The Legacy of Rabbi Sasson Bachar Moshe: Scholar, Kabbalist, and Leader of Jerusalem

Rabbi Sasson Bachar Moshe, known as Prisciado, was a prominent Jerusalemite of Bosnian origin, whose life and teachings left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Jerusalem. As a revered leader of the community and the head of the prestigious Yeshiva Kabbalist Bethel, Rabbi Sasson was deeply respected for his scholarship, humility, and commitment to the transmission of Kabbalistic wisdom.

Rabbi Sasson is perhaps best known for his monumental work, the Shemen Sasson, a multi-volume commentary on the works of Rabbi Chaim Vital, the primary disciple of the renowned Kabbalist, Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari). Through Shemen Sasson, Rabbi Sasson took upon himself the tremendous task of elucidating and clarifying the deep and often complex Kabbalistic ideas contained in Rabbi Vital’s writings. His work was essential for making these profound teachings more accessible to future generations, ensuring that the mystical insights of the Lurianic Kabbalah could be understood and applied in practical ways.

Born into a community with deep ties to tradition, Rabbi Sasson was immersed in Torah study and Kabbalah from a young age. His heritage, rooted in both Bosnia and Jerusalem, gave him a unique perspective, as he blended Sephardic traditions with the mystical heritage of the Holy Land. His rise to prominence within the Jerusalemite community was not only due to his vast knowledge of Torah and Kabbalah but also his leadership and dedication to guiding his community through both spiritual and practical challenges.

Yeshiva Kabbalist Bethel, the institution Rabbi Sasson led, was known as a center of intense Kabbalistic study, and under his leadership, it became even more so. Scholars, mystics, and students alike came to learn from him, drawn by his reputation for wisdom and his deep understanding of the esoteric teachings of Judaism. The yeshiva was a place of not only academic learning but also intense spiritual practice, where the study of Kabbalah was combined with devout prayer and meditation aimed at reaching higher spiritual levels.

Rabbi Sasson’s contributions through his work Shemen Sasson went beyond commentary; it was a synthesis of deep Kabbalistic teachings with a keen understanding of human nature and divine purpose. His interpretations of Rabbi Chaim Vital’s writings allowed others to engage with the hidden aspects of the Torah, focusing on the intricate spiritual systems that govern the universe according to Lurianic Kabbalah. His explanations illuminated complex ideas such as the nature of divine emanations, the process of creation, and the role of humanity in the cosmic process of tikkun (spiritual rectification).

Rabbi Sasson’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his yeshiva. He was a beloved community leader, known for his humility and kindness. His door was always open to those seeking advice, blessings, or guidance. The respect he commanded was not only due to his scholarship but also to his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, offering wisdom that was both mystical and deeply practical.

His legacy, preserved through his writings and the students he mentored, continues to inspire those seeking deeper spiritual understanding. The Shemen Sasson remains a valuable resource for scholars of Kabbalah, providing insights that bridge the gap between the complexities of Lurianic Kabbalah and the practical spiritual lives of those who study it.

Rabbi Sasson Bachar Moshe’s life was a testament to the power of dedication to Torah, humility, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. Through his leadership, scholarship, and profound work in Kabbalistic teachings, he left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the study of Jewish mysticism. May his memory be a blessing, and may his teachings continue to guide those who seek the deeper wisdom of the Torah and the mysteries of the divine.

May his merit protect us.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.