Prominent Sephardi Kabbalist Rabbi Rahamim Attiya Dies at 95

Rabbi Rahamim Attiya, one of Jerusalem’s leading hidden Kabbalists and the oldest among the rabbis of Aleppo, died in Jerusalem at age 95. He passed away at Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Attiya was a senior figure in the Nehar Shalom Kabbalistic yeshiva in the Nahlaot neighborhood and was known for devoting himself to Torah study and the mystical intentions of the Rashash.

Born on 22 Av 5691 to Rabbi Yitzhak Attiya, he came from a distinguished family from Aleppo, Syria. In Jerusalem he became known as one of the city’s discreet Kabbalists, and in his youth he was especially close to Rabbi Mordechai Sharabi, with whom he studied esoteric teachings. Sharabi personally chose him to read from the Torah and serve as prayer leader in his study house, roles reserved for people who had completely overcome anger.

Over the years, Attiya became related by marriage to former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, when his daughter, Rabbi Ruth, married Yosef’s son, Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. He left behind 13 children and hundreds of descendants who continue his path.

Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri issued a eulogy saying he had received the news with deep sorrow. He called Attiya “humble like Hillel” and “a true servant of God,” describing him as one of the last of a great generation and noting that Ovadia Yosef praised him warmly. Deri also sent condolences to Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, Rabbi Ruth, Rabbi Avraham Attiya, and the wider family.