Revered Moroccan Rabbi’s Robe Heads to Auction, Starting at $10,000

When a simple snuff box becomes a hit and is sold for $2,000, one is entitled to wonder if it is set with emeralds. But no. It is enough that it belonged to Baba Salé, a Moroccan rabbi and kabbalist.

According to the electronic media Israel Hayom: "In the past, his white kippah was sold for $5,000, his tallit for $5,000, his personal snuff box for $2,000, a 10-shekel bill he gave to his collaborators for $1,800, a gold pocket watch used for $3,400, and his prayer book for an amount of $14,000".

Now, it would be a djellaba and a white cape that will be put up for sale by an auction house located in Jerusalem. Although the starting price is only $10,000, it is expected that these two "items" will be sold for much more.

Baba Salé, whose real name was Rabbi Israel Abouhaseira, was born in Rissani, Morocco and buried in Netivot. And he is the object of an important cult. Thousands of believers gather on the anniversary of his death, in Netivot, seeking healing or spiritual support.