Beit Din Document with Three Signatures of Rabbi Chaim Pinto Senior – Essaouira (Morocco), 1802-1803

Beit Din Document with Three Signatures of Rabbi Chaim Pinto Senior – Essaouira (Morocco), 1802-1803
Beit Din document regarding sale and possession of lot. Includes three signatures of righteous Rabbi Chaim Pinto. Essaouira (Mogador, Morocco), 1802-1803.
Leaf contains three bills concerning the abovementioned lot: * Bill of sale of lot in Essaouira for Rabbi Yitzchak son of Rabbi Moshe Atia, written in Beit Din of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, on Friday, 25 Tishrei 1802, signed by Av Beit Din Rabbi Chaim Pinto and member of Beit Din Rabbi David Lachzan. * Bill of authorization licensing construction in abovementioned lot, written in Beit Din in Marrakech, with signatures of rabbis of city: Rabbi Avraham Pinto, Rabbi Shlomo Asbad and Rabbi Yosef Charosh. * On reverse side of leaf: bill of sale of lot by Rabbi Yitzchak Atia to Rabbi Shlomo son of Rabbi Avraham HaKohen. Written in Beit Din in Essaouira on Tuesday 4 Iyar, 1803, signed by Rabbi Chaim Pinto. (It is possible that this bill is entirely written in holy handwriting of Rabbi Chaim Pinto). * Following signature of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, clarification added regarding liability for lot, followed by additional signature of Rabbi Chaim Pinto together with Rabbi David Lachzan.
Divine Kabbalist and scholar Rabbi Chaim Pinto (Senior) Av Beit Din of Mogador (passed away 1845). Among glorious personalities of Moroccan Jewry and righteous Torah giant. Arrived at Essaouira (Mogador) as an orphaned youth, where he was disciple of Rabbi Ya’akov Bibas and soon after became famous as one of leading Torah scholars of the generation. Following the demise of his rabbi, succeeded him as rabbi of city despite his young age; established first local Beit Din and headed a Yeshiva for prominent students. Famous as Kabbalist and miracle worker; it is related that messengers were sent to him from heaven and he merited revelation of Elijah the Prophet. Famous throughout countries of Europe as well, from where he received requests for prayer. The Chida [Rabbi Chaim David Yosef Azulai] sent him his book ‘Chaim Sha’al’ [alluding to his name – Rabbi Chaim]. Stories of salvation ascribed to him are well-known among Jews of Morocco [some collected in Sefer Mekor Chaim written by his son, Rabbi Moshe Pinto]. His grave has been visited by multitudes from time of his death until today.
Ga’on Rabbi David ben Lachzan, signed alongside Rabbi Chaim, was among righteous scholars of Morocco and served as Dayan in his Beit Din.
Leaf, written on both sides, 29 cm. Good-fair condition. Folding marks. Tears, some with damage to text, some repaired with adhesive tape.