(CIRCUMCISION RECORD-BOOK)

Germany

1830-64

Lida, David. Sod Hashem [compendium for a Mohel]. Amsterdam, 1781. 162 manuscript pages at end recording the performance of 550 circumcisions (many of well-known German-Jewish families) in numerous locations (including spa-towns) throughout Germany. Black and brown ink on paper, Aschkenazi cursive Hebrew script.

An important record of German-Jewish genealogy, as well as interesting references to Jews in America. A particularly interesting Mohel’s-book that includes details not commonly found in such a manuscript: Information concerning the traditional festive-meal following the circumcision, the professions of many fathers of the children, and the child’s secular as well as Jewish name. Many of the children listed from some of Germany’s larger cities seem to have been born into rather comfortable circumstances, given the healthy dose of professional titles recorded. Of important American interest is number 338, the birth of Samuel Sondheimer, whose father was in New York, and Pinchas Treidt (no. 520) of California. Also of note is the circumcision of the Mohel’s own son (no. 157) and the circumcision of a child from London (no. 501). Most surprising is the appearance of four children born of unwed mothers (nos. 22, 49, 280 and 434) - where full details regarding the illegitimate birth, including name of the mother is provided.