Pinkas ha-Takanot
Published: 1729
Place of publication: Altona, Germany
Language: heb
Subjects: Death; Judaism; Burial laws (Jewish law); Jews; History; Hebrew Manuscripts
Notes: Manuscript in Hebrew on paper in square and cursive calligraphic Ashkenazic hand.

This manuscript includes the regulations of the Ḥevra Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society) of Altona and Hamburg, with a responsum from Chief Rabbi Ezekiel Katzenellenbogen, in five sections: 1. An introduction explaining at which meetings these Takanot were adopted.--2. Records twelve Takanot concerning the workings of the Society. (No. 5: "We shall adhere to the stringent obligation of studying Torah through the night of Shavu'ot and Hoshanah Rabbah..under the penalty of a fine...yet the innocent (i.e., those with a valid excuse) are exempted by the Merciful One.").--3. Records fourteen orders of procedure relating to preparing the deceased on Yom Tov. (No. 2: "If there is a death on Yom Tov, it is prohibited to bury before Hatzot. However, if the deceased is a worthy person, it is permissible to bury him prior to the morning prayers, for his greater honor.")--4. Ten Takanot with obligations to be observed by the shamashim of the Ḥevra. (No. 3: "When a death occurs, the shamash is obligated to immediately inform the gabbai and then the other members of the Ḥevra.").--5. A responsum by the Chief Rabbi of the community, Rabbi Yehezkel Katzenellenbogen (1670-1749) responding to five halachic queries submitted by the Burial Society.

Manuscript in Hebrew on paper; written in square and cursive calligraphic Ashkenazic hand.

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Electronic reproduction. New York, N.Y. : Columbia University Libraries, 2022.

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Kestenbaum & Company, New York, sale 92, February 18, 2021, lot 5.

Binding: Recent vellum-backed marbled boards.

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