Who he was
Rabbi Shmuel Abuhatzeira belonged to the rabbinic family that made the Tafilalet famous across the Jewish world. Diarna describes him as the grandson of the Abir Yaakov, Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira, and a first cousin of the Baba Sali. Visiting Jewish Morocco calls him a patriarch of the family. Our sources give no dates for his life, and we would rather leave them out than guess.
Jewish Erfoud
Visiting Jewish Morocco writes that Jews lived in the Erfoud region for a very long time and supported learned rabbis in as many as seven synagogues. Erfoud had no mellah: Jews and Muslims lived side by side in the medina. In 1954, about a third of the residents of the town’s new section were Jewish, and Diarna records that shops of every kind closed on Saturdays because there were no customers. The community was led by Yaakov Benhamou, and Mukhluf Krispin headed the Talmud Torah school.
The 1960 Moroccan census counted 1,183 Jews and 3,239 Muslims in the municipality. According to Visiting Jewish Morocco, all of them emigrated to Israel during the 1960s.
The cemetery and shrine
The Moroccan government funded a refurbishment of the cemetery. Rabbi Shmuel’s grave, which Diarna describes as originally open to the elements under a small roof with no walls, is now enclosed in a formal complex with a large function hall and a new synagogue for those attending the hilloula. Around it lie several hundred graves, mostly in rows, many with small stones left by visitors as a sign of remembrance.
The Muslim guardian who lives on the premises with his family knows the Abuhatzeira family history and greets pilgrims from around the world. Diarna also mentions a newer synagogue in town associated with the Baba Sali, known as “the Rav’s Synagogue”.
The hilloula
A hilloula marks the anniversary of a tzaddik’s death with prayer, candles, songs and shared meals. Rabbi Shmuel Abuhatzeira’s is held in December, according to Visiting Jewish Morocco; our sources do not give the Hebrew date, so we confirm it each year. Our hilloula pilgrimages guide explains what to expect and how we plan around these dates.
Visiting outside the pilgrimage
Outside the hilloula, the guardian can usually let you in. Erfoud is on the road to the Merzouga dunes, so the visit sits easily in a desert itinerary, together with the Rissani cemetery and shrine a short drive further south.
Erfoud Jewish Cemetery and Rabbi Shmuel Abuhatzeira Shrine: questions travellers ask
When is the Rabbi Shmuel Abuhatzeira hilloula?
In December, according to Visiting Jewish Morocco. We confirm the exact date each year.
Can we visit outside the hilloula?
Yes, the guardian lives on site and has welcomed visitors. We let him know in advance.
How was he related to the Baba Sali?
He was the Baba Sali’s first cousin; both were grandsons of the Abir Yaakov.
Did Erfoud have a mellah?
No. Jews and Muslims lived together in the medina.
Sources. Diarna; Visiting Jewish Morocco. Researched and fact-checked by Gateway2Morocco, October 2026. Access to religious sites changes; we confirm every visit when we plan your trip.
