Ferdinando. Per la gratia di Dio [Confirmation of Privileges of the Community and the bankers by Duke Ferdinando]

Cardinal Ferdinando succeeded his brother Francesco II, to the Duchy of Mantua following the latter’s death on December 22nd 1612. The Jewish community sent a delegation to welcome the new Duke and, as was customary, request that he reconfirm their rights. The Jews of Italy had “contracts” or “charters” with the Authorities that contained their privileges, rights and obligations. The contracts were generally limited to a period of a few years. Upon the succession of a new Rulers of State, it was necessary to reconfirm such understandings. The confirmation of privileges of the community and the bankers by Ferdinando was apparently the subject of protracted negotiations. Ferdinando was interested in the renewal of the charters rather than their reconfirmation, despite the fact that they were valid until 1616. It was finally agreed that the Duke confirm the charters of his predecessors only. A payment of 2000 scudi was required for this reconfirmation of the rights of Jews. The privileges promised the Jews freedom of worship, exempted them from certain taxes, allowed them to settle in the state, lend money at interest and engage in commerce and trade. The Jews for their part as Bankers undertook to provide the population with credit, make payments to the authorities and observe the laws of the state. See: S. Simonsohn, History of the Jews in the Duchy of Mantua (1977), pp. 44-5 and 99