On the eve of Rosh Chodesh Adar, the month of joy for Baba Khaki, which falls on the 25th of Adar: On the occasion of the end of the fiftieth year since his tragic passing in a car accident and in honor of Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhatzeira, the piyut is performed and presented by a unique, multi-generational and extraordinary ensemble of the best poets and singers from the Moroccan community, including Lior Elmaleh, Michael Peretz, Emil Zarihan, Kobi Peretz, Kobi Affalu, Maor Edri and Vishai Soderi.
The exciting production and the thoughtful music video that provides a glimpse into the character of Baba Khaki, with rare archival photos and videos, were performed by the poets Lior Elmaleh and Michael Peretz from the 'Israeli Piyyut' project, and with the mobilization of all members of the Abuhatzeira family, the sons and daughters, and grandsons and granddaughters of Baba Khaki.
Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhatzeira, known as Baba Haki, brother of Baba Sali, served as Chief Rabbi of Ramla Lod, a member of the Council of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and Chief Rabbi of North African Jewry - and was one of the most prominent and influential leaders among the Israeli public in general and among the North African immigrant community in particular during his time.
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About 50 years ago, Baba Khaki was killed in a car accident while returning from a visit to his brother Baba Sali - a disaster that left tens of thousands shocked and in pain, who also accompanied his bed in the largest funeral the State of Israel had known up to that time, on Friday, on the streets of the city of Ramla.
A poem by Rabbi David Bozaglo, written during the lifetime of Baba Khaki, attributes it to him in an amazing way and compares it throughout the lyrics and chorus to the Knotting of Isaac, "Your only son, whom you loved, Isaac.".
My God, live, I love you. (Words by Rabbi David Bozaglo)
O king, the God of your favor lives, because you have given your only son, your only son, Abijah the son of Hachi, out of your favor. * 2
A man who dwells in his tent, who inherits his inheritance *2
To his heirs, his standard-bearers, and his son came to laugh.
O king, the living God, your beloved, for you have given your only son, your only son, Abijah the son of Hachi, out of your love for me.
A righteous teacher, whose name is known for the righteousness of his people *2
And he will delight in his speech, and all who hear will laugh.
O king, the living God, your beloved, for you have given your only son, your only son, Abijah the son of Hachi, out of your love for me.
O my Lord, make my work joyful / O my Lord, make it complete in the name of Allah / O my Lord, grant me what is my reward / The right of the righteous to be proud'
And he watered his seed from his fountain, the fruit of his womb.
The servant of the Lord, the God of his father, will laugh.
O king, the living God, your beloved, for you have given your only son, your only son, Abijah the son of Hachi, out of your love for me.
Be a good shepherd in your flock, for in you dwells the Messiah.
Whoever in his ways will leave these children laughing
May his kingdom endure and his dynasty endure.
A king, the son of a king, will always be called a seed of Isaac.
My king, O God, live, your mercy is great, for you have given your mercy to your only son. Baba Khaki Abikhtsira * 2
