- Esther Nava
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Baba ‘Haki: Guardian of Torah, Humility in Leadership, and Light to Generations
In the quiet desert town of Boudnib, Morocco, the spiritual legacy of Rabbi Its’hak Abi’hssira, affectionately known as Baba ‘Haki, continues to shine as a beacon of Torah, service, and unwavering devotion. A son of the illustrious Rabbi Mass’oud Abi’hssira and brother to the famed Baba Salé, Baba ‘Haki forged his own path as a humble yet towering figure in the preservation and transmission of Jewish learning in North Africa.
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Born of Greatness, Molder of Greatness
As the third son of Rabbi Mass’oud, Baba ‘Haki grew up surrounded by a dynasty of tsadikim, spiritual giants whose lives were dedicated to divine service and the upliftment of the Jewish people. While his brother Baba Salé would become known throughout the Jewish world for his miracles and spiritual power, Baba ‘Haki chose a quieter role: building souls through education.
He invested body and soul into the development of the Talmud-Torah and yeshiva of Boudnib, recognizing early on that the old methods of instruction—where students of various ages and levels learned together—were no longer sufficient. With vision and resolve, he restructured the institution, established separate classes, recruited teachers, and created an environment of academic and spiritual excellence.
Teaching with Compassion, Leading with Vision
Baba ‘Haki was not only a scholar but a mentor, a mashgiach ruchani (spiritual guide), and a darshan (preacher). His teaching style was gentle and deep, his words full of clarity and spiritual power. For over two decades, he taught tirelessly, shaping a generation of rabbanim, dayanim, roshei yeshivot, teachers, cantors, and scribes—many of whom would go on to serve communities across Morocco, Israel, and the diaspora.
Trials of Faith: The Miracle of the Flour
Baba ‘Haki’s greatness was not only in what he taught but how he lived. At times, the yeshiva faced extreme poverty. In one memorable episode, on the eve of Shabbat, there was no bread for the students. Refusing to burden his brother Baba Salé with the hardship, Baba ‘Haki sought help from Rabbi Yaakov Benhamou—but even he had nothing to give.
The two sages wept in prayer, until providence intervened: a man arrived seeking a blessing from Baba Salé. Moved by the sight of the crying rabbis, he donated his own Passover flour to the yeshiva. The students were fed, and the donor later became wealthy, just as Baba Salé had blessed him.
From Hardship to Heavenly Blessing
This was only one of many miracles surrounding Baba ‘Haki’s yeshiva. On another occasion, he was called to help resolve an inheritance dispute between four sisters. After his wise and honest arbitration, the sisters revealed that their father’s final wish was to donate a fifth portion of the estate to the Abir Ya’akov Yeshiva—Baba ‘Haki’s own institution. This unexpected blessing brought lasting financial stability.
Notably, Baba ‘Haki refused to take a single penny for himself from any donations to the yeshiva. He supported himself modestly through a family-owned arak distillery, never compromising his integrity or his mission.
A Center of Torah, A Model of Rigor
The curriculum at Baba ‘Haki’s yeshiva was demanding and visionary. Students studied Gemara, Halakha, and Jewish law from classic sources like the Beth Yosef, the Tour, and the Shulchan Arukh. They were required to master multiple tractates before receiving ordination as shohet, mohel, or dayan.
Even after passing rigorous internal exams, students were sent to be tested by external Rabbinic courts in Casablanca, Rabat, or Meknès. Often, the Rabbis would respond with amazement: “Your student came to be examined, but we were the ones being tested.” For Baba ‘Haki, this was never about titles or prestige—it was about honoring God and ensuring authentic Torah transmission.
Legacy of Light
Though lesser known to the public than his miraculous brother Baba Salé, Baba ‘Haki’s influence is no less enduring. He trained hundreds of leaders, maintained Torah under the most difficult conditions, and served with humility, grace, and uncompromising principle.
Today, his name remains revered by those who trace their spiritual lineage to his teachings. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in recognition but in responsibility, not in miracles but in mission.
Baba ‘Haki was a builder of Torah, a silent giant, and a true heir to the Abi’hssira legacy. His work, his struggles, and his deep love for his students continue to illuminate the world, one soul at a time.
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