Appointment of Jacob Abendana

In the Name of the Blessed God.

In consideration of the fact that it is needful for the prosperity of this Kaal Kados [congregation—Ed.], which God bless, to have the service of a Haham who should teach and instruct us in the observance of His Holy Law, and there being found in this [city] Sr. Haham Iaacob Abendana, a person capable and well deserving to serve in the office, the Senhores of the Mahamad [board of governors—Ed.] resolved to summon to a meeting all the Sres Iehidim heads of houses that do not depend on the Synagogue.

And after it had been proposed and the votes taken, he came forth unanimously elected, as in his person are combined the qualities that are needed for the said effect.

And on the following day, the fifth day of the week, 18th of Ilul, the Senhores of the Mahamad met and fixed with the said Sr Haham the following conditions:

1. That he shall serve as Haham, declaring the Dinim [laws—Ed.] on the Theba [reading platform—Ed.] every day continuously.
2. He shall preach every fortnight.
3. He shall give lessons to the boys in the Prophets and to the Talmidim [students—Ed.] in Guemara [Talmud—Ed.], attending to all the other duties that pertain to the office.
4. He shall serve as Hazan [cantor—Ed.] at all the times and on all occasions that the Senhores of the Mahamad may order him.

For the which there were offered to him fifty pounds sterling every year and the house of the Synagogue for his residence, free of taxes, and his salary shall begin to run from Ros Asana [Rosh Hashanah—Ed.] of the year 5442, all of which he accepted in conformity; and may it be for the glory of the blessed God and prosperity of His Holy Law. Amen.

It is further declared that the said Senhor Haham is bound to be present in his Medras [study house—Ed.] for the above mentioned lessons from the festival of Pesah until Ros-asana from eleven in the morning until two in the afternoon and from five in the afternoon until seven, making two lessons in one day, and from Ros-asana until Pesah he will give one lesson every day from eleven in the morning until half past one.