Mullah Ohr Shraga
Mullah Ohr Shraga
Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi ztz”l was born about 300 years ago in the city of Yazd in Iran and is considered a revered spiritual figure and an outstanding mentor in the history of Iranian Judaism. Many believe that he was a descendant of King David, and his greatness was expressed both in his erudite knowledge of the revealed and hidden Torah and in his roles as a mohel, dayan, shochet and bodek. His noble character was made known on account of his holiness that gave rise to extraordinary miracles that made him an honored figure not only among his fellow Jews but also among Muslims, and even the King of Persia himself had great respect for him.
Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi, who was awarded the title of “Mullah” (in the Islam, a teacher or learned man of the sacred writ) as a sign of honor, was known for his wisdom and especially for his outstanding humility. His devotion to Torah study was so deep that even in hours of fatigue he would doze for a moment and immediately sink back into the depths of Torah contemplation. Alongside his study, he worked to bring peace between man and his fellow Jew, between man and wife and to bring Jewish souls closer to their Creator, and served as an intermediary between the Jewish community and the local authorities.
The focus of his life was the spread of Torah and Judaism. He established the first yeshiva of its kind in his city of Yazd, which opened its doors to all — both rich and poor. At the same time, he strived to strengthen the values of mutual responsibility in the community, and encouraged the sons of the wealthy to donate scholarships, so that even those who could not otherwise afford it could devote their lives to the study of Torah. Furthermore, he sent his children to various cities throughout Iran to serve as teachers and educators, thus expanding his spiritual mission beyond the borders of his own city.
The Passing of Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi, z”l
On the 28th Marcheshvan 5553 (November 13th 1792), Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi was called to his eternal rest and was buried on the outskirts of Yazd. His memory remains alive in the hearts of all Jews of Iranian descent, and many believe that even after his passing he continued to influence and protect the members of the community. To this day, Jews vow charity for the repose of his soul and hope for salvation through his intervention.
To preserve the spiritual and educational legacy of Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi, his descendant Moshe Bar Shalom founded the “Ohr Hashalom” institutions, dedicated to Torah learning and the training of rabbinical leaders. Each year on his yahrzeit, a central Hilulah is held at the yeshiva, alongside gatherings in Iran, the U.S., and other Jewish communities around the world—continuing his influence and inspiring future generations.
Continuing the Persian-Jewish Legacy in Israel and Worldwide
The Ohr Hashalom institutions in Jerusalem serve as an important spiritual and communal center dedicated to preserving the Persian Jewish heritage and strengthening identity among future generations. Every year, commemorative gatherings of Persian rabbis are held to maintain tradition and community ties. Thanks to vision and dedication, the institutions continue to grow and serve as a hub for learning and preserving Persian-Jewish culture and faith, benefiting all of Am Yisrael both in Israel and worldwide.
Chronologic Synopsis
Birth of Mullah Ohr Shraga in Yazd, Iran -
Ohr Shraga was born in the city of Yazd, Iran, to his father, Rabbi Shmuel ben Mullah Ghayat from the city of Sabzevar. Mullah Ohr Shraga emerged as a highly respected and esteemed teacher of Torah and Kabbalah. According to many he was a descendant of King David.
His accomplishments
Rabbi Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi studied the revealed and hidden teachings of the Torah and served the Jewish community as a mohel, dayan and a shochet and bodek in Yazd. His name became famous among Jews and Muslims alike due to the miracles ascribed to his personal intervention.
Decease of Mullah Ohr Shraga in Yazd, Iran
Mullah Ohr Shraga passed away on November 13th, 1792 (28th Marcheshvan, 5553). A small prayer structure was built over his grave, and many believe his merit continues to protect them. To this day, Jews visit his grave, offer prayers and charity for his soul, and seek his blessing for themselves and future generations.
Founding of “Ohr Hashalom” in His Memory
Moshe Bar Shalom, an eighth-generation descendant of his Rabbi and teacher, established in 1979 an educational institution in Jerusalem bearing the name of “Ohr Hashalom” in memory of Mullah Ohr Shraga. The Kollel for married students affiliated to the “Ohr Hashalom” Institutions opened its doors on Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5779 (May 27th 1979).
Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi High School in Jerusalem
The high school building named after Mullah Ohr Shraga Yazdi zt”l was erected at 7 Moshe Hagiz Street in Jerusalem. The building includes classrooms, a dining room that provides three hot meals a day, a boarding school, a beit midrash, and more.
Establishment of Kindergartens
The kindergarten named after Mullah Ohr Shraga zt"l was opened in a rented building on Yehezkel Street, Jerusalem.
New Ohr Shraga School Building
The new school building named after Mullah Ohr Shraga zt"l was inaugurated on 33 Yissa Bracha Street nearby, and includes advanced facilities and additional services.
Expansion of "Ohr Hashalom" Activities to Present
Since 2015, the "Ohr Hashalom" Institutions have grown to include a kindergarten, boys' elementary school (Talmud Torah), high school (Yeshiva), and community center. They are recognized for successfully combining Torah-based education with significant community impact.