The Diaries of Rabbi Haim Yosef David Azulai (HaChida)

Rabbi Haim Yosef David Azulai (the Chidah) was born in Jerusalem in 1724 and began his studies there in the Yeshiva of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar. Before the age of 30, he was already recognized as one of the leading Torah scholars in the world. He was appointed Rav of Cairo in 1764, a post he held for some years, studying and writing and was the author of some 100 works. He possessed an insatiable intellect, encompassing science, history and 7 languages.
In 1753, he made his first great journey to Europe, returning in 1757. The purpose of this journey was in continuation of an ancient tradition, taking Torah to the out flung congregations of the Diaspora and collecting funds for the maintenance of the centers of Jewish learning in the Holy Land, principally in Jerusalem, Hebron, Tiberias and Tsefat. He set out on his second journey in 1772. While in Tunis, he received news of the death of his beloved wife, Rachel. His private eulogy of her was deeply moving.
The diary is replete with humor, pathos and adventure. It includes such incidents as capturing by pirates, a full scale war and a meeting with the King Louis XVI of France. The original text contains many abstruse passages, and much effort has been made into presenting a highly readable translation, which remains faithful to the original. The footnotes, alone, contain a great wealth of information. (the book contains parts I & II of his diaries)
Translator and Annatator: Benjamin Cymerman