Creator Bio
Ya‘qūb ibn Ismā‘īl
11th Century
Ya‘qūb ibn Ismā‘īl was a businessman active in the Mediterranean region, who was possibly based in Italy or Egypt. The Cairo Geniza preserves several letters written by him, which recount his journey to Egypt and his warm feelings toward his family in Jerusalem.
Content by Ya‘qūb ibn Ismā‘īl
Primary Source
Letter to His Nephew, Yūsha‘ ibn Nathan
In your name.
My master and lord, may God prolong your life, make your well-being permanent, and be for you and with you as a protector and helper. I am writing from home on the first day of Elul…