Midrashim [sermons]

(ABUHATZEIRA, YA’AKOV)

Morocco

Late 19th century

Manuscript in Hebrew, written in semi-cursive Sephardic hand on paper.

A collection of homilies by R. Ya’akov Abuhatzeira, transcribed here by the Rabbi’s senior disciple, Masoud ben Yihye Adahan. R. Ya’akov Abuhatzeira (1806-80) was the leading Moroccan Rabbi of the 19th century. Also referred to as the Abir Ya’akov he is the grandfather of the venerated Baba Sali. In 1879 R. Ya’akov Abuhatzeira embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While passing through the city of Damanhour in Egypt he became ill and passed away. He was buried there and his tomb has became a holy site for prayer to this day.