Asta Bidspirit | Letter Pleading About the Heavy

Letter Pleading About the Heavy Taxes Imposed Upon the Residents of the Jewish Ghetto in the City of Rabat - Letter from the sages and rabbis of Rabat, the capital city of Morocco (which the Jews referred to as Arbat) to Sir Moshe Montefiore before his visit to Morocco in 1864. In their letter, the rabbis ask that he intervene on their behalf with the authorities.  Specifications:  [1] paper leaf. 32x21 cm. Large and impressive letter in pleasant and clear handwriting.  Background:  In the letter, the rabbis of the city describe their difficult situation, that for the past 54 years the authorities have placed the Jews inside a walled area and made it into a ghetto named Mellah (”Jews' Street”) and enclosed it with a low wall which provides easy access to thieves. The Jews pay the wages of the guards each month, in contrast with other places such as Fez, Marrakesh and Meknes where the King pays. In addition, any merchandise or food or an animal brought to slaughter are charged a high tax, in addition to the head tax and the tax imposed on anything which enters the country.  Unique Features:  The letter is signed by nine rabbis, headed by  Rabbi Yaakov Elmaliach and Rabbi Moshe Toledano  (they were the foremost sages of the city, Rabbi Yitzchak son of Walid mentions in one of his responsa that he received a halachic responsum from these two sages (see: Moriah, Tammuz 5752 page 55 and later printed in the book Shvilei Mishpat by Rabbi Y. Monsonego page 35).  Condition:  Fine - very fine. Tiny tears in the white margins.