Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira zt"l
Known as the Abir Yaakov
Author: Machsof Halavan, Pituchei Chosam, Ginzei Hamelech
Egypt, 20 Teves 5640 (1880)
Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira was famous before he was even born. His father Rabbi Massud, zt”l, had dreamt that his son would shine over the world with his greatness.
He had the habit of waking up at midnight to do Tikun Chatzos, and then 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 appeared to him.
Another time, 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 kavanos and the consumption of its flesh in the ritual meal of a Mitzvah."
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. Hashem 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 Shabbos. He also told them that he accepted Heaven's decree. He passed away on Sunday. Rabbi Yaakov left behind four righteous sons. R' Abuchatzeira's many distinguished descendants included his famous grandson Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, known as "Baba Sali".
Segulah for Success
Once, two wealthy merchants came before Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira zt”l, to receive his blessing for success. He said, "I will give you a fool proof 'segulah' for great success and prosperity in both this world and in the World to Come, spending time in the Beis Hamedrash morning and evening. The Mishnah states that such a person reaps the fruits of this mitzvah in this world while the principle remains in its place, ready for him in the World to Come."
They answered, "Of course! We attend services in the synagogue morning and evening!" The Rabbi responded, "I didn't say, spending time in the synagogue. I spoke of the Beis Hamedrash, a place of Torah study. Set aside some time for Torah study together with your prayers, a chapter of Mishnayos or a portion in the Chumash, and you will find success." They said, "but we are businessmen. The Beis Hamedrash is the place for Torah scholars, Talmidei Chachamim!"
"You are making a mistake," he replied. "True, the tribe of Yissachar spent the entire day immersed in Torah study while the people of Zevulun worked and supported them, and in this way the tribe of Zevulun merited a portion in the World to Come. In fact, the word, 'Zevulun' is derived from the word, 'zevul,' which refers to the World to Come.
However, this is not enough. The Passuk states, 'Zevulun dwells by the shore of the seas.' This alludes to the fact that Zevulun, too, must spend time within the walls of the Beis Hamedrash and dwell at the shores of the vast sea of Torah. Only then will he merit the next phrase of the Passuk, 'his boundaries will extend until Sidon.' 'Sidon' has the same numerical value as, 'Elokim chayim' [Living G-d], meaning, that he is guaranteed that Hashem will be at his side. If you promise me that you will study some Torah in the morning and some in the evening, and you will spend time along the shores of the seas - the sea of the Written Torah and the sea of the Oral Torah, then I guarantee you that Hashem will be at your side, and success will accompany you on all your endeavors!"
They gave him their promise, and they became very successful, earning both material prosperity as well as spiritual enrichment.
Miracles and Wonders
Rabbi Yaakov performed many wonders and miracles for the Jews of Morocco. Childless couples were blessed with children, many sick were healed and many who were depressed left his presence filled with new life and happiness.
In the city of Paranda once lived a depressed, bitter and disheartened woman who had a son of 16 years of age. He had been stricken with polio and was paralyzed in both legs, leaving him in a wheelchair for life. So depressed was the woman that she prayed that her child should die.
One day, Rabbi Yaakov was visiting Paranda. When the ruler witnessed the commotion taking place with the Jews singing and dancing at the happy occasion of seeing the Rabbi, he wondered about it all. He ran to find out what the commotion was all about, and upon being told about the great Rabbi that had been accorded such honor he became intensely jealous. He decided to levy a heavy tax upon all the Jews for their rebellious behavior.
Later, after a short rest, Rabbi Yaakov began to accept the public for blessings and offer advice. Among the people who came was this bitter woman. She entered and told Rabbi Yaakov's host that she wished for the Rabbi to pray that her son should die! He asked her to explain herself, and then he related the entire sad story to Rabbi Yaakov.
Rabbi Yaakov listened to the request and told the host that he would not pray for the son to die, but rather to be completely healed. He explained to the host that he should tell the woman to bathe her son, dress him in clean garments and bring him to see him.
The next day, the woman arrived with her son, having prepared him as the Rabbi had requested. The Rabbi instructed that the son be brought on his wheelchair to a place in the room directly underneath a skylight where the sun would shine upon him. Rabbi Yaakov asked the boy his name, and then instructed him to get out of his wheelchair and come over to him. The boy somehow managed to rise and take the steps necessary to stand before the Rabbi, whereupon Rabbi Yaakov instructed him to walk back to his wheelchair. Then he told him to again get up and walk to him. After having him walk back and forth three times, he told the boy that he no longer needed the wheelchair and that he should return home with his mother. He blessed him with health and longevity.
The community was abuzz with excitement at the good news, for word of the revealed miracle that had taken place spread quickly.
The mother brought the story to the attention of the ruler of the city. She sold jewelry to the people of the town and thus had been in touch with the ruler before. This time, however, she would be adding a new person to her staff and would have to introduce the teenage boy to the ruler. She would also have to explain why she had never presented the boy before.
The ruler, who knew how sad this woman had always been and now saw her glowing face, realized the great miracle that had taken place through the distinguished guest Rabbi. He regretted his previous decision to tax the Jews, and after nullifying his decree, welcomed the Rabbi into his home. He invited many guests to his home that day and told them the story of the miracle Rabbi who had healed a young boy who the best doctors were unable to help. Now, with just a few words, the Rabbi had cured the boy completely!
Rabbi Yaakov rose at the meal and in humility told the guests how it was not he who had healed, but rather Hashem, the Creator of the world, who had done the wonder. He explained that it was only because he himself fulfilled the words of Hashem to the Jewish people that the Creator had allowed him to be the vessel through which the miracle would occur. Hashem answers the prayers of those who study His Torah and fulfill His commandments, he explained.
