Historic Letter by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar Sells for $700,000 at Jerusalem Auction

Historic Letter by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar Sells for $700,000 at Jerusalem Auction

Edited by: Fern Sidman

A rare handwritten letter by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar (circa 1696–1743), the esteemed author of the Torah commentary Or HaChaim, fetched an astounding $700,000 (2.5 million shekels) at an auction in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Conducted by Kedem Auction House, the sale attracted international attention, reflecting the immense historical and religious significance of the artifact. The final price includes a 25% commission fee, according to a report at Israel HaYom.

The letter, signed by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar himself, addressed Jewish religious judges in the Moroccan city of Meknes regarding tax relief for a community member. The manuscript, part of an extraordinary collection curated by Israeli attorney Avigdor Klagsbald, was discovered in a volume containing hundreds of manuscripts and signatures from influential 18th-century Moroccan Torah scholars. Among them were prominent figures like Rabbi Yaakov ibn Tzur and Rabbi Yehudah ben Attar, as noted in the Israel HaYom report.

Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s legacy extends far beyond this historic document. Born in Morocco, he became a leading advocate for Jewish emigration to the Land of Israel during a time of severe famine and persecution. Israel HaYom reported that these hardships not only drove his decision to immigrate but also influenced the writing of Or HaChaim, his groundbreaking biblical commentary. In his preface, ibn Attar acknowledged how the turbulent circumstances affected the length and depth of his commentary, a reflection of the challenges of the era. The report also highlighted the enduring relevance of Or HaChaim in Jewish scholarship.

In 1742, Rabbi ibn Attar embarked on a transformative journey to the Land of Israel, accompanied by 30 students. Initially arriving in Acre, he aimed to establish a yeshivah despite facing outbreaks of epidemics in the Galilee. Eventually, he settled in Jerusalem, where he purchased a historic courtyard—now known as the Old Yishuv Courtyard. This location is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (the Ari), two centuries earlier. It was there that ibn Attar established his study hall, which became a cornerstone of Jewish learning in Jerusalem. As Israel HaYom reported, the site and the study hall he founded have survived centuries of upheaval, including the 1948 destruction of Jewish institutions by Jordanian forces and subsequent restoration after the Six-Day War.

Rabbi ibn Attar’s influence transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. While his origins were in the Sephardic Jewish tradition, his writings gained profound recognition among Chassidic communities across Europe. His commentary became a foundational text in Chassidic thought, demonstrating the universal appeal of his scholarship. According to the information provided in the Israel Hayom report,  the resilience of the study hall he founded mirrors his enduring spiritual influence, as it continues to be a site of learning and inspiration on Or HaChaim Street in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter.

Although Rabbi ibn Attar’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 47 in 1743, his impact remains monumental. His tomb, located on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, has become a significant pilgrimage site for thousands of visitors annually. Pilgrims seek blessings at his final resting place, attesting to the enduring veneration of his scholarship and leadership. As the report at Israel HaYom emphasized, the sale of his handwritten letter highlights the timeless value of his contributions to Jewish history, thought, and spirituality.

The record-breaking auction of this historic manuscript shines a proverbial spotlight on Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s pivotal role in Jewish tradition and history. From his pioneering advocacy for aliyah to his profound biblical insights, his legacy continues to inspire and guide generations of scholars, leaders, and laypeople worldwide. VIN News rightfully called attention to the importance of preserving and celebrating such artifacts, which connect us to the rich heritage of Jewish scholarship and resilience.