A Historic Sale
Rabbi’s Letter Fetches $700000 at Auction: A handwritten letter by the famed Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar (1696–1743), author of the Biblical Commentary Or HaChaim, was auctioned for a shockingly $700,000 (2.5 million shekels) in Jerusalem on January 24, 2025. The Kedem Auction House sold this ancient relic for 25% commission charge in addition. Underlining the great impact of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, the sales represent a turning point in Jewish history and collectors’ circles.
The Information of the Manuscript
This rare book showcases the unique signature of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar. Emphasizing the rabbi’s commitment to helping Jewish communities through difficult circumstances, it answers Jewish religious judges in Meknes about tax assistance for a community member. The letter came from the collection of Israeli attorney Avigdor Klagsbald, which consists of hundreds of documents from eminent 18th-century Moroccan Torah scholars. This collection also includes writings by Rabbi Yaakov ibn Tzur and Rabbi Yehudah ben Attar, therefore providing a whole picture of the intellectual output of that age.
Advocate and Scholar, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar
Beyond his books, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar left legacy. Prominent supporter of Jewish migration to the Land of Israel, he moved deliberately to inspire and set an example. Obstacles include persecution and starvation in Morocco defined his path. These struggles affected his choice to relocate to Israel and helped to build his foundational work, Or HaChaim. Often referencing the challenges of his period, he in this statement cited interruptions and variable lengths of discussion depending on the stormy conditions.
Setting Roots in the Land of Israel
Thirty of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s disciples and he himself arrived first at Acre after leaving Morocco. Their goal was to create a yeshivah, a center of Torah learning. The group persisted and finally made Jerusalem their home even though the Galilee was suffering diseases. Here they bought a historic courtyard—now known as the Old Yishuv Courtyard—which is customarily thought to have been the birthplace of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (the Ari), a key player in Jewish mysticism.
The study hall established by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar became to be pillar of Jewish knowledge and fortitude. The hall was rebuilt during the Six-Day War and survives today on Or HaChaim Street in the Jewish Quarter even after it was destroyed in 1948 under the Jordanian rule.
A Continuous Influence
The influence of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar speaks to much beyond his lifetime. His publications are regarded as fundamental among Chassidic groups all throughout Europe, shaping next generations of academics and religious ideas. Thousands of people who are looking for blessings and inspiration from this esteemed scholar now travel to his tomb on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives.
Table: Key Highlights of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1696 |
| Birthplace | Morocco |
| Major Work | Or HaChaim (Biblical commentary) |
| Immigration to Israel | Early 18th century |
| Key Achievement | Establishing a yeshivah in Jerusalem |
| Legacy | Influential writings and pilgrimage site on Mount of Olives |
| Auction Sale Date | January 24, 2025 |
| Sale Price | $700,000 (2.5 million shekels) |