(LITURGY)

(Mannheim)

1791

Viduy [Last Rites]. Kathavti zoth eich she-yithnaheg be-im chas ve-shalom yikra lanu choleh, achath yasim el libo she-ein adam yode’a ito… [I wrote this, how one should comport oneself if one is taken ill, let one take to heart that no man knows when it is his time...”]

FROM THE COLLECTION OF JOSEPH GRADENWITZ. The manuscript focuses upon the Affirmation of Faith (Ani Ma’amin), followed by several Psalms to be recited on the deathbed. Includes a declaration by the Chevrah Kadisha to be recited on the New Moon of Adar, designated as a fast day for its’ members. Concludes with several pages of burial instructions, especially customs particular to the community of Mannheim, Germany. The colophon reads: “This ‘pinkas’ I wrote for the honor of the Omnipresent and in honor of my ‘mechutan’ Moses ben Leib Fulda of Mannheim. Executed by me, the insignificant Kasman ben Leib Oppenheim of Heidelburg.” Below there is an inscription: “It was given to me as a gift by the grandson of the above, Isaac (illegible).”