Printed Leaf – Appeal by the Rabbis of Hebron to Redeem Captives – Livorno, 1775 – Printed by the Chida

Printed Leaf – Appeal by the Rabbis of Hebron to Redeem Captives – Livorno, 1775 – Printed by the Chida
Printed leaf, appeal by the rabbis of Hebron to Western European Jewry, requesting their help in redeeming captives and saving lives. Livorno, 1775.
Background of the appeal: In 1775, the son of the local sheikh was found dead in a cesspit near the Jewish neighborhood of Hebron. Enraged, the ruler captured ten hostages from the Jewish community and threatened to execute them if the community doesn't come forth with a ransom of 5000 groschen. The members of the community therefore pawned their homes, synagogues, books and possessions, remaining utterly penniless. Consequently, the rabbis of the community issued an appeal, outlining the story of the libel and requesting assistance in rescuing them from their plight. The letter was sent to the Chida, at the time in Italy as an emissary for the Hebron community, who had it printed in Livorno to spread it and encourage people to donate to this cause. The name of the Chida as representative of the town and address for donations appears in the center of the letter: "We appeal to you to rescue us and pour blessing into the hand of our esteemed representative R. Chaim Yosef David [the Chida]…" (see A. Yaari, Shluchei Eretz Israel, pp. 574-575, 593-594).
Folded leaf, [2] printed pages. 25 cm. Good condition. Stains. Folding marks.