Renowned Kabbalist Rabbi David Batsri, 85, Passes Away in Israel

Rabbi David Batsri, a prominent Kabbalist and head of the 'HaShalom' yeshiva in Jerusalem, passed away at the age of 85. He collapsed suddenly at his home in Bnei Brak on the eve of the Sukkot holiday. Emergency medical services performed prolonged resuscitation efforts before he was evacuated in critical condition to Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer, where he was pronounced dead.

Rabbi Batsri was known for his leadership in the study of Kabbalah in Jerusalem and for conducting exorcism ceremonies to remove dybbuks, which garnered significant media attention. Despite recent health challenges and hospitalizations, he remained dedicated to teaching Kabbalah, offering counsel and blessings, and performing spiritual rectifications for individuals and the public.

Born in Jerusalem in 1941, Rabbi Batsri came from a distinguished lineage of Babylonian sages. His mother was a great-granddaughter of Rabbi Yosef Chaim, author of the "Ben Ish Chai," and Rabbi Yehuda Fatiyah, a renowned Kabbalist. He studied at the Porat Yosef Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Old City under Rabbi Ezra Attia and later delved deeper into Kabbalah with his father-in-law, Rabbi Salman Mutzafi.

In the early 1970s, he co-headed the "Hevrat Ahava V'Shalom" yeshiva before establishing the 'HaShalom' Kabbalah yeshiva with his son, Rabbi Yitzchak Batsri. The yeshiva became a center for Kabbalistic study, focusing on prayer intentions according to the Siddur of Rabbi Shalom Sharabi and performing spiritual rectifications for various needs, including marriage, health, livelihood, and peace within families.

Rabbi Batsri was also a passionate preacher who traveled throughout Israel, encouraging adherence to Jewish law and tradition. He was a staunch defender of Jerusalem's sanctity and traditional Judaism, unafraid to voice his opinions on public and spiritual matters, urging the public toward repentance and anticipation of redemption. His passing is mourned by the Torah and Kabbalah communities as the loss of a great scholar and righteous man who performed miracles.