(Av Beth Din of Safed, 1803-84). Autograph Document Signed.

HELLER, SHMUEL

8th Shevat

Tzfas

1853

A Din Torah between neighbors concerning the expansion of a home. Additionally signed by the Dayanim: R. Ya’akov Shapiro (MiGeza Tzvi) and R. Mordechai of Uman.

A Torah genius, R. Heller was raised in the home of the Chozeh of Lublin, and following his counsel ascended to Eretz Israel. He served as Rabbi of Safed for 60 years. R. Heller wielded great influence in setting the public agenda. His rulings and actions reveal a clear trend that placed at its center the Land of Israel and the ancient traditions that represented for him a coveted, pre-exile world. He craved what was perceived as authentic to the Land of Israel and strove to connect with local traditions. (See Otzar HaRabanim 19134).