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 on Friday at the age of 85. He died at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer after collapsing earlier that morning at his son's home in Bnei Brak. Emergency services performed resuscitation efforts at the scene before transporting him to the hospital in critical condition. Despite widespread prayers for his recovery, he was pronounced deceased.

Born in Jerusalem in 1941, Rabbi Batsri studied at the Porat Yosef yeshiva under Rabbi Ezra Attia and deepened his Kabbalistic studies with his father-in-law, Rabbi Salman Mutzafi. He later led the "Hevrat Ahava V'Shalom" yeshiva before establishing the "HaShalom" yeshiva with his son, Rabbi Yitzhak Batsri, focusing on mystical Torah and prayer intentions according to the teachings of Rabbi Shalom Sharabi.

Rabbi Batsri was known for offering counsel and blessings to many visitors and for leading prayer gatherings. He also delivered talks across Israel on topics such as Shabbat observance, fear of heaven, and family life. He gained significant public and media attention for his public rituals, including attempts to perform exorcisms.

In recent years, he resided in Bnei Brak with his son. Despite ongoing health issues and hospitalizations, he continued his involvement with the yeshiva and receiving visitors. His passing has been mourned by his students and followers as the loss of a significant Kabbalist of the last generation. Funeral details are yet to be announced.