Emissary (Shadar) letters to: Ha-Gevir Ha-Sar David Yoseph Ezra, leader of the Jewish community of all of in India. And to: Ha-Gevir Ha-Sar Mordecai Gabai, leader of the Jewish community in Bombay

(INDIA)

Jerusalem

(1882)

Manuscript on paper. Written in a precise, clear rabbinic hand, signed by (with stamps): Chief Rabbi Raphael Meir Panizel, Yoseph Raphael Uziel, Yaakov Shaul Elishar (author of Yissa Beracha), Chaim Nissan Baruch, Shmuel b. Yoseph, Eliahu Navon, Yoseph Yehoshuah Caro and Moshe Benveniste

Two letters to the leaders of the Jewish communities in India announcing the purchase of the “great fearful cave” where the remains of the High Priest Shimon HaTzadik are interned. The cave also contained a Mikvah that was utilized for immersion prior to performing the Temple service. The property was purchased for 10,000 rupees and the scholarly emissary R. Chaim Shlomo Yechezkel Yehudah Prag (author of various works published in Jerusalem 1889-50), travelled to India in 1882 to raise funds in order to build a Synagogue alongside the grotto. “You are always the first in all holy endeavors. Perhaps afterwards the benefactors in Europe will follow suit.” See Yaari, Shluchei Eretz Yisrael, p. 753; M. D. Gaon, Yehudei Ha-Mizrach, Part II p. 283