Rabbi Chaim Pinto HaGadol (1748–1845): biography and legacy in Mogador

October 15, 2026

Rabbi Chaim Pinto HaGadol (חיים פינטו הגדול), “the Great,” was the chief rabbi of the port city of Mogador, today Essaouira, in Morocco. His birth date is disputed: the Wikipedia entry gives 1748 and other sources 1749. He died on the 26th of Elul 5605 (September 28, 1845).

Quick facts

Origin

According to the cross-checked sources, he was born in Agadir. His father, Rabbi Shlomo Pinto, died in 1761, when he was an orphan of about twelve. That same year an earthquake devastated Agadir and many Jews fled and settled in Mogador. He was one of those refugees and came to be the chief rabbi of the city.

Reputation

The legend tells that his prayers were received in Heaven in such a way as to produce miracles. The main source marks this as legend and refers to a reference that is no longer available. No documented data on his teachers or his works are preserved in the sources consulted.

His grave and the hilula

He is buried in the old Jewish cemetery of Essaouira. Every year, people from all over the world make a pilgrimage on the anniversary of his death, the hilula; one source speaks of more than two thousand pilgrims in a commemoration lasting several days. Pilgrims visit his grave, then his synagogue and his house, in the old Jewish quarter (mellah).

The synagogue

The Chaim Pinto Synagogue, which was his home, his study and his synagogue, is preserved as a historic site.

Not to be confused

The sources mention a grandson of his, Rabbi Chaim Pinto HaKatan (“the Younger,” 1855–1937), who lived in Casablanca. He is a different figure.

Frequently asked questions

Where is he buried?

In the Jewish cemetery of Essaouira (formerly Mogador).

What is the hilula of Rabbi Chaim Pinto?

The annual commemoration of his passing, on the 26th of Elul.

When was he born?

Around 1748 or 1749, in Agadir.