Sidna Baba Sali

Sidna Baba Sali
The Admor Israel Abihssira

State Medal

The holy Admor (Rabbi and Teacher our revered master) Israel Abihssira Sidna "Baba Sali" was born in Rissani, in the Tafilalet region of Morocco, on Rosh Hashana 5650/1890, into a well-known rabbinic dynasty.
It became apparent early in his childhood that he was a bright and precocious child and at the age of 17 he was appointed as the Head of the Abir Yaacov Yeshiva, named after his grandfather, Rabbi Yaacov Abihssira, a position which he held for 13 years. In 1920 he was elected to serve as the ruling Rabbi and Teacher for the entire region of Tafilalet.
Admor Sidna "Baba Sali" came to Israel a number of times, before finally settling in the land in 1964, residing first in Yavneh, then in Ashkelon and finally in Netivot, which was to be the town in which he would be laid to eternal rest, in the Holy Mausoleum erected in his honor.
The Admor had great skill in Talmudic interpretation and many of his halachic divisions have been accepted and taken root among his followers. He was regarded as a "Possessor of the Divine Spirit" - a paragon for his community, whose words were upheld. He became known as a man of exceptional spirituality, able to perform wonders and attracted thousands of people from all over who came to receive his blessing.
All the different communities and streams of Judaism accepted the "Baba Sali". Rabbis, world leaders, and lay people alike turned to him for guidance and he accepted them all with respect and affection as he shared his wisdom and goodness. He exuded a love for Israel and lived his life according to the verse "Love your neighbor as yourself".
The "Baba Sali" died January 8, 1984.

Design: Dudi Cohen
Relief: Tidhar Dagan
Silkscreen: "Ketem" Silk Printing
Minting: Gold - Government Mint, Jerusalem
Silver and Bronze - Hecht
Edge: Name & State Emblem, metal fineness and serial number

The medal was also struck in smaller diameters in gold and silver and mounted in jewelry. Silver and bronze Modelias (large diameter wall medals) were also struck.