Bidspirit auction | Luxurious Volume of the Regulations

Luxurious Volume of the Regulations and Shul Policies of the Ashkenazic Community in Amsterdam. 1737-1765 * A rich and diverse collection — 7 sefarim and booklets — in an original, splendid leather binding belonging to one of the community gabbaim. A museum-quality item. The booklets were printed as internal publications for the community, and, naturally, only a small number of copies were produced. The present booklets were printed on thick, high-quality rag paper, all preserved in excellent condition. The collection includes the Fundamental Code of the Kehillah, 1737; Book of Customs of the Beis Haknesses of the Kehillah, 1759; and five other booklets with amendments to the policies and code. The Ashkenazic community in Amsterdam was founded in the early 17th century and functioned in strict accordance with community policies and codes. These codes vividly portray Jewish community life in general and the policies and orders of the shul specifically. In 1737, the community printed a detailed Book of Regulations containing 102 clauses. In the final clause it was stated that according to the needs of the time, the regulations could be altered, added to, or reduced. Indeed, from time to time, the gabbaim and community leaders would convene to amend the regulations and would publish their decisions in small printed booklets. This volume is the personal copy of the community's tzedakah gabbai, Rabbi Ziskind Ranz. It was bound for him in an ornate red leather binding with clasps. His name and the emblem of the community — a Magen David with the letters .ק.א.א [=Kehillas Ashkenazim Amsterdam] — are engraved on the cover in gilded letters, and decorated with images of angels holding a crown and numerous gilt ornaments. On the back cover appears the printer Proops’ emblem, with gilt-edged leaves. The following is the list of booklets in order of their appearance: 1. Takanos HaKehillah D’Khal Kodesh Ashkenazim Asher B’Amsterdam. Amsterdam, 1737 . [4], 33 leaves. Printed at the behest of community leaders, officers, patrons and gabbaim. 2. Seder Hanhagas Beis Kaknesses Mikol Haminhagim shel Beis Haknesses Mikol Hashanah. Amsterdam, 1759. 6, [1] leaf. Title page printed partially in red ink. 3. Amendment to Community Regulations. Amsterdam, 1759. 4 leaves. 4. Regulations and Amendments on Amendment 35 . Amsterdam, 1752. [3] leaves. 5. Translat Meine Herren... Amsterdam, 1759 . Single folded page. 6. Amendment to Correction no. 43 of Community Regulations. Amsterdam, 1758 . [2] leaves. 7. Amendment to Community Regulations. Amsterdam, 1765 . [4] leaves. Amsterdam: 1737–1765. Page Count: Total of 61 leaves. Size: 15.3 cm. Additional information: The booklets were printed in German Yiddish interspersed with Hebrew words and phrases. Condition: In the first booklet, several leaves are trimmed at the margins up to the edge of the text; upper clasp missing.