Manuscript, authorization of receipt of donation by “Eretz Israel Contribution Fund” of Ferrara (Italy) congregation. By “… emissaries of the Holy City of Jeruslaem…” – Rabbi Yom Tov (Maharit) Algazi and Rabbi Ya’akov Chazan. Ferrara, [1772].
Two rabbinical signatures in calligraphic curly Oriental handwriting: “Yom Tov Algazi” and “Ya’akov Chazan”. The donation of the members of the Ferrara congregation is noted, as well as details regarding the money which the signing rabbis received for the journey, along with greetings to the members of the community.
The Ga’on Kabbalist Rabbi Yom Tov [Maharit] Algazi (1727-1802, Otzar HaRabbanim 7916), among the scholars of Jerusalem and associate of the Chida. Son of Rabbi Yisrael Ya’akov Algazi who served as chief rabbi of Jerusalem. Disciple of Rabbi Yona Navon author of Nechpa BaKesef and disciple of Rabbi Shalom Sharabi in the Beit Kel Kabbalist Yeshiva. Between 1770-1775 was sent as emissary of Jerusalem to European countries, together with his associate Rabbi Ya’akov Chazan, who was also among the scholars of Jerusalem (passed away in 1802, Otzar HaRabbanim 9631). During the course of their journey they passed through Turkey, Italy, France, Holland, Germany, Poland, and additional countries in Europe and North Africa. During this journey the Maharit Algazi discovered the manuscript of laws of Nedarim and Bechorot by the Ramban and later on printed it together with his famous commentary Hilchot Yom Tov. While they were in Frankfurt am Main the Chatam Sofer saw him and enthusiastically wrote regarding him and his composition: “I formerly knew him, when he was sent as emissary to Am Main… and the city was glowing from his honor, however he did not receive half the honor of which he is worthy; apparently from this composition on laws of Yom Tov on Bechorot… and from the composition of the Mishneh LaMelech a composition such as this one has never been seen”. Upon his return to Jerusalem the Maharit Algazi was appointed as successor of Rabbi Shalom Sharabi as Rosh Yeshiva of the Beit Kel Kabbalist Yeshiva and in 1782 was appointed as chief rabbi. Aside from the abovementioned composition, he also composed the books: Simchat Yom Tov, Kedushat Yom Tov, Yom Tov Derabanan, and more.
Rabbi Chananel Nepi stated in reference to the Maharit Algazi: “I was fortunate to know him and he had the appearance of a divine angel”. Apparently, this was during his visit in Ferrara in 1772, when he signed this document.
Leaf (written on upper section). 24 cm. Good-fair condition, coarse tears (damage to several words).