Renowned Kabbalist Rabbi David Badri Dies at 85

Rabbi David Shalom Badri, widely regarded as one of the leading Kabbalists of our generation, passed away Friday at the age of 85. Rabbi Badri, who headed the "HaShalom" yeshiva in Jerusalem, was known for his deep knowledge of "secret lore" and served as a source of guidance and spiritual advice for many.

His lineage traced back to prominent Sephardic sages; his mother was a great-granddaughter of Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, author of the "Ben Ish Chai," and also a great-granddaughter of Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda Petyah, author of "Minchat Yehuda." It was from Rabbi Petyah that Badri drew his foundational understanding of Kabbalah.

In his youth, Rabbi Badri studied at the "Porat Yosef" yeshiva in Jerusalem's Old City, where he was influenced by figures such as Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, both of whom later served as Chief Rabbis of Israel. Even at a young age, Rabbi Badri founded the "HaShalom" Kabbalistic yeshiva in Jerusalem, named after Kabbalist Rabbi Shalom Sharabi.

The Shas party issued a statement mourning his passing, calling him "the elder of the Kabbalists," a "devout, holy, and separated man," and a "pillar of prayer" who "poured out his soul in holy prayers and sublime rectifications for the sake of all Israel." The statement also noted his strong support for the Shas movement and his vocal opposition to those seeking to weaken Torah study.

Shas extended condolences to his family, including his son, Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzhak Badri, who is continuing his father's path, as well as his other sons and sons-in-law.