Bidspirit auction | Passover kosher certificate for Coca-Cola,

Passover kosher certificate for Coca-Cola, signed by Rabbi Makhlouf Abuhatzira - Official Kosher Certificate for “Coca-Cola” In the author’s own handwriting and bearing the signature of the gaon and kabbalist Rabbi Makhlouf Abuhatzira Marrakesh, Morocco, 5712 [1952] A rare, impressive, and historically significant rabbinic document: an official certificate of kashrut for the beverage Coca-Cola, written entirely in the author’s own hand and bearing the signature and seal of the gaon and kabbalist Rabbi Makhlouf Abuhatzira, Av Beit Din of the holy city of Marrakesh—one of the leading rabbis of Morocco in his generation and a prominent member of the illustrious Abuhatzira family. The certificate was issued on the eve of Passover to the factory producing Coca-Cola in Morocco. In his letter, Rabbi Abuhatzira explains, following an analysis conducted on the beverage, that there is no concern whatsoever regarding its kashrut, neither for Passover nor for the rest of the year, since the beverage contains no grain, no legumes, and certainly no products of animal origin—a clear and unequivocal halakhic ruling. Rabbi Makhlouf Abuhatzira [1894–1980], Av Beit Din of Marrakesh, was one of the central figures of Moroccan rabbinic leadership in the 20th century: an outstanding judge, kabbalist, and a figure of broad public influence. Son of Rabbi Eliyahu, son of Rabbi Aharon, grandson of the divine kabbalist Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzira, author of Avir Yaakov. He maintained close ties with the Moroccan royal court and with the Pasha of Marrakesh, Haj Thami El Glaoui, and with their assistance saved Jews from death and from intermarriage. In his youth he studied Torah with leading members of his family, including the Baba Sali, Rabbis Shmuel and Shalom Abuhatzira, and also with Rabbi Yahya Adahan. Later he served as a dayan and posek in Erfoud, as rabbi in Beni Mellal and surrounding towns, as deputy head of the Supreme Rabbinical Court of Morocco in Casablanca, and finally as Av Beit Din of Marrakesh and the region. His works include: Yafa Sha‘ah (responsa), Me’ayin Yavo, Kohelet Yaakov, and Miklal Yofi. The document before us reflects a rare intersection of halakhah, modern industry, and rabbinic authority, and constitutes a vivid testimony to the standing and influence of the rabbinate in Morocco, including in contemporary economic and public matters. Details: [1] sheet, approx. 27 cm. Official letterhead of the Moroccan Rabbinate. Entirely in the handwriting of Rabbi Makhlouf Abuhatzira, with his signature and the seal of the rabbinical court. Condition: Very good. Folding marks.