Shimon bar Ya’akov. Igereth Mesapereth Yechasuta DeTzadikei DiBe’ara DeYisrael [guide to the tombs of the Sages and the Holy Places in the Land of Israel]

(ISRAEL, LAND OF).

Johannes Wust

Frankfurt a/Main

(1693-96)

Single printed broadside.

Vinograd, Frankfurt a/Main 106 (based on a facsimile in the JNUL); St. Cat. Bodl. 3383.

A scarce broadside, containing much detail of the attachment of Jews to the Land of Israel in the 17th-century. Prepared by a charitable emissary from Eretz Israel for the benefit of benefactors across Italy, Germany and Poland. Funds were sought “Ner LeMaor,” i.e. monies so that the Tombs of the Righteous would be well-lit, thus enabling scholars to engage in prayer in the merit of their European benefactors. In addition to general information concerning the names of the righteous buried throughout the Land of Israel, specific detail concerning local customs are set out here. Such as the “Hilula” on Lag Ba-Omer at Meron, customs of Tisha Be’Av in Jerusalem and the location of the Tomb of the prophet Zechariah where women in particular offer heartfelt prayers. The broadside was likely intended for hanging in the synagogue. Shimon bar Ya’akov, served as an emissary from Safed to Central and Eastern Europe in the years 1693-96. See Yaari, Shluchei Eretz Yisrael, pp. 418-20.