Autograph Letter Signed by Rabbi Ya'akov Abuhatzeira - The Abir Ya'akov of Morocco

Autograph Letter Signed by Rabbi Ya'akov Abuhatzeira - The Abir Ya'akov of Morocco
Autograph letter signed by the R. Ya'akov Abuhatzeira, the Abir Ya'akov of Morocco.
The letter in Judeo-Arabic is addressed to "My bosom friend… R. Yosef…". Nine lines, handwritten and signed by the Abir Ya'akov.
Rabbi Ya'akov Abuhatzeira (1806-1880) - the Abir Ya'akov, was known from his youth as an outstanding holy man, Torah prodigy and proficient Kabbalist. Rabbi of the Tafilalt community [the central community in the area of the Ziz Valley in Southern Morocco]. Already in his twenties, most of the rabbis of the region submitted to his authority. R. Ya'akov was considered a leading Torah authority and exchanged halachic responsa with prominent rabbis throughout North African countries. A holy man, accustomed to miracles, many wondrous stories are told about him; including his distinction in meriting the revelation of Eliyahu (see Ma'ase Nissim, Jerusalem 1968, written according to stories and information heard directly from the Baba Sali and other rabbis of the Abuhatzeira family). His fame also spread among the non-Jewish population and the Muslims would reverently call him "Alchazan el Kabir" [the Great Rabbi].
He died on the way to Eretz Israel and was buried in the city of Damanhur, Egypt. His tombstone is inscribed with profuse tributes that portray the extent to which he was venerated by his generation.
Some of his works: Ginzei HaMelech, Yagel Ya'akov, Yoru Mishpatecha L'Ya'akov responsa, Pituchei Chotam, Bigdei HaSrad, Machsof HaLavan, many more.
Dozens of piyyutim were composed in his honor and memory, some common until today among Moroccan Jews. The famous picture of him sitting with his legs crossed, with a holy book in his hands, hangs in numerous homes in Morocco and in Eretz Israel to this day.
His sons and grandchildren were renowned for their holiness and Torah knowledge. The most famous are Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali and his brother Rabbi Yitzchak the Baba Chaki, Rabbi Meir Abuhatzeira the Baba Meir and many other important rabbis and wonder-workers.
Leaf, 11 cm. Fair condition. Stains, restored tears.