Geniza Lab

Letter from the cantor Abū l-Majd (Meir b. Yakhin), in Fustat, to his brother Abū l-Najm Hilāl, presumably in Alexandria. In Judaeo-Arabic. Dating: Early 13th century. Hilāl had recently departed from a brief visit after a prolonged absence ("being away for 10 years and visiting Fustat for 3 days—a person would not believe it"). Abu l-Majd fell sick with unnamed illnesses after his departure. Probably based on a low quality image, Goitein read the margin as stating that he was unable to go down to the synagogue to lead the congregation in the prayer for their sick sister because he himself was not well (Med Soc, V, 537). However, the final letter of the word that Goitein read as דעא cannot be an aleph, and the first letter is closer to Abu l-Majd's distinctive כ than his ד. The best fit may be אלכפץ. Moreover, the word לאכתי fits the context better if it is read לאנני. Thus, a more likely reading seems to be, "I was delayed in going down below (to see you off) because I was unwell...." On verso, Abu l-Majd continues, "...[I went] after you to the water, and I searched the boats and could not find you—it was like you had flown away. By God, by God, send me a healing letter and tell me when you arrived, and how your arrival was, and tell me all of your news." He also asks his brother to inform the teacher Abū l-Futūḥ (Yehuda b. al-ʿAmmānī) that Abu l-Majd sent him the selihot, a letter, and a fatwa, and he wishes to know if they were received. Information in part from Goitein's note card. ASE.