Manuscript – Notebook of emissary Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov [Mirkado] Pardo, who traveled to collect money for printing the book Chasdei David on the Tosefta, authored by his grandfather Rabbi David Pardo. [1887-1896].
The first parts of Chasdei David on the Tosefta, on Sedarim Zera'im, Moed, Nashim and Nezikin, were printed during the author's life in Livorno in 1776-1790; however, the work on Sidrei Kodshim and Taharot remained in manuscript form. In 1887, Rabbi Moshe Pardo Ra'avad of Jerusalem and of Thebes Egypt desired to print the last two parts [Tosefet Kedusha and Tosefet Tahara]. His nephew Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov Pardo was sent abroad to collect money for expenses. He was equipped with this notebook, which starts with approbations and recommendations by Eretz Yisrael Torah scholars of those days. During his journey, signatures and recommendations of rabbis and various figures from the communities he reached were added to the notebook. Because he fulfilled his mission, Seder Kodshim was printed in Jerusalem in 1890. Later, efforts were expended to print the work on Seder Taharot as well and in 1896, Jerusalem Torah scholars signed again a special recommendation for Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov Pardo in the same notebook, but Seder Taharot was never printed.
The notebook starts with letters of recommendation from 1887, by Rabbi Moshe Pardo [Ra'avad of Jerusalem and Ra'avak of Thebes who was Rabbi Chaim Ya'akov's uncle], followed by another letter signed by Sefardi Jerusalem rabbis; Rishon LeZion Rabbi Refael Meir Panigel, Rabbi Ya'akov Shaul Elyashar and a recommendation letter by Rabbi Shmuel Salant [signature slightly torn]. The following leaves have recommendation signed by rabbis: Hebron rabbis, Rabbi Eliyahu Saliman Meni, Rabbi Yom Tov Parche and Rabbi Rachamim Yosef Franko; a letter by Rabbi Moshe HaLevi – the Chacham Bashi of Turkey; a letter by Rabbi Yitzchak Abulafia Rabbi of Damascus.
Further on, are letters by rabbis of various communities in the Turkish Balkan cities, and from Tlemsan [Algeria]. On the margins are many signatures of contributors and subscribers from their communities. Amongst the names are Rabbi Leon Pinchi and Rabbi Avraham Avinon of Sarajevo, Rabbi Ya'akov Chananya Kobo of Thessaloniki, Rabbi Chaim Belaich of Tlemsan Algeria, Rabbi Mordechai Giron – Chacham Bashi of Adrianople, etc.
Further in the notebook are letters of recommendation by Jerusalem rabbis from 1896 for printing the second volume on Seder Taharot, signed by the Rishon LeZion Rabbi Ya'akov Shaul Elyashar, Rabbi Shmuel Salant, Rabbi Refael Yitzchak etc.
A number of pages are in French, with signatures and lists from various people with several signatures of Rabbi Moshe Pardo.
[30] written pages, 35 cm. Fair condition, coarse tears to bottom corner of all leaves with damage to text and signatures. Stains. Loose or detached leaves. Damaged binding.