The Hiloula of Rabbi Isaac Ben Walid is the hiloula, or anniversary of the death of rabbi Isaac Ben Walid. It is one of the most popular hiloulot in North Africa.[1]
Ben Walid was a religious leader and worked to improve the education of the Jewish community in the city of Tétouan, founding the first-ever school of the Alliance Israélite Universelle in the city in 1862. [1][2] After he died in 1870[3][4] at the age of 93, his tomb became a pilgrimage site, as well as the study room he had in the upper room of his synagogue, built in 1889[5][6] The tomb and his synagogue are visited on the anniversary of his death by Moroccan Jews from France, Israel, Panama, Venezuela, Canada and other countries where they settled.[1][7] As customary in the Haketia-speaking communities of former Spanish Morocco, chants are sung in that dialect of the Judeo-Spanish language.[8]
On the hiloula of Ben Walid, Moroccan Jews celebrate by singing bakashot at community centers or synagogues.[9]
There is a legend that says that his walking stick has mystical healing powers, especially for pregnant women experiencing difficulties during their pregnancy, as well as women with fertility problems.[4][2]
