Hilula of Baba Sali, Rabbi Israel Abuchatseira, in Netivot, south Israel (5769/2009). Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the great Moroccan tzaddik, was commonly known as the Baba Sali,or 'Praying Father,' because of his ability to work miracles
with his prayers. Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira descended from an illustrious family of Sephardic
chachamim and tzaddikim, beginning with Rav Shmuel Abuchatzeira, who was known for his piety and scholarship. Although Rav Shmuel was born in Eretz Yisrael, he lived in Damascus for a
time, where he studied with Rav Chaim Vital. In Shem Hagedolim, the Chida refers to Rav Shmuel as an 'Ish Elokim Kadosh'. Wise people speak of his
might and wonders in saving the Jewish community from many difficult travails. During his final years, Rav Yisrael suffered from many painful ailments. He was niftar on the 4th of Shevat, 5744. Thousands of people from all over the country attended his levaya, and mourned the loss of a great tzaddik who, with his prayers, had worked wonders. Rav Yisrael was buried in a special plot in Netivot. Many visit his grave
every day, certain that he who prayed for them during his lifetime will certainly intercede on their behalf in the World of Truth. Zechuto Yagen Aleinu ('May His Merit Come Upon Us').