Official-historic letter, lengthy and very beautiful [approximately 500 words], from the gaon Rabbi Raphael Avraham Lev Aryeh, author of Heichal Melech (Salonika, 1814), one of the leading sages of Jerusalem in the Chid”a’s time. Written during his mission to Italy following the Napoleonic wars in the Land of Israel. Mantua, 1801.
In his historic letter, Rabbi Raphael Avraham describes the wars in the Land of Israel in great detail and in a picturesque manner. Inter alia he writes: “For three years they walk on the Land of our inheritance, a different inheritance due to the ways of kings and their wars, from the time Egypt was conquered with a great and mighty army, from every perspective. All come close to Jerusalem. The Turkish forces gathered in Jaffa to go to war from there to Egypt. Due to the Turks’ love of the Land, and the special fondness for the Beit HaMikdash , the Even HaShetiyah and the Davidic kings, all ascend to Jerusalem.”
Rabbi Raphael Avraham describes in detail the difficult situation of the Jews of Jerusalem as a result of the wars, and the harsh treatment by the Arab rulers “There has been nothing like this since the destruction of the second Beit HaMikdash, ” and the majority of the Jews residing in Tziyon have become needy. At the same time, in Italy, the situation is not the best following the war, and donations are decreasing.
However, the Mantua community outdid itself, and considering the situation, they gave the contributions due to the Jews of Jerusalem for the next four years! Rabbi Raphael Avraham salutes this, and alongside the precise amount of their donation, he increases his sacred blessing” “May Hashem bless you … men and women … that your days and years be increased … and may you enjoy unlimited blessing … and be privileged to see the consolation of Jerusalem …” He signs at the end of the letter: “[flowery sign-off] written and signed by me here in Mantua, Tishrei 1801, the youth Rapahel Avraham Lev Aryeh S”T, signed (with a calligraphic signature).
Rabbi Raphael Avraham served as an emissary of the Land of Israel and travelled on four missions for cities in the Land of Israel to the Diaspora. This letter was written in his later years on his final mission to Italian cities, and he emphasizes in it that despite his advanced age and his illness, he was “forced” by gedolim of Jerusalem to go on this mission despite the inherent risks to him, due to the borderline life-threatening situation.
Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of the gaon Rabbi Raphael Avraham Lev Aryeh, author of Heichal HaMelech .
[1] leaf double leaf paper, 24 cm (each leaf). Light, high-quality Italian paper.
Fine condition. Fold marks. Several light aging stains. Two tiny perforations.