Homily Handwritten by Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Algazi – Eulogy upon the Passing of Rabbi Chaim Abulafia – Jerusalem, 1744

Manuscript, eulogy on the passing of R. Chaim Abulafia, handwritten by R. Yisrael Yaakov Algazi. Jerusalem, 1744.
Booklet of 4 leaves, handwritten by the author – R. Yisrael Yaakov Algazi, with deletions, markings, corrections and interlinear additions.
The following title was written at the top of p. 1a: "I will preach on 4th Iyar 1744, upon hearing the news (of the passing) of R. Chaim Abu[lafia]". The homily begins with the verse: "You shall afflict yourselves, the native and the stranger who dwells among you…".
This homily was not published. The leaves presumably contain the draft R. Yisrael Yaakov Algazi wrote in preparation for the eulogy he was to deliver (as the title suggests: "I will preach…"). The sermon he actually delivered was published in his book She'erit Yaakov (Constantinople 1751, leaf 36). The contents of the printed homily differ entirely from this homily, apart from the opening verse ("You shall afflict yourselves…"). There is one paragraph with similar contents, though with some variations. The title of the printed homily is: "I preached here in Jerusalem 14th Iyar 1744 upon hearing the news of (the passing of) R. Chaim Abulafia".
This homily consists of expressions of lamentation, eulogy and sorrow over the passing of R. Chaim Abulafia, who was the teacher of R. Yisrael Yaakov Algazi in his hometown, Izmir.
The first page contains the conclusion of a different homily, in flowery terms, with supplications for the Redemption and blessing: "Show us, G-d, Your kindness… show us wonders, and remember your only son whom you love, Mashiach of the G-d of Israel, and Jerusalem, heal her breaches and the people who reside there…".
R. Yisrael Yaakov Algazi (1680-1757, Otzar HaRabbanim 12226), was born in Izmir to R. Yom Tov Algazi. He was the disciple of R. Chaim Abulafia (the second – rabbi of Izmir and the one who reinstated the Jewish settlement in Tiberias), whom he eulogizes in this homily, and of R. Yitzchak HaKohen Rappaport author of Batei Kehuna. He immigrated to Jerusalem prior to 1737. He was one of the leading dayanim and Torah disseminators in Jerusalem, a dean of the Beit El yeshiva for kabbalist during the time of R. Gedalia Hayun and the Rashash. From 1756, he served as Rishon LeTzion and rabbi of Jerusalem. His books include: Shalmei Tzibbur, Shema Yaakov, Ar'a DeRabbanan, and more. He published the book Chemdat Yamim and signed his name on the title page "Tolaat Yaakov son of R. Yom Tov Algazi". Some maintain that he actually composed the book. His disciples include leading Jerusalem Torah scholars and kabbalists, including his renowned son R. Yom Tov Algazi and the Chida.
[4] leaves, written on both sides. 16 cm. Good condition. Stains. Light marginal wear. New, elegant leather binding.