Title page, Pinkas Kehillah (community Register) Oldenzaal, Netherlands, 1899-1941. In Hebrew and Yiddish

Manuscript register book from the Jewish community of Oldenzaal, the Netherlands. Ink on paper, with original vellum binding. The title page is decorated with drawings of two cherubs standing atop columns supporting the word “Pinkas” [register book], with a crown on the top. The book, dated 561 [1800 or 1801], was made to raise funds to build a synagogue. According to the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, “a division in the community [of Oldenzaal] in 1800 led to a decision to found a second synagogue. The new house of worship was consecrated in 1802.” The first section of the book contains pages with members’ names at the top and foldable cut-out tabs to record their pledges on the Sabbath or holidays without writing. Another section of the book records well over a century–from the beginning of the nineteenth century until autumn 1941–of the members of the community selected to receive honors on holidays.

for further info: http://www.jhm.nl/culture-and-history/the-netherlands/overijssel/oldenzaal

A tabbed page with name of donor on top.The tab is folded over to note amount of donation so as not to write on the Sabbath.

Entries by year of honors given to congregation members

List of members and their donation to the synagogue