Interesting letter, entirely handwritten and signed by Rabbi Mordechai Mortara, rabbi of Mantua, Italy. In contrast to Rabbi Mordechai Mortara’s books that occasionally appear at auction, letters from him are relatively rare.
This interesting letter was sent to his friend, in Rabbi Mordechai Mortara’s later years. Rabbi Mordechai, in his lyrical language (as is known, he was also a grammarian and a poet), writes to his friend about years past, how old age pounced on him, about the cataract surgery he underwent, and more. Rabbi Mordechai concludes with wishes for a good new year, to be inscribed and sealed for the good. He adds that he is attaching his book and his picture.
Rabbi Mordechai Mortara HaLevi [1815-1891] was the Av Beit Din of Mantua. He studied in Padua, at the Beit Midrash L’Rabbanim founded by Rabbi Shmuel David Luzzato (Shada”l), and was one of his first and closest disciples. He was granted rabbinic ordination there, with the title “Our virtuous teacher, the rabbi” [“מעלת מורינו הרב”]. Rabbi Ya’akov Kazis, rabbi of Mantua, passed away in 1841, and the next year Rabbi Mortara was selected to succeed him as rabbi of the city and its Av Beit Din. He served in this position for 52 years, until his passing. Rabbi Mortara was known as a bibliophile and had a large library that included many manuscripts. After his passing, his collection was sold to researcher David Kaufman. Rabbi Mortara authored many compilations of sermons, biblical studies and studies in Jewish philosophy. He translated prayer books into Italian. His most well-known book is Mazkeret Chachmei Italia (Italian, Padua, 1886). Other books by him include: Pe’er HaAdam (Krakow, 1892); Ruach Yisrael (Krakow, 1894). His son served as the minister of justice in Italy.
[1] double leaf paper, 13×21 cm. Ink on official stationery, Italian script, entirely in his hand and with his signature.
Very fine condition. Fold marks.