The Wonders of Harav Yitzchack Kadouri

The saintly Kabbalist Harav Yitzchak Kadouri zt”l was a remarkable and distinguished personality, a righteous man, one of the pillars of the world. He was world renown, and his deeds achieved even JUHDWHU IDPH 6SHFL¿FDOO\ LQ RXU JHQHUDWLRQ VR IDU UHPRYHG IURP WKH OHYHO RI SUHYLRXV RQHV GR ZH ODFN the capability of fathoming the depths of his greatness or measure the magnitude of his luminosity. As the Jerusalem Talmud states (Gittin 6:7), “Rabbi Yishmael ben Yossi said, just as there exists a world of difference between gold and dust, so too does our generation differ from that of our fathers.” The level of this tzaddik was higher than we can ever imagine. He was like a towering palm tree, embodying all of the righteous qualities we read about that the previous generations had. His light cast its glow on the far distant corners of the globe. People came to him from all over the country, DVNLQJ IRU D VROXWLRQ RU UHTXHVWLQJ VRPH VDOYDWLRQ IURP WKHLU SUHGLFDPHQWV 6RPH VRXJKW DLG RWKHUV VDJH DGYLFH RU ZRUGV RI HQFRXUDJHPHQW 6RPH MRXUQH\HG DURXQG WKH ZRUOG WR VHH KLP FRPLQJ IURP all walks of life. In his presence they found what they were looking for, a listening ear and a warm and compassionate heart coupled with great understanding and wisdom. Everyone knew that he would greet them with warmth and a smile and provide them with sound advice. He answered each one with care and concern, according to their needs. All felt the relief of unburdening themselves and leaving their bundles of worries behind, encouraged and looking forward to a more promising future. Whoever merited entering his home would immediately feel the aura of sanctity which permeated the air. It was not without reason that great and small alike turned to him in respect and admiration. +LV QDWXUH ZDV QRW VRPHWKLQJ WKDW FDQ EH PHDVXUHG RU GH¿QHG XVLQJ HYHU\GD\ WHUPLQRORJ\ (YHQ a minor revelation of his inner character was enough to astound the observer. His spiritual powers were extraordinary. His life’s story was astounding. His great deeds amazed us all. The pen cannot adequately describe his tremendous stature and sublime sanctity. No one can claim that they were able to glimpse into the recesses of his heart where he served and walked with G-d. Many times I merited entering his sanctuary. He always showered me with love. His blessings have paved the way for me and accompanied me wherever I have gone. This is why I am overjoyed at the publication of a book to perpetuate the memory of this Rav and tzaddik. There are many stories and wonders which recount his greatness in Torah and his elevated lifestyle. The Rav was also able to work miracles. The author, Rabbi Meir Malka, did us a tremendous favor by compiling this book. This is in accordance with the words of the Meiri, who wrote (Yoma 38b), “It is a mitzvah to write about the deeds of tzaddikim and sing their praises. This motivates the readers to follow in their footsteps and do as they did.” This book attempts to uncover but a small glimpse of the great and pious tzaddik. May its words help elevate his pure soul, and urge us to come closer to his ways. As our sages have said, “One is obligated to say, when will my actions reach those of my forefathers.” May it be the will of our Father in Heaven that the merit of this great tzaddik protect us and all of Israel. May he intercede on our behalf from his place of residence in the Heavenly realm to awaken Divine compassion upon us and the Land of Israel, and may we merit seeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem, speedily and in our days, Amen. One who seeks the honor of Torah and those who learn its laws, Yonah Metzger