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Jewish Heritage of Erfoud and Rissani, Morocco

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    In the remote and rugged landscapes of Morocco, particularly within the Atlas, Talifet, and Draa regions, lie hidden cemeteries known only to their local inhabitants and the descendants of those interred there. These secluded resting places hold a profound significance for Jewish travelers from around the globe, who journey to reconnect with the legacy of their ancestors and explore the rich tapestry of Morocco’s Jewish heritage.

    In 1931, Erfoud was home to a vibrant Jewish community of approximately 1,172 members. This community was notable for its skilled artisans, diverse spice shop proprietors, and revered spiritual leaders. Among them were distinguished figures such as Rav Yitzchak Al-Fasi, known as the “Rif” (1013–1088), the Rambam (1160–1165), R’ Joseph Gikatila, and the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh (1698–1742). Today, these sacred burial sites attract Jewish pilgrims annually, revitalizing these historical locations and preserving a deep-rooted connection to ancient customs and traditions.

    Rabbi Shmuel Abuchatzeira – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    In this region, Rabbi Shmuel Abuchatzeira and his family made their way from Israel to the city of Tafilalt. There, Rabbi Shmuel’s son, Moshe, assumed the esteemed role of Rav (spiritual leader) of the city, continuing his father’s legacy. Following Moshe’s tenure, his son, Yaakov, garnered renown as “Abir Yaakov” and succeeded him as the Rabbi of Tafilalt, further solidifying the family’s influential position within the community.

    The lineage of the Abuchatzeira family continued with Rabbi Yaakov’s eldest son, Moshe, who became the Av Beit Din (head of the rabbinical court) in Tafilalt. It was within this city that Moshe’s son, Yisrael, later known as the Baba Sali, was born on Rosh Hashanah in the year 5650 (1890). The Baba Sali would go on to become a revered and influential figure in Moroccan Jewry.

    The family name Abuchatzeira has an interesting origin. Rabbi Masoud, the patriarch of the family, was originally named Elbaz. He journeyed to Israel aboard a large barge or raft, referred to in Arabic as a “chatzeira,” meaning “owner of the raft.” This mode of transport led to the adoption of the surname Abuchatzeira, which translates to “father of the raft.” This name became a symbol of the family’s enduring legacy and spiritual leadership.

    Shrine to Rabbi Shmuel Abuchatzeira – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    This Jewish cemetery has recently introduced a new synagogue to accommodate visitors and tourists, especially during December when the rabbi’s Hiloula is celebrated. This event marks the anniversary of a sage’s passing and highlights the vitality of Jewish life beyond major cities, extending to smaller towns nestled in the Atlas Mountains.

    The cemetery itself is remarkably well-preserved, with many of the tombstone inscriptions still clearly legible. This preservation offers a tangible link to the community’s rich history and heritage, illustrating the enduring significance of Jewish traditions in these remote locations.

    New Synagogue built at the Erfoud cemetery – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    Rissani Jewish Cemetery: A Glimpse into the Life of Baba Sali

    Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, affectionately known as the Baba Sali—meaning “Praying Father”—was a distinguished Moroccan Sephardic rabbi and kabbalist renowned for his reputed miraculous powers achieved through devout prayer. Though his final resting place in Netivot, Israel, has become a revered shrine for spiritual seekers, Baba Sali’s journey began on the edge of the Sahara Desert.

    Born in 1889 and passing away in 1984, the Baba Sali’s influence transcended Morocco, touching lives in Israel, France, and around the world. His extraordinary life story stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and spirituality.

    Rissani Jewish Cemetery: A new mausoleum is being constructed around the grave of Rabbi David AbuHatziera. New York Jewish Travel Guide

    The Rissani Cemetery: A Sanctuary of Four Esteemed Rabbis

    The Rissani cemetery is the final resting place of four distinguished rabbis, including the renowned Rabbi David Abu Hatziera. In November, a group of American journalists visited the cemetery and observed a significant renovation project in progress. This initiative, led by Michel Sebag, involves meticulous restoration efforts under his dedicated supervision.

    The project includes the construction of a new Ohel (mausoleum) to enclose the grave of Rabbi David Abu Hatziera. Plans are also underway for a new synagogue, a dining hall, guest rooms for visiting rabbis, bathroom facilities, and a fully equipped kitchen. These new facilities aim to accommodate the numerous visitors who come to the cemetery each December to celebrate the annual Hiloula.

    The cemetery, with approximately 6,000 tombstones spanning over five centuries, holds a rich historical legacy. In an interview with the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG), Sebag discussed his commitment to restoring various Moroccan cemeteries, including those in Guarana and other cities. He has completed ten renovation projects, notably revitalizing the Erfoud cemetery with the addition of a new synagogue.

    Mr. Sebag overseeing the renovation of cemeteries such as Rissani in Morocco – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    Erg Chebbi Dunes in Merzouga: A Desert Adventure

    Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek through the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. These iconic dunes, famed for their impressive scale, soar up to 150 meters high and extend 22 kilometers in length with a width of five kilometers, presenting a breathtakingly vast and ever-shifting landscape.

    As you traverse these magnificent sands, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the desert’s diverse flora and fauna, offering glimpses of life that thrives in this arid environment. To enhance your comfort and experience, it’s recommended to wear a dark turban. This traditional head covering protects you from the intense desert sun during the scorching summer days and provides warmth during the chilly winter nights.

    Sahara Desert Tent – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    Traveling through these dunes provides a surreal, mystical adventure reminiscent of scenes from a Star Wars movie. The expansive desert scenery, extending towards the Algerian border, immerses you in an otherworldly experience.

    According to Moroccan folklore, the Erg Chebbi sand dunes are considered a divine consequence—a lesson from God for refusing assistance to a tired traveler from the Sahara Desert. Legend has it that these dunes emerged near Merzouga as a reminder never to deny aid to weary travelers again, serving as a poignant testament to the significance of hospitality and compassion.

    Sahara Desert landscape in Morocco – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    Erfoud: Embracing Nomadic Family Hospitality

    In the Moroccan Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, a vibrant and enduring nomadic lifestyle persists, vividly illustrated by the communities residing in the Erg Chebbi dunes. During our journey, we had the privilege of visiting a Berber family nestled amidst these sweeping dunes.

    In the Erg Chebbi region, a few families continue to thrive, thanks in large part to the presence of vital water wells. For nomads, water is essential to their survival and way of life. These wells are crucial for sustaining their traditional practices and underscore the profound connection between the nomads and their ancestral lands.

    Nomad Women in Erg Chebbi Dunes pouring mint tea – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    This nomadic family inhabits a portable dwelling crafted from wood and cane, draped with blankets to shield them from the harsh desert heat and blinding sunlight. During our visit, they warmly welcomed us with a serving of mint tea, poured from a beautifully ornate silver teapot into traditional glasses. The tea, sweetened with Moroccan sugar, was accompanied by dried dates, freshly baked bread, and a rich, buttery oil.

    We were invited to experience their daily life up close, witnessing traditional practices such as milking goats, caring for their herds, and baking bread using time-honored methods. The family’s genuine hospitality and the opportunity to observe their enduring customs offered a profound glimpse into the resilient and vibrant world of desert nomadism.

    Nomad Woman in Erg Chebbi Dunes – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    In the nomadic lifestyle, collecting wood is vital for survival, as it is a primary resource for cooking and crafting traditional dishes like Tajine, fava bean soup, and oven-baked bread. These culinary practices unfold against the stunning backdrop of the Sahara Desert’s vast and dramatic landscape, offering a profoundly immersive and memorable experience.

    A visit to the Erg Chebbi dunes and interaction with the nomadic families provides a rare and enriching glimpse into a way of life that has thrived for centuries. The combination of their traditional hospitality, time-honored culinary practices, and the mesmerizing desert scenery creates a journey that is both deeply immersive and profoundly memorable. This experience not only celebrates the enduring spirit of desert nomadism but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the resilience and cultural richness of Morocco’s Sahara region.

    Nomad House in Erg Chebbi Dunes – New York Jewish Travel Guide

    For further information and to plan your trip to Morocco, you can visit the following resources:

    Authored by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Guide.com

    The author took part in a press trip sponsored by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

     

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