IDF Veteran Bizhuto Learns Torah Commitment from Baghdad Sage Ben Ish Chai

On the 13th of Elul, the Jewish community commemorates the passing of Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known as the Ben Ish Chai, a revered kabbalist, leader, and preacher whose sermons drew thousands. A notable story shared by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu recounts how a wealthy man named Bizhuto once challenged the Ben Ish Chai's assertion that there is no excuse to avoid Torah study, emphasizing that inability is often a matter of unwillingness.

Bizhuto argued that his business obligations and missed prayers prevented him from studying Torah, leaving the sage's words unheeded and himself angry. Days later, Bizhuto witnessed a high-ranking minister's carriage stuck in mud. Despite initial reluctance, Bizhuto helped free the carriage, proving his capability. The minister rebuked him for claiming he could not help, highlighting the lesson that "can't" often means "won't."

This incident reinforced the Ben Ish Chai's teaching, drawn from Genesis 4:7, that the evil inclination desires to trip a person up, but one can master it through willpower and Torah study. The Ben Ish Chai's holiness and influence were widely recognized by great sages such as Rabbi Judah Fatiyah and the Radbaz, who praised the spiritual power emanating from his writings.

Rabbi Yosef Chaim led the Baghdad community for fifty years, beginning his public leadership on the day of his first sermon, the 13th of Elul, the same day he later passed away. His sermons were a weekly highlight, attracting thousands, and he was revered as a divine messenger whose presence kept the community steadfast in observance.

His works, especially the book "Ben Ish Chai," remain beloved for their heartfelt teachings. His life was dedicated to sanctifying God's name and spreading Torah as the path to true happiness. The article concludes with a prayer for his merit to protect Israel and hasten redemption.