Handwritten and Signed Letter by Rabbi David Chassan, Primary Disciple of the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh. Jerusalem, 1747

Handwritten and Signed Letter by Rabbi David Chassan, Primary Disciple of the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh. Jerusalem, 1747
Handwritten and signed letter by the great Rabbi David Chassan, author of Kadshei David and Michtam L'David, primary disciple of the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh.

Condolence letter to Rabbis Avraham and Emmanuel Igress of Livorno, sons of the gaon and kabbalist Rabbi Yosef Igress of Livorno, author of Shomer Emunim and Mevo Petachim, upon the passing of their paternal uncle, philanthropist Rabbi Moshe Igress.

The gaon Rabbi David Chassan [d. 1785] was born in Salé, Morocco, where he became close to Rabbeinu, the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh, and became his primary disciple and right-hand man. He ascended to Jerusalem with the Ohr HaChaim by way of Livorno, and he continued to serve him in the Land.

Rabbi David was considered one of the most well-known and closest disciples of the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh. In Shem HaGedolim, the Chid"a notes the fact that he was a disciple of the Ohr HaChaim (section 4, letter 18). Rabbi David is counted among the signatories, together with a group of disciples, on the introduction to Rishon L'Tziyon by their rabbi, the Ohr HaChaim.

After his rabbi's passing, he remained on to study in the Knesset Yisrael yeshivah, which was established by the Ohr HaChaim. He eventually became the rosh yeshivah of Yepa'er Anavim. He traveled as an emissary to Italy in 1758 and again towards the end of his life. His son Rabbi Shlomo Chassan (son-in-law of the Mahari"t Algazi) published his important works posthumously: Kadshei David and Michtam L'David.

[1] double sheet of paper 20x17 cm. Greenish paper, high quality. Oriental script; fine condition. Minimal aging stains. Tear in the white margins without lack.