately called me and all the household members, and distributed with tremendous joy a small piece to each person, saying that it is a great merit for us and wonderful segulah to eat from the cake that the Rebbe sent. | ||
* One of the rabbis who visited his home was looking at an album of pictures of the Rebbe, and asked the tzaddik what he thought about the chassidim saying the Rebbe is Melech HaMoshiach. The Baba Sali answered him with a smile and an expression of amazement and admiration: "Istahel kilshi!" (This is an Arabic expression meaning: everything suits him, everything is coming to him). | * One of the rabbis who visited his home was looking at an album of pictures of the Rebbe, and asked the tzaddik what he thought about the chassidim saying the Rebbe is Melech HaMoshiach. The Baba Sali answered him with a smile and an expression of amazement and admiration: "Istahel kilshi!" (This is an Arabic expression meaning: everything suits him, everything is coming to him). | ||
* Once some young men came to him speaking against Chassidus. He did not want to receive them, saying: "Anyone who opposes the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov is distancing Moshiach." | * Once some young men came to him speaking against Chassidus. He did not want to receive them, saying: "Anyone who opposes the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov is distancing Moshiach." | ||
== Letter of Condolence on the Passing of the Baba Meir == | ==== Letter of Condolence on the Passing of the Baba Meir ==== | ||
The Baba Sali's son-in-law, Rabbi Yashar Edrei related: "When the Baba Sali was sitting shiva after the passing of his righteous son Rabbi Meir z"l, he received a letter of condolence from the Rebbe. Upon receiving the letter, the Baba Sali rose from his place crying and said: Who am I and what am I that the Admor of Lubavitch shlita should think of me and send me a letter of condolence?!" | The Baba Sali's son-in-law, Rabbi Yashar Edrei related: "When the Baba Sali was sitting shiva after the passing of his righteous son Rabbi Meir z"l, he received a letter of condolence from the Rebbe. Upon receiving the letter, the Baba Sali rose from his place crying and said: Who am I and what am I that the Admor of Lubavitch shlita should think of me and send me a letter of condolence?!" | ||
== The Rebbe is Moshiach == | ==== The Rebbe is Moshiach ==== | ||
The Baba Sali's son-in-law, Rabbi Yashar Edrei relates: "The Baba Sali's attendant, Rabbi Eliyahu Alfasi, showed the Baba Sali the album 'The Rebbe - Thirty Years of Leadership' while whispering to him: 'They say he [=the Rebbe] is Moshiach'. The Baba Sali answered him with a smile and an expression of amazement and admiration: 'Istahel kol shei!' (This is an Arabic expression meaning: everything suits him, everything is coming to him!)." | The Baba Sali's son-in-law, Rabbi Yashar Edrei relates: "The Baba Sali's attendant, Rabbi Eliyahu Alfasi, showed the Baba Sali the album 'The Rebbe - Thirty Years of Leadership' while whispering to him: 'They say he [=the Rebbe] is Moshiach'. The Baba Sali answered him with a smile and an expression of amazement and admiration: 'Istahel kol shei!' (This is an Arabic expression meaning: everything suits him, everything is coming to him!)." | ||
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* Rabbi Sholom Ber Wolpo, "Shemen Sasson Meichaveirecha", Part 1, [new edition] p. 23 onwards | * Rabbi Sholom Ber Wolpo, "Shemen Sasson Meichaveirecha", Part 1, [new edition] p. 23 onwards | ||
* Machon B'Ohalei Tzaddikim, "He'ir Pnei HaMizrach" | * Machon B'Ohalei Tzaddikim, "He'ir Pnei HaMizrach" | ||
[[he:הבבא סאלי]] | |||
[[Category: Gedolei Yisroel]] | |||