Rabbinic emissary letter, prepared by leading rabbis of the congregation of Hebron, in anticipation of the second and significant mission of the Chida [Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai]. Ornamented signatures of rabbis: Rabbi Aharon Alfandari; Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Gomitz Fato; Rabbi Eliyahu ben Archa; Rabbi Yitzchak HaKohen; Rabbi Pinchas Mordechai Bajayev and Rabbi Chiyah Ze’evi. Sivan, 1772.
Letter written in scribe writing. The writing of the letter is very similar to the handwriting of the Chida.
The Chida – Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), among the greatest rabbinical authorities, divine Kabbalist, exalted genius, lucrative author and famous rabbinical emissary (Shadar). Born in Jerusalem to Rabbi Raphael Yitzchak Zerachia Azulai, among scholars of Jerusalem and great grandson of Kabbalist Rabbi Avraham Azulai, author of Chesed Le’Avraham. From the days of his youth, his knowledge poured forth unto the leading scholars and Kabbalists of Jerusalem, including Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar – the holy Or HaChaim. His absorption of knowledge in secret wisdom began in Beit E-l Kabbalist Yeshiva, by Rabbi Shalom Mizrachi Sharabi – the holy Rashash. His friend, Rabbi Yom Tov Algazi, studied with him, by the Rashash.
Embarked on his first mission as a rabbinical emissary on behalf of the congregation of Hebron in 1753, at age 29. During the course of his journey, which lasted approximately five years, he passed through cities of Italy, Germany, Holland, England and France. This mission granted him fame. His arrival attracted a great deal of attention, his greatness was recognized, and he was held in great esteem thereby receiving generous contributions. He then began recording his journeys in a diary called “Ma’agal Tov” (printed in Livorno, 1879).
In 1773 the Chida embarked on an additional mission on behalf of the congregation of Hebron. Whereas on his first journey the Chida was young and relatively unknown, his second mission, as one of the famous scholars of his generation, left a profound imprint in all places which he visited. He began his journey throughout Europe in Livorno, Italy. In this journey he passed through most Jewish communities of Italy, France, Belgium and Holland. He made a great impression and was a source of admiration by all. Hundreds of people escorted him while entering and departing various cities. His brilliance and wisdom, vast scope of knowledge, and glorious appearance resulted in his great esteem in the eyes of Christians. He met with kings, rulers and ministers, formed connections with scholars of the nations, merchants and state leaders who bestowed him the status of an official delegate. Aside from his great success in fundraising for the benefit of settlement in Eretz Israel, the Chida was called upon to deal with local matters and internal problems of the congregations. Within this framework he served as mediator and arbitrator between community leaders and clerks, in business and partnership disputes; served as arbitrator for litigants, restored peace in many families, delivered inspirational sermons, inspired the nation and was involved in Halachic amendments, while being sought after by many individuals who desired his blessing and advice.
The Chida was among the greatest authors of all times. He authored over 80 compositions in all facets of Torah, including his composition "Birkei Yosef" which had great influence on determination of Halachic rulings. His books were accepted throughout the entire Jewish Diaspora and were afforded great esteem. He wrote the majority of his compositions while travelling or dealing with other preoccupying matters, and possessing very few books, thereby reflecting his immense genius and phenomenal memory capacities. Upon visiting each city, the Chida would examine the book treasuries and local libraries, and research unknown manuscripts and compositions by Torah giants. As a result of the great honor and admiration which he earned, he was awarded entry permits to large libraries and museums, such as the National Library of Paris, where he spent many hours copying important manuscripts. His vast revelations and knowledge which he acquired during these visits are integrated in all his books, especially in his important book "Shem HaGedolim".
This is a historical document – a bill of appointment of the Chida as a rabbinical emissary for the second and most important mission. Among the signatories of the document is Ga’on Rabbi Aharon son of Rabbi Moshe Alfandari (c. 1680-1774), among the Torah giants of Izmir, author of Yad Aharon and Merkavat HaMishna, grandson of Rabbi Chaim Alfandari the elder. Immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1763 and was appointed as chief rabbi of Hebron in 1760. Conferred with the Chida, who cites him extensively in his books, and writes “I was fortunate to be associated with him in his old age upon his immigration to the Holy City of Hebron, and was delighted to absorb his Torah and holiness”. Other signatories are also well-known famous rabbis, and their signatures appear in additional letters of rabbis of that period, and upon approbations of books of the Chida and other books.
Approx. 31.5 cm. leaf. Quality paper, good-fair condition, wear on margins. Placed in fine elegant frame with a picture of the Chida.
Attached is an authorization of this significant document by an expert

Emissary letter to Rabbi Mordechai Chaim Meyuchas, signed by rabbis of Jerusalem. Addressed to Rabbi Aliyahu Abutbul and Rabbi Raphael Maman [rabbis of Sefrou, Morocco]. Jerusalem, [1849].
Rabbi Mordechai Chaim Meyuchas, among scholars of Chaim VaChesed Yeshiva in Jerusalem, great-grandson of Rabbi Raphael Meyuchas [author of Pri Ha’Adama and Mizbe’ach Adama] and grandson of Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Meyuchas [author of Sha’ar HaMayim], as detailed in this letter. Sent as emissary of Jerusalem to communities of North Africa on several occasions. This rabbinical emissary letter was written prior to his third journey (see “Shluchei Eretz Israel, p. 726).
Signed by rabbis of Jerusalem: Rabbi Yitzchak Kovo [signature and stamp], Rabbi Yom Tov Meyuchas, Rabbi Eliezer Suzin and Rabbi Binyamin Mordechai Navon.
27 cm. leaf. Fair-poor condition. Stains, folding marks, mildew damage and tears; restored with scotch tape.

Letter confirming receipt of funds, “portion allocated for Hassidim of Warsaw in Holy City of Jerusalem”. By Rabbi Yeshaya Bardaki and Rabbi Shmuel Salant, from funds sent by “notable… Sir Moshe Montefiore”, from estate fund of deceased philanthropist Levi Saliman. Jerusalem, 1856.
Signed by four leaders of association of Chassidism: Rabbi “Fischel L.” [Levi-Rubin, supervisor of Kollel Poland], Rabbi “Mordechai Meir Rabin-Zahan” [Av Beit Din of Mezrich in Poland and Dayan in Jerusalem, passed away in 1861], Rabbi “David Tuvia of Łomża” [1802-1863, among leaders of old settlement in Jerusalem, father of Rabbi Yehoshua Yellin], and Rabbi “Baruch Binyamin Zev” [Ga’on Rabbi Wolf Weinstock, disciple of ‘Seer of Lublin’ and ‘HaYehudi HaTov’ of Neustadt, immigrated to Jerusalem in 1851 and appointed as Dayan in Beit Din. Close friend of Rebbe Rabbi Elazar Menachem of Lelov, passed away in 1872].
Three of the abovementioned rabbis also signed on ban against schools of the enlightenment movement, written in Sivan 1856.
Leaf, approx. 13X21 cm. Thin bluish paper, original pasting of paper for preservation of color of stamp. Good-fair condition. Creases and slight stains.

Agreement regarding fundraising campaign from continent of Africa. Arranged between rabbis and managers of institutions of Ashkenazi sect in Jerusalem: “HaVa’ad HaKlali Knesset Yisrael”, Vilnius-Žemaitija Kollel, Etz Chaim Yeshiva and Bikur Cholim Hospital. Jerusalem, 8 Tevet [1906].
Signed by twenty rabbis, including: Rabbi Aryeh Leib Rashkes [among rabbis of Vilnius and Jerusalem], Rabbi Aryeh Leib Beharad [Rabbi Leib Dayan son of Rabbi Aharon David], Rabbi Yoel Moshe Solomon, Rabbi Yitzchak Eliezer Charlap, Rabbi Gedalia Nachman Broder, Rabbi Eliyahu Zev Wolfson, Rabbi Nachum Rogoznitzki, Rabbi Asher Eliezer Levy and others.
Authorization of agreement added on margins of leaf by Ga’on Rabbi Shmuel Salant with stamps [handwritten stamp and official stamp] and by Ga’on Rabbi “Yitzchak Blazer” with signature and stamp.
Rabbi Yitzchak (Rabbi Itzele) Blazer (1837-1907), among prominent disciples of Rabbi Yisrael of Salant. Leading geniuses of his generation and advocate of the Musar Movement. Served in rabbinate of capital city St. Peterburg, and between 1862-1878 was Rosh Kollel of Kovno. In his last years resided in Jerusalem. Composed Pri Yitzchak Responsa and Sefer Kochvei Or which he published together with Sefer Or Yisrael by his rabbi, Rabbi Yisrael Salant.
Official stationery written on both sides. 27 cm. Fair-good condition, tears on folding marks, restored with scotch tape. Stains, filing holes.