(ISRAEL, LAND OF).

26th Shevat

Hebron

1766

Hebrew Letter written to R. Yedidiah Tarika (1713-69) concerning communal matters in reference to Greece. Signed by each of the seven principal Rabbis of Hebron, including: Aaron Alfandari, Chaim Judah Gomitz Fato, Isaac Hacohen, Chaim Ze’evi, Eliyahu ibn Archa, and Pinchas Mordechai Bagayo.

All seven signatories were the very same scholarly rabbis of note who issued the approbations for the Chida’s work “Birkei Yoseph.” The recipient of this letter, R. Yedidiah Tarika, was Rabbi of Chania, formerly the capital city of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Tarika later served as rabbi of his birthplace, Rhodes where he was supported by his wealthy father. The death of his father is also noted on this document. See S. Rosanes, Korot HaYehudim BeTurkiyah Ve’Artsot HaKedem, Vol. V p. 66.