Compilation of Sermons and Novellae Handwritten by Rabbi Rephael Yeshayah Azoulay, Firstborn Son of the Chid"a. ...

Compilation of Sermons and Novellae Handwritten by Rabbi Rephael Yeshayah Azoulay, Firstborn Son of the Chid"a. Italy, 18th Century
Compilation of sermons and novellae handwritten by the gaon and kabbalist Rabbi Rephael Yeshayah Azoulay, firstborn son of the Chid"a and rabbi of Ancona. To the best of our knowledge, this manuscript has never been printed.

General details of the manuscript: Introduction, sermon for Shabbat Shuvah - including mention of his father, the Chid"a; special prayer for the high holidays composed by Rabbi Rephael; words of rebuke regarding desecration of Shabbat and immodest behavior.

Rabbi Rephael Azoulay [1743-1826] was born in Jerusalem to his father, the Chid"a. He studied under his great father and was considered one of the sages of Jerusalem. When he left his service with the rabbinate of Ancona, the leaders of the community requested via the Chid"a that his son Rabbi Rephael Yeshayah be appointed chief rabbi. Indeed, in 1788 Rabbi Rephael was appointed rabbi of Ancona and served until his passing in 1826. The fact that he lived exactly 83 years, as did his father, has been discussed. In his books, the Chid"a cites many Torah thoughts in his son Rabbi Rephael's name, and he also cited two halachic responsa from him, as well as many Torah novellae. Each time the Chid"a mentions his son, he uses exalted honorifics: "My precious son, " "My kindred spirit, " "The complete sage, " "The excellent dayan, " and the like. Rabbi Rephael Yeshayah was known to be ill, and this is mentioned in the letters between father and son. In 1796, his illness became worse, and his father wrote him that in his great distress, he himself has become ill. However, he also wrote to him that no evil would befall him and that he prayed for him in tears. Indeed, he lived another thirty years after this illness. Responsa from him are printed in his father's books Chaim Sha'al, Yosef Ometz, Pnei David, Mar'it HaAyin. [See more about him in Benayahu's book on the Chid"a, pp. 476-487.]

[12] leaves. Approximately 13x19 cm. High-quality paper. Oriental script. Fine condition. Several ink smudges and ink perforations. Professional restoration to the leaves' margins. Simple binding.