At the western edge of Africa, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, lies a city that became a symbol of cultural coexistence and Jewish prosperity—Mogador. In this city, amidst its winding alleys and Ottoman-era walls, lived Rabbi Joseph Knafo, a humble sage and kabbalist of the 19th century who dedicated his life to study and teaching.
Rabbi Joseph did not hold an official rabbinical position (although his son would later serve as the community’s chief rabbi and head of the religious court). Instead, he chose a life of simplicity and humility, devoting his days to writing and study at the local beit midrash – a hall dedicated to Torah study.
Mogador: A Thriving Trade Hub
The Moroccan city of Mogador—named after a fortress built by Portuguese sailors who used its port as a key trading post on the route to South Africa—was a bustling commercial center in the mid-19th century. Today it is known as Essaouira. At certain times, Jews were the largest religious group in the city and were granted a special status by the sultan.
During the 19th century, new influences began shaping the city: the British recognized Mogador’s strategic importance as a trade hub and turned it into a center of imperial interests. They granted many Jewish merchants British citizenship to strengthen commercial and political ties.
One of the most famous British visitors to Mogador at the time was the renowned Jewish philanthropist, Sir Moses Montefiore. Montefiore traveled extensively to Jewish communities worldwide to assess their conditions and offer aid when needed.
A Meeting Between Two Worlds
During his visit to the city, Montefiore attended the Slat El Kahal synagogue, where he was warmly received by the local rabbis. They suggested he meet a particularly revered figure—Rabbi Joseph Knafo. However, Rabbi Joseph did not join the reception, preferring to remain in study at the beit midrash.
Montefiore sought him out and found him deeply immersed in writing. During their conversation, Montefiore inquired about his work. Rabbi Joseph explained that he was translating stories of the Baal Shem Tov into Judeo-Arabic so that local Jews who did not understand Hebrew could still learn from them.
Montefiore was deeply impressed. Though well-versed in Jewish travels and traditions, he was moved to see the teachings of the founder of Hasidism making their way from Podolia in Eastern Europe to this vibrant corner of North Africa.
As a token of appreciation, Rabbi Joseph gifted Montefiore one of his own books, Zevach Pesach.
Upon returning home to Britain, Montefiore did not forget the humble scholar. He later sent a letter of gratitude to Rabbi Joseph, enclosing two gold sovereigns as a gift.
A copy of this letter is preserved today at the National Library of Israel, in the Asher Knafo Archive.
A Gift That Found Another Home
Despite Montefiore’s intention to support the learned rabbi who had impressed him so much, the coins never reached Rabbi Joseph’s hands.
On his way home from the beit midrash, with the letter and coins in his pocket, Rabbi Joseph encountered a poor man from the community, who asked for a donation for his daughter’s wedding.
Rabbi Joseph reached into his pocket, intending to give him a few small copper coins, but by mistake, he handed over the gold coins from Montefiore.
Only when he arrived home and told his wife about the letter and the gift did he realize what had happened. Initially, his wife insisted that he find the beggar and exchange the coins. But Rabbi Joseph refused, saying:
“This is how God willed it—to let Montefiore’s gift bring joy to the poor bride and her family.”
***
Rabbi Joseph Knafo’s Literary Legacy
If you search for Rabbi Joseph Knafo’s name on the National Library of Israel website, you will find numerous books he authored. He left behind a vast collection of religious writings, most of which were printed in Livorno, Italy, during his time.
His descendants, who later immigrated to Israel, republished his works in new editions under the title Ot Brit Kodesh.
