Prominent Kabbalist Rabbi David Batsri Dies on Eve of Sukkot

Rabbi David Shalom Batsri, a leading Kabbalist and head of the 'HaShalom' Yeshiva in Jerusalem, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. He collapsed suddenly at his home in Bnei Brak and was rushed to Tel Hashomer Hospital after extensive resuscitation efforts, but was pronounced dead. His passing occurred on the eve of Sukkot, a significant Jewish holiday.

A poignant detail emerged following his death: Rabbi Batsri's wife, Rabbanit Tzipora Batsri, also died on the eve of a holiday, specifically the eve of Passover in 2020. This parallel has been noted by many, with close associates suggesting the couple, known for their modesty, may have chosen these dates to avoid lengthy public mourning periods.

According to Jewish law, when a death occurs on the eve of a holiday, the traditional seven-day mourning period, known as Shiva, is shortened. Mourners observe a brief period before the holiday begins, rather than the full week after it concludes.

Rabbi Batsri was laid to rest in Sanhedria. Tributes poured in from prominent figures, including Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, who spoke of his father's close relationship with the deceased. The Shas party issued a statement eulogizing Rabbi Batsri as a "holy and righteous man" who "spread Torah and raised many students," and who "stood firmly by the side of the holy Shas movement."

Born in Jerusalem in 1941, Rabbi Batsri hailed from a distinguished lineage of Babylonian sages. The Shas party extended condolences to his family, particularly his son, Rabbi Yitzhak Batsri, who is continuing his father's legacy.