Manuscript, Shaar HaOtzar – index to Otzar HaMichtavim by R. Yosef Messas. Tlemcen (Algeria)?, ca. 1932.]
Neat Western script, with many decorations, in handwriting of the author R. Yosef Messas. The letters of the title Shaar HaOtzar on every page are designed with various graphical forms, and on the last page is a large decoration of flowers and leaves with red color, drawn by R. Messas himself, who was known for his artistic sense.
Index to responsa 332-903, which were later printed in his book Otzar HaMichtavim. Responsum 903 (in the middle of Part II of the printed book) was written in 1932, hence the dating of this index to ca. 1932, decades before the book was printed in 1968-1975.
The index follows the order of the Bible, Talmud, Midrashim, Shulchan Aruch, various matters, lamentations and consolations, and names of recipients of the letters (including R. Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld and R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook). The index in the printed book is adapted and expanded.

R. Yosef Messas (1892-1974), born in Meknes to his father R. Chaim Messas, studied under R. Chaim Berdugo in the Beit El VeEtz Chaim yeshiva. At the age of 31 he was appointed head rabbi of Tlemcen, Algeria, and he returned to Meknes in 1940 to serve as dayan. He immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1964, settling in Haifa, where he was appointed chief rabbi of the city until his passing.

[8] leaves (and 2 more blank leaves, with frames for writing). Approx. 31 cm. Good condition. Stains, including dampstains. Minute marginal tears. Tape to reinforce page connections. New binding.

Provenance: Gross Family Collection, MO.011.021.

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.