Erneuerte Ordnung… Welcher gestalt die Juden, so unter unserm Schutz wohnen, oder Wir darein inskuenfftige auffnehmen werden, sich verhalten sollen.

(GERMANY).

Darmstadt

1765

With paper seal and signed endorsement on last page, dated 17th July, 1778.

Decree concerning the terms under which Jews may expect State protection. To obtain such a letter of protection, issued to the head of a household, his wife and unmarried children, it must be agreed to the following: Recognize Christianity as the official and superior religion. * Not engage in or encourage disputes between Jews and Christians over theological matters. * Refrain from establishing new Jewish schools or synagogues and to only use only the existing ones. * Trade only in locations where there is no competition from the Christian Zuenfte (professional organizations). * Loans are only permtted at reasonable rates of interest and the loan documents must be written in the German lanuage only. * Sell goods only at the same prices that are prevalent among Christians. * Additionally: Christians may not be present at Jewish circumcision ceremonies. * Jews may not stroll in public on a Christian holiday. * Kosher slaughtering may not take place at Christian abattoirs. * Inter-Jewish crimes may not be internally adjudicated. * Rape of a Christian women by a Jew is punishable by the death penalty. * Protection money (at least 300 fl) must be paid by Jews annually.