Manuscript – Selections and Novellae – Handwritten by the Rishon L'Tzion Rabbi Refael Meir Panigel

Manuscript, selections and novellae, handwritten by R. Refael Meir Panigel – the Rishon L'Tzion. [Jerusalem, 19th century].
The first part of the manuscript is a composition consisting of entries arranged in alphabetical order and according to the names of our forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, David etc.), including references and copyings from the teachings of Chazal and the commentators. The second part consists of novellae following the sequence of the Parshiot of the Torah, containing various selections, including R. Refael Meir Panigel's own novellae. Several passages (on pp. 25a, 80a, 81b) are signed: "Marpe" (the initials of his name). The first three leaves of the manuscript are a copying of a section of Yam HaTalmud (printed at the end of the novellae book – Leket Yosef – Amsterdam, 1703).
R. Refael Meir Panigel, known as Marpe (1804-1893), was the Rishon L'Tzion and Chacham Bashi of Jerusalem. Born in Bulgaria, he was raised since his infancy in Jerusalem. Already in his youth he was known as a holy, righteous person and a miracle worker. At the age of 27, he was asked by the rabbis of Jerusalem to travel on their behalf to Tunis and Alger. Reputedly, there was a draught while he was in Tunis, and the local rabbis requested he pray for rain. As soon as he finished praying, the skies filled with clouds and rain started pouring down. This event made him famous, and he was summoned to the town's governor who equipped him with noble clothes and a personal recommendation. In 1840, he travelled to Italy as the emissary of Hebron. During his stay in Rome, he worked on settling a dispute between the various communities of the town, and was consequently invited to meet the Pope, visit the Vatican library and view its treasures. In 1854, he was appointed President of the Vaad HaEida in Jerusalem and head of the Sephardi Bet Din. After the passing of the Rishon L'Tzion R. Avraham Ashkenazi in 1880, he was appointed Chacham Bashi, a position he held until his passing. Of his compositions, Lev Marpe was printed (Jerusalem 1887), containing selections and novellae, responsa and homilies. Other compositions remain in manuscript.
[85] leaves (some leaves are empty). 13.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains. Worming, affecting text in several places. New cloth binding.