Shrine of Moulay Ighi

Tucked in the Atlas Mountains, miles from any main roads. Tourists speeding on the pass between Marrakech and Ouarzazate can easily miss the sharp turn to the village of Zekarten in the valley below.

The rabbi — possibly Rabbi David Laskar, died 1717 — sensed his own death approaching. He asked the local burial society to follow him to a hilltop. They dug a grave at his request. He cleansed himself in the river below, ascended, lay down, and commanded the earth to close.

A myrtle bush grew beside the grave. Despite centuries of pilgrims lighting hundreds of candles, the bush has never caught fire. The site is venerated by Muslims as well. Local Muslim leaders attend the hiloula.

The complex includes a covered mausoleum (built 1990), a modern synagogue, guesthouses, and a small cemetery. Members of the Bouskila family continue to administer the site. A Muslim caretaker guards it daily.