"Anshei Emet ShePeulatan Emet VaTzedek…", a printed emissary letter calling for support for the Beit El kabbalistic yeshiva – with signatures of six rabbis and kabbalists of Jerusalem, and three stamps. Jerusalem: [Yoel Moshe Salomon, 1868].
Emissary letter and call for donations, addressed to donors, rabbis and philanthropists of Constantine (northeastern Algeria), for the emissary R. Avraham Chaim Penso, traveling on behalf of the Beit El kabbalistic yeshiva.
The letter is hand-signed by: R. Chaim David Chazan [the Chief Rabbi, son of the Chikrei Lev, immigrated from Izmir to Eretz Israel in 1855 and served as Chief Rabbi and Rishon LeTzion until his passing in 1869], R. Rachamim Chaim David Antebi [d. 1874], R. Chanoch Angel [d. 1885, father of R. Vidal Chanoch Angel, a leader of the Beit El yeshiva and head of the Jerusalem Beit Din, d. 1907], R. Yosef Bechor Vital [published some of the Shemonah Shearim by R. Chaim Vital in 1866], R. Yitzchak Kalamaro [partner of R. Yosef Bechor Vital in publication of the Shemonah Shearim], R. Aharon Refael Chaim Moshe Ferrera [author of Toldot Aharon UMoshe and other books; for more information on him see Lot 420].
Stamps: R. Chaim David Chazan, the Chief Rabbi; stamp of the yeshiva; and another stamp in the form of another individual's signature.
The Beit El kabbalistic yeshiva, also known as Midrash Chassidim or Kehal Chassidim, was founded in Jerusalem in 1737 by R. Gedalia Hayun, and was designated as a place for studying Kabbalah. Ever since, the kabbalists of Jerusalem have gathered to study there, directed by foremost kabbalists. Of particular prominence were R. Shalom Sharabi (the Rashash), who headed the yeshiva, and his successor R. Yom Tov Algazi. Reputedly, R. Gershon of Kitov, brother-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, also studied there. Following the passing of R. Chaim Avraham Gagin in 1848, R. Yedidiah Refael Abulafia (1806-1869), was appointed in his stead, a position he held until his passing. R. Abulafia's disciples include the sons of Rebbe Moshe of Lelov; the Imrei Binah, Rabbi of Jerusalem (who, at R. Abulafia's advice, instituted the prohibition of playing musical instruments in Jerusalem); R. Shalom Moshe Chai Gagin, who succeeded him as dean of the Beit El yeshiva; and others. The kabbalists who signed this letter were among the elite of the yeshiva studying alongside R. Abulafia.
[1] double leaf. 30 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and wear.
Sh. Halevy, no. 139.
