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Judaica and Hasidic Books and Manuscripts

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Historic Western Wall Prayer Covenant: From the Sephardic Kabbalists of Jerusalem to the Hornosteipel Rebbe – Jerusalem, 1907.

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Start price: £200

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Description

A spectacular, museum-grade historical document representing a rare bridge between two holy worlds: An official emissary and prayer covenant letter sent from the Sephardic Kabbalists of Jerusalem’s Old City to the legendary European Hasidic leader, Rebbe Yaakov Aaron Twersky of Hornosteipel.

  • The Illustrious Recipient: This letter is formally addressed to Rebbe Yaakov Aaron Twersky of Hornosteipel (1847–1918), one of the premier Hasidic leaders of his generation. His name is written in grand script, with his dynastic seat—"הורניסטייפעל" (Hornosteipel)—gracefully added in cursive above his surname.
  • The Senders (The Sephardic Kabbalists): The letter is signed and stamped by Rabbi Yitzchak b"r Saadia HaLevi, a Sephardic Rabbi. His official stamp reads: "יצחק ב"ר סעדי’ הלוי בקהל חסידים… עיר העתיקה". In the Sephardic tradition of Jerusalem’s Old Yishuv, the term "Kehal Chasidim" (Congregation of the Pious) specifically referred to the elite societies of Sephardic Kabbalists (Mekubalim).
  • The Mission & The Western Wall: Written in a magnificent Sephardic calligraphic hand, the visual centerpiece features the massive, artistic block letters בכותל המערבי ("At the Western Wall") and הכנסת כלה ("Bridal Dowry Fund"). Written in November 1907, the Jerusalem Kabbalists are asking the great Rebbe to financially support their efforts to marry off impoverished orphans in the Old City. In return, they establish a sacred covenant of continuous prayer, writing: "And I stand in prayer with all my heart at the Western Wall, that your days may be prolonged for many years… with strength, joy, and eternal salvation."
  • Dimensions: Approx. 21 x 26.5 cm (8.3 x 10.4 inches).

Condition report:

Status: Beautiful antiquarian display condition. Complete and authentic.


Paper & Text: As shown in the images, the paper has acquired a gorgeous, uniform golden-cream patina over the past century. The custom calligraphic text and the main body of the letter remain completely dark, bold, and perfectly legible.

Folds & Margins: The letter exhibits original horizontal and vertical fold lines from its historic mailing from Jerusalem to Europe. There are minor, completely natural light tears and small splits along the cross-folds and edges, which are entirely typical for documents of this age and do not result in any loss of text. The backing and margins are clean, stable, and ready for archival framing or presentation.