Joseph Sumbal, this Moroccan Jew who claimed a new world religion in Denmark

In the 18th century, Moroccan Jew Joseph Sumbal claimed a new world religion in Denmark. In Europe he led an adventurous life, was jailed in London and eventually married a British actress.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #26 : Habib Mizrahi, the «Moulay Tadot» of Ait Ourir Laqdim

Moulay Tadot, also known as Rabbi Habib Mizrahi, is a Jewish saint venerated by the Jews and Muslims of the Kingdom. His grave is located in the cemetery of Ait Ourir, a small town near Marrakech.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #25 : Haim Pinto Hagadol, Essaouira’s young Rabbi

Rabbi Haim Pinto Hagadol left Agadir to study in Essaouira. In the port city he rubbed shoulders with two powerful rabbis, who knew that he would become a saint. His Hiloula is celebrated every September.

Samuel Sumbal, sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah’s favorite Jew

When sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah was planning to revive the city of Essaouira, he relied on Morocco’s most competent Jew. Samuel Sumbal was the sultan’s right-hand man, who helped build 18th century Essaouira.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #24 : Haim Ben Diwan, the holy saint of Ouirgane

Chaim Ben Diwan is the son of another Jewish saint in Morocco, Amram Ben Diwan. Buried in Ouirgane, near Marrakech, the saint is a mysterious one whose story was overshadowed by his father's.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #23 : Abraham Awriwer, the saint on the top of the mountain

Rabbi Abraham Awriwer is a Jewish saint buried on top of a mountain near the city of Settat called Dad. According to historians, the Rabbi’s tomb was discovered by a camel.

The chronicles of Sieur Mouette, the curious account of a French captive in Morocco

Germain Mouette is a French man who was sailing to the Americas when he was captured by the Salé pirates. During his eleven years of captivity in Morocco, Mouette learned a lot about the country, publishing a detailed map of the Kingdom in one of his chronicles.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #22 : David Laskar, the legendary saint of Ighi

David Laskar is the legendary saint of Ighi, a small village near Marrakech. While little is known about his life in Morocco, the rabbi is venerated by both Jews and Muslims.

The first Jew elected to the United States Senate was of Moroccan descent

David Levy Yulee is known in the United States as the first Jew to serve as senator. But in Morocco, he is the descendent of a renowned Jewish family that gained respect within the Moroccan Jewish community and served the royal court during the 18th century.

Jewish pilgrimage in Morocco #21 : Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen, a Casablanca saint with two graves

Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen lived and died in Casablanca, where he was buried. While few people know about his story, many recall the transfer of his grave, which was located in the ancient medina. Today, this saint lays in the Ben M’sik cemetery, where Jewish pilgrims come visit his grave yearly.