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

(EGER, AKIVA).

Posen

November 20th, 1837

Manuscript on paper. German cursive hand. Tax stamp on first leaf, embossed notary seal affixed to last leaf.

Rabbi Akiva Eger (1761-1837) was the foremost Talmudist of his generation. He was the father-in-law of the Chatham 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 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 assist poor Talmud students. The oral proceedings were duly recorded and sealed with the Court. R. Akiva Eger passed away on October 12th. 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 finally notarized on November 20th. Of interest is the use of R. Akiva Eger’s secular name “Jacob Moses Eiger, Oberrabbiner, Posen” used in his dealings with the Civil authorities. 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 uncommo.