When Baba Sali visited Tzfat for the first time, the synagogue of the Ari Hakadosh was locked and off-limits. Why? It was widely known that anyone who entered the Shul of the Ari never left alive.
Perhaps this was due to the extraordinary holiness of the place, or there might have been another reason. After the era of the Ari and his disciples had passed, anyone who attempted to enter the Shul had tragically met their end. In light of this, the elders of Tzfat made the decision to lock the Shul to prevent anyone from entering. The key was entrusted to one elder, who carefully guarded it and never gave it to anyone else.
When Baba Sali arrived in Tzfat, he expressed his desire to enter the Shul of the Ari Hakadosh. Upon finding the door locked, he asked his attendant to locate the key.
“I will go to the Mikveh and purify myself in preparation for entering this sacred place,” Baba Sali told his attendant as he began his ritual.
The attendant searched long and hard, eventually tracking down the elder who held the key. When the elder learned of the request, he refused outright.
“Give the key to your master?” the elder exclaimed. “That would be a death sentence for him!”
The attendant argued that Baba Sali was a holy man, and nothing would harm him. After much back and forth, the elder reluctantly agreed to hand over the key, but with a stern warning: “If anything happens to your master, it’s not my responsibility.”
The attendant returned with the key, and Baba Sali’s face shone with radiance. He told his attendant to hold tightly to his cloak, then inserted the key into the lock and turned it. The door opened, and the two entered the Shul.
Inside, they were greeted by an intense, mysterious light that filled the entire space. Baba Sali approached the Aron Kodesh, took out a Sefer Torah, and read from it for several minutes. Then, together with his attendant, he prayed Mincha before leaving the Shul.
The people of Tzfat were astonished. Baba Sali and his attendant had entered the Shul of the Ari and emerged unharmed! News of this miraculous event spread quickly, and it was said that Baba Sali had “removed the spirits” from the Shul. From that day on, people were able to visit the Shul of the Ari without fear. Baba Sali had made it safe again.
(Adapted from “The Tzadik’s Blessing” and other stories of Baba Sali zt”l)
This Sunday night, 4 Shvat / February 2nd, marks the 41st yahrzeit and Hiloula of the Baba Sali.
Merkaz Sefarad Chabad and Mrs. Annette Lipsker, a granddaughter of the Baba Sali, and her family, will be hosting the annual Hiloula in Crown Heights.
Given the overwhelming turnout of over 600 people at last year’s event, it was decided to make this year’s Hiloula in the Grand Ballroom of Oholei Torah.
Hillel Melloul, a pianist and singer from Marseilles, France, will returnwith a drummer and guitarist to lead the evening in song and dance.
LIVE
The event will feature a live connection to the Tzion of the Baba Sali in Netivot, Israel, steamed on screens and YouTube, allowing participants to pray at the Kever of the Tzadik.
Divrei Chizuk from prominent Rabbonim from Israel and America will be broadcast and delivered live, along with special Tefilot for Am Yisroel, for our soldiers and the remaining hostages and all those injured by the war.
A delicious Moroccan meal of Moroccan fish, couscous and meatballs, with fancy deserts and fruits, will be served by Mayer Cohen Caterers.
A $36 suggested donation will be collected at the door, to help cover the increased costs associated with this larger event.
Baba Sali’s Hiloula will take place this Sunday night, 4 Shvat / Feb 2nd, at 8:00 pm at Oholei Torah, located at 667 Eastern Parkway.
Separate sections for men and women will be available.
The Hiloula will also coincide with Merkaz Sefarad’s first Charidy campaign, aimed at supporting its continued operations as a key center for the Sephardic Jewish communoty in Crown Heights a d beyond. Donations can be made at www.charidy.com/merkazsefarad
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Rabbi Avtzon at [email protected].
wow i love those stories!