Geniza Lab

Hebrew letter, likely a draft, from Moshe b. Levi ha-Levi to a distinguished physician (but probably not Maimonides: Moshe b. Levi blesses his "sons" rather than "son"). The writer just spent a week in the household of Dr. Moshe, hoping to gain a livelihood of 10 dirhams a week, as he had been struggling to support himself during this drought. However, Moshe b. Levi became embarrassed by all the trouble Maimonides went to on his behalf, so he ran away. He also complains that he could not find any water with which to wash his hands. He now writes this letter begging Dr. Moshe to judge him favorably and to continue bestowing his favor on him. He reminds Dr. Moshe that he still owes him half of a dirham from the book sale for tractates Yoma, Sukkah, and Yom Tov (Beitzah) and half of a dirham for Sefer Kinyan. T-S 6J10.9 is an earlier draft of the same letter without the opening blessings or signature. ENA 1810.2 and 1810.3, also written by Moshe b. Levi ha-Levi contain drafts of poetry in praise of Maimonides, several phrases of which are recycled in the present letter.