Diskuhrs [weekly polemical pamphlets between two warring Dutch communities]

A lengthy series of lampoons issued as an extension of the rivalry between the Old and New Kehillehs of the Aschkenazi community in Amsterdam.The Neie Kehille (New Congregation) Adath Yeshurun first established itself in Amsterdam in 1796. Along with instituting a number of changes to synagogue style, the New Congregation angered the Alte Kehille (Old Congregation) by issuing regulations that excluded the jurisdiction of the Parnassim from the actions of members within civil life. A reflection of the increasing bitterness between each side was the weekly appearance of these”Diskuhrs” pamphlets. Written in the style of travelers’ tales, containing crude, but clever satirical attacks upon the other side, these contentious pamphlets represent a most unique literary genre and are important as a primary source for the study of the political, economic, religious and social upheaval of the period. See M. Gans, Memorbook (1977) pp. 290-3; J. Michman, De Diskursen in: Studia Rosenthaliana, Vol. 24 (1990) pp. 22-35; Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana-Treasures of Jewish Booklore (1994) pp. 86-7 (illustrated).