A Collection of Pinkasim (Communal Ledgers) of Various Synagogues and Community Organizations. 32 volumes. With related printed material

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

New York

End 19th- early 20th-century

Texts in Yiddish, English and German

An historic, archival trove of ledgers, receipt books and record books from over a dozen synagogues and organizations located in New York's Lower East Side and Brooklyn. The Pinkas Books provide an intimate view of social and religious life within communities of differing religious loyalties. Contents include synagogue and devotional affairs, appointments of Rabbis, charitable projects, political and financial matters, minutes of meetings, etc. Of particular note are humanitarian activities during times of War in Europe. Among the synagogues and institutions included are: Congregation Shevet Achim Anshei Slonim, Slutsker Ladies Aid Society, Congregation Anshei Slutsk, Rabbi Jacob David Hebrew School, New Montefiore Cemetery, Progressive Ladies Club, First Izbitzer Benevolent Society, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Torah Fund, Rozwadover Chevra Bnei Moshe Horowitz etc. Of particular note is an Ezrath Torah Ledger (1919-1921) containing important records of contributions and information pertaining to hundreds of far-flung communities, their Rabbis and community leaders. Also present in the Lot is the Ledger of the Agudath Harabonim - Union of Orthodox Rabbis in New York from the years 1920-26, displaying the pivotal role it played concerning a great many religious and social issues facing American Jewry, especially concerning Kashruth supervision and the production and sale of wine during the Prohibition Era