Letters from the Rabbinic Va'aknin Family of Tiberias

Letters from the Rabbinic Va'aknin Family of Tiberias

1. Letter from Rabbi Yaakov Va'aknin, One of the Great Rabbis and Scholars of Tiberias

Rabbi Yaakov Va'aknin (5629–5707 [1869–1947]), was the eldest son of Rabbi David Va'aknin, one of the leading rabbis of Tiberias, who served as Av Beit Din from 5635 [1875] until his passing in 5657 [1897].

In 5631 [1871], at the age of three, he immigrated with his parents to Eretz Yisrael, where he dedicated himself to Torah study, eventually becoming one of the rabbis of Tiberias. He joined the city's Kabbalistic scholars and was known as a holy man.

In 5689 [1929], he was appointed member of the Beit Din, Moreh Hora'ah, and a member of the Va'ad HaKulot. Under his leadership, the city's affairs and those of its sages were managed until his final day.

His tombstone inscription reads:

"Here lies hidden a treasure of Torah, a stone from the wall cries out for the loss of the Ark of God. A holy man, whose holiness was from Heaven. The renowned Gaon, the righteous, pious, and humble scholar, the distinguished dayan, an all-encompassing scholar, the divine kabbalist, our master Rabbi Yaakov Va'aknin, may his merit protect us, of blessed and sacred memory."

2. Two Letters from Rabbi Meir Va'aknin, Chief Rabbi of Tiberias

Rabbi Meir Va'aknin (5645–5735 [1885–1975]) served as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Tiberias.

Born in Tiberias to Rabbi David Va'aknin, who was Av Beit Din of Tiberias from 5635 [1875] until his passing in 5657 [1897].

In 5671 [1911], at the age of 26, he was sent by the sages of Tiberias as a shadar (emissary) to Jewish communities in Europe, raising funds for Kolel Rabbi Meir Ba’al HaNes. In 5670 [1910], he was again dispatched, this time to Brooklyn, New York, on behalf of the institutions in Tiberias.

Due to World War I, he was forced to remain in New York for six years, separated from his family. While in the United States, he served as the Chief Rabbi of the Sephardic Aram Tzova community, today known as "Magen David."

In 5680 [1920], he returned to Tiberias, where he worked to strengthen and expand Torah education, alongside his father-in-law, Rabbi Raphael Bibas.

In 5690 [1930], he was appointed member of the Sephardic Beit Din of Tiberias, under the leadership of Rabbi Yaakov Chai Zrihan, Av Beit Din. In 5713 [1953], following Rabbi Zrihan’s passing, he succeeded him as Chief Rabbi and Av Beit Din of Tiberias.

Renowned for his piety, asceticism, generosity, and open-handed charity, he became a symbol of righteousness.

Upon assuming the presidency of Kolel Rabbi Meir Ba’al HaNes, he established, with the support of philanthropist Yitzchak Shalom, the "Meir Bat Ayin" yeshiva near the tomb of Rabbi Meir Ba’al HaNes, which continues to function to this day.

He authored the halachic works "Vayomer Meir."

Collection Details:

Total: 3 documents

Various sizes

Overall good condition

Minor tears on the edges of Rabbi Yaakov Va'aknin’s letter