Baba Sali and the Hostile Governor

The Avi Hatsiras were not ordinary rabbis - they were a lineage. It started with Rabbi Shemuel Elbaz who was sent on a mission to Morocco to collect funds for rabbinical academies in Jerusalem. But as Shemuel did not have enough money to sail all the way to distant Morocco, he settled on his straw mat and watched the boat sailing away with sadness. Suddenly the straw mat rose into the air and followed the boat all the way to Morocco. That is why Rabbi Shemuel Elbaz became known as 'the straw rider' or 'Avi Hatsira' in Hebrew . He settled in Tafilalet and established a rabbinical academy there.

Among his descendents, the most prolific author is Yaacov Avi Hatsira (1808-1880), who died in Daminhur, Egypt, on his way to Jerusalem. Amongst Yaacov's descendents are well known rabbis, teachers, and rabbinical judges. Among the most recently known Avi Hatsira actors in contemporary Israel are Aharon, a politician and Israel, a rabbi.

Israel, nicknamed 'Father Prayer' (Baba Sali), was born in Morocco (1890) and died in Israel (Netivot, 1984). He was a devout man, as his nickname indicates, as well as a beloved teacher, who offered much comfort to people in distress in Morocco and Israel.

Moslems showed much respect for the Avi Hatsiras in Morocco. Ordinary people sought their blessings while leaders often relied on their sound advice. But from time to time, they were also targets of envy and hostility. Rabbi David, Israel's older brother, was murdered, forcing Israel to return to Morocco to lead the Jewish community in his place.

One day, people lined up to pay homage to a local governor who showed occasional hostility to Jews. Rabbi Israel stood in line but rather than bow or kiss the governor's hand, as a sign of respect, he pleaded with him to put an end to hostilities against Jews. The governor became upset that Israel spoiled his party and threatened to harm him too.

As expected in such cases, anxiety spread in the Jewish community that Israel would be murdered like his older brother. But the governor got sick and no one was able to cure him, except Israel, whose prayers and wishes were always heard in heaven!

And so, when the governor recovered, he summoned Israel, showered him with gifts and made a vow in his presence that Jews would never be harmed again in any area under his influence!