Melbourne Sephardic Kehilah Remembers Baba Sali

Think: music, delicious food, and a heartfelt speech. Think: laughter and wonderful memories being made. Thinking of your average communal celebration? Think again!

On Sunday, 28th of January, 5th of Shevat, Melbourne’s Rambam community celebrated the hilloula (passing) of the great Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeirah – also well-known as the “Baba Sali.”

His name is spoken of often, and with greatreverence, throughout world Jewry. Born in Talfilalt, Morocco to a family of outstanding tsadikkim and chachamim, from a tender age he showed an incredible passion for Torah learning and mitzvot. His surroundings nurtured and fuelled his desire for learning, as not only a beit din but also a yeshivah were located on the same grounds of his family’s estate. Many recall the story of how he fasted for weeks on end during the period of the Shovavim, concealing his behaviour from his family – as being only 12 years old, he was not obligated.

The Baba Sali emanated such a great level of purity and kedusha, he was respected and admired not only by everyone who met him, but also by fellow gedolei Yisrael – Jewish leaders of our time, such as the Lubavitcher Rebbe and many others.

Many attested that he had the ability to work miracles through his blessings and prayers. To this day, around 600,000 visitors flock annually to Netivot, Israel, to pray at the kever (resting place) of this great tsadik. And in following with Sephardic customs, such as for Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochaion Lag B’Omer, the hilloula of the Baba Sali is celebrated joyously, in order to honour his great deeds and accomplishments during his lifetime.

And what would a Hiloulla celebration be, if it weren’t for the firing, yet emotional, speech of R’ Shlomo Sabbach? As always at the Rambam synagogue, they made everyone, old faces and new, feel welcome not only to attend, but to join in as well.

Together with his wife and children, the Sabbach family tirelessly endeavor to provide for the needs of the Melbourne Sephardic community. From making endless batches of delicious Shabbat meals, to organising outreach projects for the elderly and disadvantaged, they are always in action – ready to help, with an open arm and open heart to welcome anyone at any time.

Many people throughout the Sephardic community have been touched either through story, or in person, by the Baba Sali – and became unified as one to celebrate together on Sunday night. HaRav Sabbach, who had merited to meet the Baba Sali in Paris at a young age, spoke of the Baba Sali’s greatness and the power of his prayers and blessings, and shared some famous stories of the great tsadik. In keeping with Sephardic custom, everyone at every table lit candles together and prayed in the Baba Sali’s honour.

The hilloula was a wonderful evening for all who attended.

Photos by Yaniv Levy – Mootag Creative Group