Letter by Rabbi Yitzchak ben Avraham Ashkenazi [signed: Y. A. H. ], to the management of the Misgav LaDach Society in Jerusalem. Rome, 1890. Includes many interesting items about the mission of Rabbi Yitchak "To the cities of Italy, Corfu and Trieste" for the ‘Misgav LaDach’ Hospital.
"I found favor in the eyes of some great people and since they saw that I have had an audience with the king of Portugal with great honor, they agreed to take me before the powerful King of Italy, His Majesty here in Rome. They have already sent a letter with great honor to the King, His Majesty to request permission that I appear before him… He responded positively… If this visit will come about, it will be a great honor to the Jewish nation…".
Attached to the letter is a notebook with a detailed report, including the names of those who contributed and details of his expenses and income during his travels. Among the lists, he integrates his personal experiences and comments ["How much effort I have expended to take something from the Baron…In the end he responded that the 50 his brother gave are his contribution"; "Good riddance Italy (satirically)"; "Naples… I regret going there just as many of my loved ones warned me not to go…"]. He signed the notebook: "Heaven knows how I toiled with my ten fingers to reduce expenses… but… without these expenses there would be no income… Thank G-d who is good!".
Rabbi Yitzchak Ashkenazi (1859-1916), son of the “Rishon L'Zion” Rabbi Avraham Ashkenazi. A Jerusalem Torah scholar, dayan and Head of ‘Machzikei Torah’ Yeshiva, member of the Sefardi Community Community. Served as gabai of the ‘Misgav LaDach’ Society, for which he traveled several times to collect funds abroad. After the “Rishon L'Zion” Rabbi Ya'akov Shaul Elishar died, he was offered the office of Chief Rabbi but he refused because he did not want to serve in the rabbinate.
[15] written pages. 21 cm. Good condition, stains and folding marks.