SHEMAMA, NISSIM

Jerusalem - Izmir

1873

(INHERITANCE CONTROVERSY). One-page manuscript in Hebrew and French in various hands, signed by R. Abraham Palage, Chief Rabbi of Izmir and others. * Four page manuscript in Hebrew, signed by the Rabbis of Jerusalem: Yaakov Shaul Alishar (Author of Yisa Beracha), Yechiel Bar Adon and Shalom Moshe Chai Gaguin

The wealthy Nissim Shemama (1805-1873), Minister of Finance and official leader or “Qaid” of Tunisian Jewry, wielded extensive influence. Later in life he settled in Paris, from where he was a significant financial supporter of religious needs including a Talmudic Academy in Jerusalem that bore his name The ajudication of Shemama's considerable estate was heatedly contested. His will was probated in Paris by the jurist Adolph Cremeux. However, this gave rise to contention over the validity of the will, as it was suggested it was not administered in accordance with Jewish Law. The controversy raged for a number of years and created intense debate within associated circles. In time, nearly 100 Sephardic and Ashkenazic rabbis from Jerusalem, Hebron, Constantinople, Izmir and Paris validated the will. This lot contains one of the halachic decisions by Sephardic rabbinic authorities in Jerusalem, officially approving the contents of the will, and endorsed by Abraham Palage, Chief Rabbi of Izmir