Pinkas [Communal Ledger]

(AZORES)

Ponta Delgada, Saõ Miguel, Azores

1866

Printed with manuscript entries. Portuguese text

This communal ledger, a receipt-book for donations mostly to the synagogue Sahar Asamaim of Ponta Delgada contains numerous entries. Includes members of the wealthy merchant-family Bensaude; other prominent families noted are Amzalak, Bensabat and Benarus The ledger reflects the well-organized Jewish community of the Azores Islands. Whereas in the capital Lisbon, despite the presence of Jews in the mid-19th century, there was nowhere near this level of communal organization as found in the Azores. A formal charter and official government recognition were not granted to the Lisbon community until 1892