License Authorizing Daniel da Costa Gomez to Be a Ritual Slaughterer

Samuel Mendes de Sola

1757

These letters of mine may be presented by the witnesses of the Lord, and they will be vindicated—to the effect that the young and delightful young man Daniel, whose utterances were genuine, appeared before me, and requested permission from me to perform ritual slaughter on all types of kosher poultry suitable for eating, and after I had examined…

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Creator Bio

Samuel Mendes de Sola

1699–1761
Born in Lisbon, Samuel Mendes de Sola was renowned as an orator and talmudist. He studied at a seminary in Amsterdam and initially served as rabbi in that city. He moved to Curaçao in 1744, as a rabbinic assistant, and then served as ḥakham of the local synagogue from 1749 until his death. He was a controversial figure within the Curaçao Jewish community. Disputes arose over such issues as biblical interpretation, marriage contracts, burial rights, and commercial issues. Copies of his sermons and ritual decisions still exist.

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