Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah’s father Rabbi Massud was the chief rabbi ofTafilalet province. Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah was born in Tafillalt, Morocco and died: Dimanhur (Alexandria), Egypt R’ Yaakov Abuhatzeira filled up his father’s position after his death. He served in the rabbinate until shortly before his death. Rabbi Yaacov was a kabbalist renowned for his piety and accustomed to performing miracles. It is said that Eliyahu Hanavi appeared to him. He loved solitude and [for a time] did not leave the bet midrash (study hall) all week long, except on Friday night. He was a master of charity, and his home was wide open to guests.
Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira, was famous before he was even born. His father Rabbi Massud, had dreamt that his son would shine over the world with his sainthood. At the age of 13, young Yakov, already initiated to the Torah and Talmud by his father, invested himself in the study of the Kaballa. Numerous prodigious accounts exist about this 19th century figure, in a world when the surnatural and normal existed side by side.
He had the habit of waking up at midnight to do Tikun Chatzot, dedicating the rest of the night to study and meditation. One night, one of his servants heard a strange voice coming from his master’s room when he was supposed to be alone. When he came closer to investigate a bright shining light blinded him. He didn’t recover his sight until he promised his master that he wouldn’t disclose the secret of the divine visit that he had received. It is said that Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the prophet) appeared to him.
Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah’s son wrote of his father’s schedule: He knew the six orders of the Mishnah by heart, and every night, he studied 18 chapters in holiness and purity. After that, he would study Shulchan Aruch and other poskim / halachic authorities, and he would review the sources in the Gemara from which their rulings derived. Near midnight he would nap, and then he would arise for tikkun chatzot / the midnight prayers that the exceptionally pious recite in mourning for the Temple. Afterward he would study kabbalistic works until morning, when he would hurry to don tallit and tefilin and be one of the first ten to arrive for minyan. After he prayed in the manner of the pious he would sit and study Torah, eating only the minimal amount necessary. After that, he would engage in acts of charity until nightfall.
In the winter of 1879, Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah set out for Eretz Yisrael. However, upon arriving in a town near Alexandria, Egypt, he told those with him that it had been revealed to him in a dream that he would pass away after the next Shabbat. He also told them that he accepted Heaven’s decree. He passed away on Sunday. Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah left behind four righteous sons. Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah’s many distinguished descendants included his grandson Rabbi Israel Abuhatzeira, known as “Baba Sali.”
Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah’s father Rabbi Massud was the chief rabbi ofTafilalet province. R’ Yaakov Abuhatzeirah filled up his father’s position after his death. He served in the rabbinate until shortly before his death. Rabbi Yaakov was a kabbalist renowned for his piety and accustomed to performing miracles. It is said that “Eliyahu Hanavi” appeared to him. He loved solitude and [for a time] did not leave the bet Midrash (study hall) all week long, except on Friday night. He was a master of charity, and his home was wide open to guests.
Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah’s son wrote of his father’s schedule: He knew the six orders of the Mishnah by heart, and every night, he studied 18 chapters in holiness and purity. After that, he would study “Shulchan Aruch” and other poskim / halachic authorities, and he would review the sources in the Gemara from which their rulings derived. Near midnight he would nap, and then he would arise for “tikkun chatzot” / the midnight prayers that the exceptionally pious recite in mourning for the Temple. Afterward he would study kabbalistic works until morning, when he would hurry to don tallit and tefilin and be one of the first ten to arrive for minyan. After he prayed in the manner of the pious he would sit and study Torah, eating only the minimal amount necessary. After that, he would engage in acts of charity until nightfall.
In the winter of 1879, Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah set out for Eretz Yisrael. However, upon arriving in a town near Alexandria, Egypt, he told those with him that it had been revealed to him in a dream that he would pass away after the next Shabbat. He also told them that he accepted Heaven’s decree. He passed away on Sunday. Rabbi Abuchatzeira left behind four righteous sons. Rabbi Abuchatzeira’s many distinguished descendants included his grandson Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira, known as “Baba Sali.” His written works include Torah commentaries and ethical works (most of a kabbalistic nature) and responsa on the laws of torts and financial matters entitled Yoru Mishpatecha Le’Yaakov. Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah found in these verses the following lesson regarding the evils of lashon hara (evil speech)
It is told that the Abir Yaakov was the guest of a rich person. During the meal, a lamb that had escaped from its pen approached the great Rav. He observed and said: “Go back to your pen, I will do what you have asked”. He then explained to his hosts: “You see,this lamb is the incarnation of the blessed soul of a talmid chacham, his soul’s tikun demands a special sacrifice with strong kavanot and the consumption of its flesh in the ritual meal of a Mitsva.A few days later, when the master of the house stood with his guest at the time of his departure, he heard a mysterious voice that whispered to the Abir Yaakov, “You have saved my soul. God will grant you glory and life”.
In the winter of 1879, Rabbi Yaakov set out for Eretz Yisrael. However, upon arriving in a town near Alexandria, Egypt, he told those with him that it had been revealed to him in a dream that he would pass away after the next Shabbat. He also told them that he accepted Heaven’s decree. He passed away on Sunday. Rabbi Yaakov left behind four righteous sons. Rabbi Abuchatzeira’s many distinguished descendants included his grandson Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira, known as “Baba Sali”.
Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeirah wrote 12 books: Pituchai Chotam; Machsof Halavan; Maagalei Tzedek; Elef Bina; Yoru Mispatecha Le’yaakov; Bigdei Hasarad; GHanzei Hamelech; Shaarei Teshuvah; Shaarei Arukah; Levuna Zakkah; Yagel Yaakov; and Doresh Tov.
Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira, had a big Yeshivah in his house. In this yeshivah he raised and educated many well known Rabbies. He tried taking care of financially needed students. In order to maintain his Yeshiva, he often went to raise funds in Jewish towns. It is known that in his travels many miracles happened.
Once, Rabbi Israel Abuchatzeira forgot a very important book in a nearby town. It was getting late and dark outside, but the Rabbi really needed this important book. He asked his student to go and bring it to him. The student feared for his life and expressed his fear to the Rabbi. The Rabbi said “Don’t you worry; I have already sent someone to protect you” The student did not understand or know who did the Rabbi send but trusted and believed in his Rabbi. The student went to his way where all of a sudden he saw a huge snake. The student continued walking with his belief in his Rabbi, and the snake jumped away from him 200 meters.The snake protected the student all the way back to town with the book. Only then did the student realize that this was the messenger the Rabbi sent to protect him.
