Nearly 2,000 members of the Moroccan Jewish community from across the globe congregated in Essaouira on Thursday evening to celebrate the four-day Hiloula of Saint Rabbi Haïm Pinto, an annual spiritual event held in the city.
This religious moussem serves as a meaningful occasion for members of the Moroccan Jewish community worldwide to reunite and strengthen their connections with their homeland, Morocco. It also reaffirms their enduring commitment to the Kingdom’s principles and the esteemed Alaouite Throne.
The pilgrimage started with a religious ceremony at the Rabbi Haïm Pinto cemetery, attended by the provincial governor, Adil El Maliki, Rabbi David Pinto, the president of the local council of Ulemas, representatives from local authorities, heads of external services, elected officials, members of the Moroccan Jewish community, and other notable figures.
During the ceremony, the participants prayed to the Almighty to safeguard His Majesty King Mohammed VI, bestow health and longevity upon the Sovereign, and extend these blessings to HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, HRH Princess Lalla Khadija, and the entire distinguished Royal Family.
In a press statement on this occasion, Rabbi David Pinto expressed his joy at returning to Essaouira and Morocco once again this year. He conveyed deep gratitude to His Majesty the King for “the happiness and magnificent gift that the Sovereign has bestowed upon us—allowing us to make this pilgrimage and, above all, visit our Moroccan brethren.”
For his part, El Maliki, addressing the gathering, underscored that this spiritual event offers many faithful individuals the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Moroccan traditions that span centuries.