Autograph letter signed by R. Yosef David HaCohen of Zawalow, a leading Chassidic figure in his days and successor of the Rabbi of Apta. Iaşi, 1826.
Letter and shtar signed "by… R. Ya'akov… of Medzhybizh", regarding money owned to him "according to the calculation of the money of the estate" of the late R. Chaim. "…For faithful proof, I have signed, Thursday Erev Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 1826 here in Iaşi. Yosef David HaCohen".
R. Yosef David HaCohen (died in 1828), was one of the early leaders of the Chassidic Movement. Disciple of R. Meshulam Feivish of Zbaraż (who was also the teacher of the Arvei Nachal, the Ahavat Shalom and of R. Zvi of Nadvirna). He lived in Tysmenytsia (Galicia) and as attested by R. Yeshaya Schorr of Iaşi (author of K'lil Tiferet), already at that time he was acclaimed for his "great holiness and pure abstinence and for his devotion to Torah study and to prayer", drawing many Chassidim to study his teachings and conduct. He later moved to serve in the rabbinate of the town of Zawalow (near Podhajce). In 1814, he moved from Galicia to Romania to serve as Rabbi of Iaşi instead of the Rabbi of Apta who had moved from Iaşi to Medzhybizh. In Iaşi, he established his Beit Midrash (known for generations as the "Beit Midrash of the Zawalow Rabbi") which was a gathering place for his holy disciples to serve G-d following his guidelines. He dealt extensively with issues of faith and his book, printed 30 years posthumously, is titled Darkei Emunah.
Leaf, 19X24.5 cm. Good condition. Creases and wear to margins.