The city of Izmir in Turkey knew many fires that destroyed houses, Batei Midrash and property. We know about great fires in 1743, 1772 and 1840. These fires destroyed most of the Jewish neighborhoods. The most well-known fire is the one of 1841, which destroyed many Batei Midrash and the books of Rabbi Chaim Palachi, which were handwritten.
The letter before us was written on the background of the fire of 1838, which destroyed the Talmud Torah. The building served as a synagogue and Beit Midrash and was completely destroyed including the Torah scrolls, religious books, Tefilin and Talitot which were in it. The building also served as a shelter for the poor of the town and for foreign guests. Thus, its destruction constituted a major crisis among the Jews of Izmir.
The letter was handwritten by a scribe on behalf of the Chief Rabbi of Izmir Shlomo Chakim with words of support by the rabbi of Salinoka, Rabbi Matalon. The letter describes the destruction of the Talmud Torah and the subsequent crisis experienced by the Jews of Izmir. It was given to the Shadar Rabbi Yehuda, who was a rabbi and Torah scholar of Izmir, and was sent to raise funds for rebuilding the Talmud Torah.
On his mission, he passed through several cities in Italy and met Rabbi Yiztchak Eliyahu Menachem Askol and Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Reggio of Ferrara and they added to the letter handwritten words and support and their signature. On an additional page, the leaders of the community of Italy added their recommendation and request to assist the Talmud Torah.
A leaf folded into two large pages. Size of each page: 21x32 cm.
Condition: Good. A few wrinkles and stains. A bright, high-quality leaf.