Ketubah DeIrchesa [Lost], Signed by Rabbi Ya’akov Moshe Ayash and Rabbi Chananya Michael Aryeh – Jerusalem, 1805

Ketubah DeIrchesa [lost Ketubah] written for Rabbi Moshe son of Rabbi Markado son of deceased Rabbi Yosef Zarka, and his wife Ms. Clara. Jerusalem, [1805]. Signed by husband Rabbi Moshe Zarka and witnesses: Rabbi Ya’akov Moshe Ayash and Rabbi Chananya Yitzchak Michael Aryeh. Following signatures, statement of obligations for dowry brought by wife, resigned by husband and abovementioned rabbis. Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Ya’akov Moshe Ayash (1750-1817, Otzar HaRabbanim 10254), son of Ga’on Rabbi Yehuda Ayash, among Torah scholars of Algeria and Jerusalem. Prior to 1779 was sent as emissary of Jerusalem to cities of North Africa and afterwards to Italy. Served in rabbinate of communities of Siena and Ferrara where he had notable students. At old age returned to Eretz Israel and was appointed chief rabbi and Av Beit Din of Jerusalem succeeding Rabbi Moshe Yosef Mordechai Meyuchas. Brought his father’s compositions as well as other compositions to print. The Chida [Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azuliai] referred to him as: “Ya’akov, the humble… wholesome scholar…, emissary…”. Rabbi Chananya Yitzchak Michael Aryeh (Otzar HaRabbnim 6705), member of Beit Din of Jerusalem during that period. Authored Sha’arei Chaim – commentary on Sefer Mekach U’Mimkar by Rav Hai Ga’on (printed in Thessaloniki, 1819). Handwritten leaf, 25 cm. Good condition, dark stains, folding marks and tiny holes. Signatures of first rabbis faded.