Renowned Kabbalist Rabbi David Batsri Dies at 85

Rabbi David Shalom Batsri, head of the "HaShalom" Kabbalah yeshiva and considered the foremost living Kabbalist, passed away Friday at the age of 85. He collapsed at his home in Bnei Brak and was rushed to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, where doctors attempted to revive him. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead.

Rabbi Batsri, who resided in Bnei Brak in recent years, had experienced fluctuating health in recent times and was hospitalized periodically. Nevertheless, he continued to teach the "hidden Torah" (Kabbalah), offer counsel and blessings to the public, and perform spiritual rectifications for the benefit of individuals and the community.

He was known for his profound knowledge of divine names and spirits, and for continuing the traditions of his grandfather, Rabbi Yehuda Petyah. Rabbi Batsri gained international attention for his exorcism rituals, which reportedly sparked significant spiritual awakening.

Rabbi David Yosef, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, eulogized Batsri, recalling a deep connection between Batsri and his late father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who greatly respected Batsri's expertise in both revealed and hidden Torah. Yosef described Batsri as a brilliant scholar, a holy man of immense humility and piety, whose teachings and prayers impacted many.

The Shas party issued a statement mourning the loss of a "great Kabbalist" and "pillar of prayer" who supported the party and spoke out against those who sought to weaken Torah scholars. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also expressed sorrow, noting Batsri's passing occurred shortly after Yom Kippur and before the Sukkot holiday, calling him one of the generation's greatest Kabbalists.