Bidspirit auction | Letter by the Abir Yaakov,

Letter by the Abir Yaakov, Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, Patriarch of the Illustrious Abuchatzeira Dynasty * A small handwritten and autographed letter of nine lines, by the miracle-worker and tzaddik, Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira of Tafilalt. Written in Judeo-Arabic. In this letter, Rabbi Yaakov intervenes on behalf of a Jewish woman whose rights regarding the possession of a donkey had been unjustly taken from her, seeking to ensure that justice is done on her behalf. He concludes the letter with the traditional blessing “May peace be with you, ” followed by his full signature: “Yaakov Abuchatzeira.” Letters by Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira are very rare. The letter itself is remarkably small — approximately the size of the palm of a hand! The letter is housed in an exceptionally beautiful, luxurious, and artistically crafted leather binding. The Abir Yaakov, Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira (1806–1880) , was one of the greatest tzaddikim of Moroccan Jewry, and was revered throughout the Jewish world as a miracle worker and holy man. Every aspect of his life reflected exceptional holiness and piety. According to the testimony of his son, Rabbi Aharon, he would recite eighteen chapters of Mishnah from memory every night. Rabbi Yaakov passed away in Egypt while on his way to Eretz Yisrael, and his resting place became a destination for countless tzaddikim and those seeking salvation. His influence on the Jews of Morocco and the surrounding region was immense. To this day, many Moroccan Jewish communities commemorate his yahrtzeit with festive gatherings in his honor, his portrait adorns countless homes, and dozens of piyutim and songs have been composed in his praise. He was the patriarch of the famous Abuchatzeira dynasty. His grandson, the Baba Sali, Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzeira, wrote of him: “His greatness requires no proof, for his fame has spread throughout the entire world — a tzaddik, the foundation of the world, a hidden and exalted light, the Holy of Holies, master of the deepest mysteries, my revered grandfather, our holy master Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira.” The Baba Sali even noted his descent from the Abir Yaakov in his personal seal. The famous piyut A'ufah Eshkonah was composed by the Abir Yaakov's youngest son, Rabbi Yitzchak Abuchatzeira (d. 1912). Morocco region, undated. Nine lines in the handwriting and with the signature of the Abir Yaakov, written in the local Judeo-Arabic dialect.  Attached is a transcription of the letter and a Hebrew translation. A small letter, in the size of: 8.2 × 11 cm. Condition: Good. Professional restorations to the margins, with a paper infill at the lower edge. Stains. On the reverse appear the recipient's details. Fold marks. Provenance: Kedem Auction House. - - - - - - - - -- - - - Translation of the letter: My beloved friend who is dear to my heart, the esteemed and honored Rabbi Yosef , son of Rabbi Moshe, from me, a servant of Hashem, who signs below. Blessings to you, to your entire family, and to the children. I wanted you to know and understand regarding the Jewish woman, so-and-so, the wife of the Jew so-and-so, who lost his case in judgment. She therefore came seeking justice and says, as she told you, that it is not possible for her to leave Tafilalt. From what we have seen and understood from her, we believe that she is in the right. As for the donkey that you sent with Moshe — we have now taken possession of it on behalf of this Jewish woman, so that she may support herself from it. Otherwise, you should send something else from which she can sustain herself, for this messenger will not return with the donkey. The main point is that the mother of this Jewish woman should come on market day and try to persuade her daughter. If she succeeds in persuading her, all is well. But if she does not agree, then he has nothing further to say. Best wishes, Yaakov Abuchatzira