Letter of ordination upon parchment, to Rabbi Avraham Michael Karpniti. By his uncle and father-in-law Rabbi Chananel Nepi. Cento (Italy), [1836?].
“… virtue of Avraham Michael Karpniti who has been so successful with his study from his youth… and he has studied in my Beit Midrash for twenty years and studied with me… and even though he is my grandson and son-in-law I feel that it is necessary to inform everyone that he is fit and suitable to instruct and adjudicate…”.
Signature in shaky and unclear handwriting: “… Lo LeYodim Chen” – Well known signature of the Ga’on Rabbi Chananel Nepi (passed away in Tevet 1836), among the scholars of Italy, rabbi in Cento, famous Halachic authority and preacher. Served as member of the “Sanhendrin” of Napoleon in Paris. Was known for his composition Zecher Tzadikim Livracha which was printed in the book Toldot Gedolei Yisrael by Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Gerondi. His position in the Cento rabbinate was succeeded by Rabbi Avraham Michael Karpniti – his disciple and son-in-law, who was also son of his sister (in this ordination he refers to him as “my grandson” – according to an early custom of using this phrase for a nephew as well). Apparently, the ordination was written according to the instruction of Rabbi Chananel Nepi, and it is possible that the shaky signature indicates that this took place in his old age or close to the time of his demise.
Parchment leaf. 18 cm. Good condition, folding mark.