Two lengthy letters of Torah thoughts - correspondence between R. Yitzchak Antebi and a Jerusalem Torah scholar. [Jerusalem and Aleppo, 1852].
Two letters: the first is a draft-letter of 12 pages, from an unidentified Torah scholar of Jerusalem named Yaakov (autograph, with deletions and emendations), responding to and challenging a halachic responsum by R. Yitzchak Antebi, and discussing it at length. The responsum by R. Yitzchak Antebi which this letter relates to was printed at the end of Mor VaAhalot (Livorno, 1843), by his father R. Avraham Antebi (the last responsum. Even HaEzer, section 13). The second letter is R. Yitzchak's response to this letter. To the best of our knowledge, both letters were never published.
We were unable to identify the Jerusalem Torah scholar. He appears to be named Yaakov, as he writes in his letter: "I will interpret, Yaakov the small one…", and as R. Yitzchak Antebi addresses him, with many titles of honor, including: "…the rabbi, may G-d of Yaakov come to his assistance…". R. Yitzchak concludes his letter: "So are the words of one who loves him faithfully and wholeheartedly, who signs here in Aleppo, 28th Elul 1852, Yitzchak Antebi".
R. Yitzchak Antebi (LiKedoshim Asher BaAretz, Jerusalem 1980, p. 146), a leading Torah scholar of Aleppo. He was the son of R. Avraham Antebi, who praises him profusely in his introduction to his book Mor VaAhalot. The rabbis of Aleppo describe him: "He has an arm with might in the battle of Torah…". His composition Chikekei Lev remains in manuscript form and only a few of his responsa were published.
Letter of R. Yitzchak Antebi: [2] leaves (7 written columns). 29.5 cm. Letter of the Jerusalem Torah scholar: [7] leaves (12 written pages). 21 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Large tears. Worming.