Halachic response in the handwriting of Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, the “Abir Yaakov,” patriarch of the rabbinical, kabbalist Abuchatzeira family.
Specifications: [1] leaf, 29×22 cm. All in his handwriting and with his signature.
Unique features: Halachic question and response written by the kabbalist, in his crowded handwriting and with his curvy signature in the margins of the response. A similar response was printed in Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira’s work Yoru Mishpatecha L’Yaakov , question 136. There are many variations between this manuscript and the printed version. The book was first printed posthumously and is known to contain many errors.
Background: Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, the “Abir Yaakov,” was born in 1805 in Tafilalt, Morocco. In his youth, he studied Tanach with the cantellation and then Mishnah and Talmud with his father, Rabbi Massoud . He received semicha from Rabbi Yeshua Danino and started leading the community in Tafilalt at a young age, serving as rabbi and preacher. The power of his blessings was renowned throughout North Africa, amongst Jews and gentiles alike. He was a noted G-dly kabbalist, a wonder worker who was proficient in both hidden and revealed Torah. He wrote many halachic responses and kabbalistic works. He yearned to immigrate to Eretz Yisrael, but was restrained by the opposition of his community in Tafilalt. He attempted to immigrate s ix times . In 1879, on his sixth attempt, he travelled through Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. When he reached Damanhour, he became ill and died on the 4th of January, 1880. He was buried in Damanhour and his grave became a well-visited pilgrimage site. Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira produced a large family of righteous people and eminent Torah scholars – the well-respected Abuchatzeira family. One of his most famous descendants was his grandson, Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the “Baba Sali” as well has his own well-known descendants after him.
The segula-power of the writings and belongings of the Abuchatzeira rabbinical and kabbalistic family is world renowned.
Condition: Moderate. Small tears along the fold marks. Tears on the left side of the leaf, affecting text. Dark stain at center.
A white cloak (Jellabiya) of the famous Kabbalist Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, the Baba Sali.
Specifications: [1] used white cloth cloak, at the length of approximately 130 cm. Decorated collar and zipper. Openings on the right and left under the sleeves.
Background: Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, was famous as an extremely holy man whose blessings are fulfilled. Hundreds and thousands of people came to receive his blessing, to be saved and to receive advice and guidance. He was accepted by all ethnic and social groups, Ashkenazim and Sephardim, and revered by all. His home was open to everyone, and his love of the Jewish people was famous.
Source: Enclosed is a picture with a detailed confirmation from one of the great Rabbis of the Abuchatzeira family on the back.
Condition: Fine, a few stains, the zipper of the collar is damaged.
A letter of recommendation to Massoud Milul, with the signature of the Baba Meir, son of the Baba Sali. Erfoud, 1961.
Specifications: [1] leaf, official paper, 15×21 cm. Signed by the ‘Baba Meir.’
Unique Features: A warm letter of recommendation for Rabbi Massoud Milul, who had already replaced Rabbi Meir Amsalem in the beit din in Erfoud and was found “fitting and proper to serve holiness.”
Rabbi Meir Abuchatzeira, the ‘Baba Meir’ (1917-1983) was born in Morocco to his father, the ‘Baba Sali.’ He served as rabbi and rosh yeshiva in Midelt and as rabbi of Erfoud. In the year 1965, he settled in Ashdod, where he began to receive visitors, even during the lifetime of his father, ‘Baba Sali.’ He became famous for his great caution in avoiding seeing forbidden sights, and for the power of his blessings.
Condition: Fine – very fine. Folding marks, a few tiny stains.