Recommendation for Haham Haim Abraham Israel Zeebi, Emissary from the Jewish Community of Hebron

(ITALY)

(Livorno)

1784

Italian text

This recommendation was printed at the emissary's own expense during his stay in Livorno. Written in Italian for the benefit of potential Italian Jewish donors, it incorporates the recommendations of the Rabbis of Hebron (Mordechai Rubio, et al); the Deputies of the City of Hebron in Constantinople (Ishac Zonana, et al); the Beth Din of Constantinople (Rephael Ishac Jerusalmi, et al); and finally, the previous Emissary of Hebron, who ended up sojourning in Livorno–the illustrious Haim Joseph David Azulai (Chid’a). The actual text of the Appeal for funds is taken up by a lengthy narrative of the financial woes of Hebron Jewry, who at one point had their co-religionists in Constantinople intercede on their behalf with the Sultan. The latter graciously issued a Firman designed to keep the Jews' creditors at bay for another seven years. However, this proved to be of little help as the Jews were unable to come up with the payment due. See Y. Rivkind, Zion, Vol. V (1933) pp. 154-56; A. Ya'ari, Sheluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 595-96