Rabbi Yosef Chaim Mizrahi Reveals Hidden Manuscripts and Mysteries of the Ben Ish Chai's Writings

Rabbi Yosef Chaim Mizrahi, who has published over 60 books of the Ben Ish Chai's writings, shared rare insights in an extensive interview with Yossi Abdo on the occasion of the Ben Ish Chai's yahrzeit. Mizrahi detailed the dramatic history behind the preservation and dissemination of these manuscripts, including their perilous journey from Baghdad amid theft, destruction, and even a sewage flood caused by an American bombing of Saddam Hussein's intelligence building where the manuscripts were stored. Despite these challenges, many texts were salvaged and published, including the significant work "Ben Ish Chil".

Mizrahi explained that the Ben Ish Chai's original manuscripts were entrusted to various sages after his descendants were unable to publish them. Over 40 years, Mizrahi managed the collection and publication of these works, often recovering stolen or fragmented manuscripts from collectors and dealers who sold pages separately. He recounted a tense episode involving the Baba Sali, who helped recover hidden manuscripts concealed inside an old sewing machine.

The interview also revealed the high price paid by those who tried to trade in stolen manuscripts, with some reportedly dying in accidents. A notable missing work remains a complete treatise on the Zohar by the Ben Ish Chai, which has yet to be discovered. Mizrahi clarified misconceptions about the Ben Ish Chai's practices, emphasizing that he did not engage in practical Kabbalah or amulets but focused on prayer and halachic rigor.

Additional revelations included the Ben Ish Chai's refusal to serve as Chief Rabbi of Israel, his personal austerities, and the discovery of rare manuscripts in private hands, including writings on the Jerusalem Talmud. Mizrahi also discussed the Ben Ish Chai's unique prayer customs, his small tefillin, and the deep respect and blessings he continues to bestow from beyond. The interview highlighted the ongoing mission to preserve and publish these sacred texts for future generations.