Renowned Kabbalist Rabbi David Batsri, Head of Shalom Yeshiva, Dies at 85

Israel is mourning the passing of Rabbi David Batsri, a prominent kabbalist and head of the "Shalom" yeshiva, who died on September 25, 2026, at the age of 85. According to Channel 14, Rabbi Batsri dedicated his life to studying the Torah, prayer, and Jewish mysticism, serving as a spiritual guide for thousands seeking his counsel and blessings.

The news of his death prompted widespread reactions from Israeli political and religious leaders. Chief Rabbi of Israel David Yosef described the deceased as an outstanding Torah scholar and a pure individual whose greatness was matched by his deep humility. Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, Noam party leader Avi Maoz, and Otzma Yehudit movement chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir also expressed condolences, highlighting Rabbi Batsri's significant contribution to the spiritual strengthening of the Israeli people.

The rabbi's health had recently deteriorated. On Friday morning, he collapsed on a street in Bnei Brak. Emergency services performed resuscitation efforts before transporting him to Sheba Medical Center. Despite extensive medical intervention, his condition could not be stabilized.

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Rabbi David Batsri studied at the renowned Porat Yosef yeshiva under leading Sephardic theologians. He learned the foundations of Kabbalah from his uncle, Rabbi Salman Mutzafi. Later, he founded the "Shalom" yeshiva in Jerusalem, which became a global center for the study of mystical Torah and the writings of the Rashash. Over decades, he blended Babylonian and Jerusalem Jewish traditions, leading mass prayer gatherings and assisting individuals in difficult life circumstances. His passing is considered an irreplaceable loss to Israeli society and the world of Jewish mysticism.