Soulika’s Shrine in Fez, Morocco

MyJewishLearning.com has published an article by Diarna researcher, Fulbright Scholar, and Wellesley Alumna Alma Rachel Heckman, exploring the myth and reality of Lalla sol Ha-Tsaddiqah (Soulika), the legendary Moroccan Jewish heroine.  The article features exclusive photos and video of her grave, in Fez, including a tour by Diarna advisor, Raphy Elmaleh. Here is an excerpt:

Soulika’s shrine stands in the middle of the Fez Jewish cemetery. During the annual hilloula (pilgrimage) to Soulika’s tomb (video here), Jewish pilgrims light candles and place them in a small enclosure on the part of the structure closest to the ground. On the side of the tomb, a plaque in Hebrew recounts Soulika’s saga as well as a slightly moldy French version. Looking northeast from the shrine it is possible to see one of the old walls of the Jewish quarter, where Soulika’s head was supposedly impaled after her execution.

In a twist of history and syncretistic practice, Jews and Muslims alike venerate Soulika for her purported healing powers. Stories of how Soulika’s sainted intervention helped save lives and perform miracles are numerous.

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