Das Koeniglich Preussisch Land und Stadt-Gericht… das Testament… Verstorbenen Oberrabbiners von Posen, Jacob Moses Eiger [”Last Will and Testament”.] Official manuscript Court Copy.

Rabbi Akiva Eger (1761-1837) was an outstanding Talmudic scholar, influential halachic decisor and foremost leader of European Jewry during the early 19th century. He was the father-in-law of the Chassam Sofer. The present lot is a probated court document. On March 24th, 1837, R. Akiva Eger, already bedridden, received an official deputation of a Royal District Court Judge and a State Supreme Court Assistant to dictate his Last Will and Testament. His five older children were to administer an estate of 2,000 thaler for the benefit of his four minor children. Additionally, a portion of monies R. Akiva lent to the Beth Shlomo Hospital is to be returned to his son-in-law, to administer a fund for the benefit of poor Talmud students. Of interest here is the use of R. Akiva Eger’s secular name “Jacob Moses Eiger, Oberrabbiner, Posen” used in his dealings here with the civil authorities. The oral proceedings were duly recorded and sealed with the Court. Subsequently, R. Akiva Eger passed away on October 12th, 1837. The will was placed on the agenda of the Court calendar on November 17th, where his son Abraham Eiger and his son- in-law appeared at the proceedings in Posen. The will was executed and notarized on November 20th. Although much has been written concerning the family of R. Akiva Eger and his numerous descendants, this document sheds new light upon his immediate family history. <<An Estate Will of a highly respected Rabbinic leader is most uncommon.