Kirchliche Verfassung der Heutigen Juden Sonderlich derer in Deutschland

BODENSCHATZ, JOHANN CHRISTOPH GEORG.

J. F. Beckers

Frankfurt & Leipzig

1748-49

FIRST EDITION. Four parts in two volumes, bound in one. Engraved frontispiece with twenty nine engraved plates of contemporary German-Jewish custom and life-style. Titles printed in red and black

Freimann 147; Rubens 590-617 (his copy lacking fig. 14 - text of Get)

Bodenschatz (1717-97) a South German Orientalist made Judaism his special study of which the present work on the “ecclesiastical constitution of the German Jews” is the most important result. "Because of its objectivity, it is a significant source for the ceremonial practices of the German Jews." See Frederick Hauck (Neue Deutsche Biographie). The work - no doubt due to the detailed engravings - did much to secure for Judaism a favorable consideration in Germany. See I. Abrahams, By-Paths in Hebraic Bookland (1920) who suggests that Bodenschatz himself is represented in the plate of the synagogue during Sabbath morning prayers, (as a hatless observer). The four parts consist of: I: The historical origin of the Jews II: Religious services and holidays of the contemporary German Jews III: Teachings and beliefs IV: Customs: food and drink, birth, marriage and death.