(KAPITCHNITZ). Pinkas Chevra Shas- Kapitchnitz [Ledger of the Society for the Study of Talmud and Mishna]

A Most Significant Manuscript. Accomplished with great Artistry and Suffused with Socio-Historical Detail and Chassidic Custom. Contains regulations, names of members, assignment of tractates to be studied, dates of siyum celebrations and records of weekly donations. The detailed regulations state that each member must annually complete at least one Talmudic tractate with a siyum to be held on the 3rd day of the month of Cheshvan, the yahrzeit of R. Yisrael of Rizhin, the founder of the dynasty. An additional siyum for the completion of the study of Mishnah was to be held on the 18th of Iyar, Lag Ba’omer. Members who did not complete their study assignment were fined for each page not studied.Participation in the gala festive meal in honor of the siyum was reserved exclusively for members - the only exception being the waiters! Nevertheless, Regulation No. 18 amends this rule stating that a special dish, “Holiptzes” (stuffed cabbage) be prepared and served exclusively by the members, even the waiters were to be sent out - a symbol of honor for the members. Thus the folk saying “v’zar lo yochal Holiptzes” (“A stranger shall not eat stuffed cabbage”). The final leaves contain reports of meetings, election of officers and the festive siyum meal. Every member was required to donate at least one book toward the society’s library. A list of these donations and a list of books purchased and the prices paid are also contained. Includes a section for “chathanim” unmarried members