Letter from Rabbanim of Tzfas to Sir Moses Montefiore
Tzfas, 1859
Handwritten letter dispatched by Rabbi Shmuel Heller and Rabbi Refael ‘Hamalach’ Maman, both Rabbanim of Tzfas to Sir Moses Montefiore. The letter expresses their gratitude and blessings for Montefiore’s generous donation to the Bikur Cholim and Hachnassas Kallah societies in Tzfas.
Rabbi Shmuel Heller (d. 1884) was the renowned Ashkenazic Rav and Av Beis Din of Tzfas, a chassid, genius and master of both the Revealed and Hidden Torah. In his youth, he studied under the Chozeh of Lublin who helped him put on tefillin for the first time.He later became a beloved disciple of the Bas Ayin. Rabbi Heller was the mainstay of the Tzfas community, dedicating his heart and soul to elevate the Jewish residents both economically and spiritually.
Rabbi Refael Maman (d. 1882), renowned as ‘Refael Hamalach’ was born in Meknes and journeyed to Eretz Yisrael where he served as Rav and Av Beis Din in Tzfas between the years 1850-1873, and later as Rav of the Jewish community in Teveria. In his approbation to Rabbi Refael’s sefer Marpeh Lanefesh, the Yisa Bracha praised him effusively and was the first to coin him ‘Hamalach Refael.’
Tzfas, 1859. Date based on postmark. Thin greenish paper. Folded leaf. Page size: 21×26 cm. Good condition.
………………………………….
Any inquiries about this lot?
