The Ketubah of the "Holy Shoemaker" - Skidel, 1896

The Ketubah of the "Holy Shoemaker" - Skidel, 1896
Ketubah recording the marriage of the groom Rabbi Moshe Ya'akov son of R' Yosef HaCohen [Ravikov], with the bride Rivka Leah daughter of R' Menachem. Skidel (today Belarus), the 1st of Iyar 1896. Ketubah of Rabbi Moshe Ravikov - the "Holy Shoemaker" from Tel Aviv.
Handwritten on paper, in cursive Ashkenazi script. Witnesses' signatures: "Gedalya son of R' Shimon", "Ya'akov Yisrael son of Aharon Shatz here in Skidel".
The tsaddik and Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Ya'akov Ravikov (1873-1967), the "Holy Shoemaker" forom Shabazi St. in Tel Aviv-Yaffo. A hidden tsaddik, kabbalist and wonder-worker. Born in Lithuania, disciple of Kabbalist Rabbi Shlomo Elyashuv, author of Leshem Shvo V'Achlama [the Leshem]. Immigrated to Eretz Israel in 1913 and after an unsuccessful attempt to settle in Kfar Uriah in the Judah plains, he moved to Jaffa and opened a shoemaker workshop. A short time elapsed and needy, troubled and distressed people were drawn to him, seeking his guidance, arbitration or a loan.
Although he concealed himself and his powers, leading Torah figures and kabbalists of his times recognized his piety and were in close contact with him, at times he even taught them Torah. Reputedly, Rabbi Kook told Rabbi Aryeh Levine that the shoemaker is one of the "lamed vav tsaddikim" of the generation. Many stories are told of the wonders he performed and of revelations of Ru'ach HaKodesh. Yet in his lifetime, word spread that he had merited a revelation of Eliyahu [this was even published in the newspapers of those days]. Many sought him each day and many received his blessings and were delivered from their troubles.
A few months after his death, the Six Day War broke out, and at that time rumors circulated that in his testament, the Shoemaker foresaw the victories and the fall of Israel's enemies. He is buried in Bnei Brak, his grave is renowned as a place of prayer and salvation to this very day and many of those who visit the grave of the Chazon Ish pray by the grave of the Shoemaker as well.
Leaf, 18X23 cm. Fair condition. Stains, wear and tears. Adhesive tape (Sellotape) reinforcements on back of Ketubah.