Sample Sources
The sources below are those contained in our three curated collections—covering themes of Passover, Gender Roles, and Holocaust Resistance. They represent a fraction of the thousands of sources that will be available when the full site launches in 2024.
Decree: On Bridal Processions
Text endorsing regulations concerning the playing of instrumental music and other entertainments, and the night-time bridal procession, drafted by me with the powerful endorsement of the sages—may…
Livro de ascamot (Book of Regulations): On a Banned Book
In meetings of the community’s Mahamad [board of governors], past and present, discussions were held about a book that Gideon [Abudiente] ordered printed concerning the…
Takkanot (Regulations)
Regarding Torah study it should be thus. Each one shall ensure that he learn what he can for at least one hour each day or pay a rabbi for this purpose. If he cannot, he should read the godly books…
Otsar ha-ḥayim (Treasury of Life)
On the preservation of one’s health when going to sleep and upon awakening. Our master, of blessed memory, wrote the following in laws 4 and 5 [Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Sefer ha-mada, hilkhot de‘ot…
Regulations: On the Education of Bar Mitzvah Boys
The Messrs. Parnassim of T: T: [Talmud Torah—Ed.] having disclosed to the gentlemen of the Mahamad [board of governors—Ed.] and councillors the liberty which the students…
Ari nohem (Roaring Lion)
Why this knowledge, which is called “the science of kabbalah” [ḥokhmat ha-kabbalah] contradicts itself, and each one of these names (i.e., “science” and “kabbalah”) is not suitable to it…
Deed of Mediation between Husband and Wife
With the Almighty’s assistance.It having been the case that the esteemed and exalted R. Joseph Fico, may his Rock and Redeemer protect him, has been perpetually quarreling with his esteemed wife, Mrs…
Responsum: On Printed Megilot (Scrolls of) Esther
Question: . . . When Rabbi Joseph Ottolenghi was visiting this land, he told me that he printed sixteen megillot on parchment prepared for this purpose [i.e., to be used for the scrolls—Ed.]. When I…
A Tale of Mainz
I’ve been told that years ago a rich man lived in Mainz as a leader of the Jewish community. He had a beautiful wife, who, however, died, leaving him their son. A short time…
Tombstone Inscriptions (Padua)
What shall the passive and lackluster do
if the pious and accomplished are swiftly felled by angels?
Quake, nations, and rich and poor fear ye the judgment day.
When the…
The Exploits of Moses
I shall begin by praising the True One
who in six days created the whole entire world
and on the seventh day He ceased work and rested.
Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His…
Sefer ha-tsava’ah (Book of the Testament): Rituals on Dying and Mourning
My beloved wife Esther Sheindel, may you live long, since we, on account of our affection, once made a pact, as it were, that if one of us dies, the other should implore God’s mercy for the other to…