AI en Translation, Pages 201-225
Page 201
( 2 )
Among the things that indicate the admiration of the ancient Israelites for the palm tree and its abundant goodness to mankind is that the great
Psalmist likens the righteous man to a flourishing palm tree (Psalms 92:12). In the Book of Song of Songs, which is
a collection of symbolic divine poetry attributed to Solomon the Wise, the lover likens the slender stature of his beloved to a
stately palm tree with clusters (7:8).
Palm trees were used in Jewish religious rituals. Among the rituals of the Feast of Tabernacles (which is the feast
known in Iraq as the Feast of Araziel) is that the Israelite takes fresh palm fronds from the heart of the palm and shakes them in a
special way and carries them in his hand when reciting the holiday prayer as a symbol of joy and gladness. This is what they call (Lulav), and this
ritual is still followed to this day. (Leviticus 23:40).
In the era of Christ, the Jews used to carry palm fronds in their celebrations. It was mentioned in the Gospel
that the supporters of Christ spread palm fronds in his path when he entered Jerusalem for the first time (John 12:13).
Palm fronds were signs of victory carried before the victors in their processions (Revelation 7:9).
2 - In the Talmud
The Talmud is the largest and oldest encyclopedia containing Jewish laws, rituals, and traditions based on
the provisions of the Torah. A group of Jewish scholars known as the Amoraim, i.e., the editors or teachers, worked on its compilation.
There are two Talmuds: the first was compiled by the rabbis of Palestine and is called the "Jerusalem Talmud," and it was recorded in its
current form around the year 400 AD. The second, which is the larger one, was compiled by the scholars of Iraq and is called the "Babylonian Talmud."
Its recording and collection were completed between the years 400 / 500 AD.
The Jews in Iraq during the days of the Parthian state and the beginning of the Sassanid state were a community of great importance
and large numbers. Their density in the Euphrates Valley in particular was so great that some cities such as Nehardea
(near Ana), Pumbedita (Anbar), Sura (near Hillah), and other cities were composed entirely or mostly
of Jews. These groups had an independent entity within the general state entity thanks to the tolerance of the Persians, and
individuals practiced agriculture, trade, and other facilities. In the Babylonian (Iraqi) Talmud, there is a clear picture of the
agricultural life of the Jews in the eras preceding the Islamic conquest. It is natural that this book contains general
information on palms and dates, from which we extract the following:-
Palm trees were the most famous and important fruit trees in Iraq, growing there in abundance. Palm forests
were so numerous that they gave their fruit without the farmer's care, meaning they grew naturally.
(Jerusalem Yebamot 15-3)
In some places, palm forests extended for many miles. Two scholars from the fourth century
AD relate that while they were on a tour around Iraq, they heard from some farmers that there is a type of date
called "Sanyata" dating back to the days of Adam.
(Berakhot 31a, Sotah 46b)
In the time of Emperor Julian (331-363 AD), the region of Mesene in the lower Euphrates was an
endless forest of palm trees.
(To be continued)
Page 202
( 3 )
Funk: Die Juden in Babylonien I. 14.
According to what the Talmud relates, there were two types of palm trees in Iraq - the good Persian type and the
Aramaic type, which was of lesser quality. Therefore, it was used as fodder for livestock.
(Shabbat 143a)
The finest type of Persian palm dates was called (Qasba). Despite the abundance of palm trees and their low price,
the value of three palm trees of this variety was estimated at one hundred dirhams.
(Baba Kamma 58b and 59a)
Prominent people used to enjoy Qasba dates for their high quality.
(Megillah 7b)
Palm groves were scattered in the suburbs of cities and their streets. The streets of Sura were decorated with palm trees.
(Eruvin 15a)
In the courtyards of large houses, there were a number of palm trees; in fact, in some houses, palm trees grew inside
the rooms, their trunks piercing the ceilings to provide shade on the roofs.
(Eruvin 101a)
Poor people lived in huts made of palm fronds.
(Eruvin 55b)
Among the interesting stories told is that one of the rabbis of Palestine named Ulla visited Iraq for the first time in search of knowledge.
He bought a basket full of good dates for one dirham. His astonishment at this was great, and he said: "How strange it is
that the Jews of Iraq should turn to the pursuit of knowledge when a basket of dates is sold among them for a dirham."
(Pesachim 88, Taanit 9)
Among what is related about this Ulla is his saying: "God exiled the Jews to Babylon so that they might eat dates and occupy themselves
with the pursuit of knowledge."
(Pesachim 87b)
We see some scholars interpreting the saying of the Prophet Jeremiah that God exiled the Jews to Babylon for their own good
(29-11) as symbolizing the abundance of dates and flax in this region and their low price, which eased the
burden of living for the captive Jews.
(Taanit 29b)
Despite the cheapness of dates and the abundance of palm trees, they brought their owners great wealth. It is related that one of them
owned a palm tree of the Persian type whose fruit brought him enough money to pay the land tax (Kharaj) due from him
for one year.
(Eruvin 101a)
One of the Talmudic rabbis, Rabbah bar bar Hana, advises guardians of the property of minors to invest it in palm
groves, considering that their profits are guaranteed.
(Baba Batra 52a)
(To be continued)
Page 205
( 2 )
Among the things that indicate the admiration of the ancient Israelites for the palm tree and its abundant goodness to mankind is that the
greatest poet of the Psalms likens the righteous man to a flourishing palm tree (Psalms 92:12). In the Book of Song of Songs, which is
a collection of divine symbolic poetry beloved by Solomon the Wise, the lover likens the slender stature of his beloved to a
lofty palm tree with clusters of fruit (7:8).
Palm trees were used in Jewish religious rituals. In the rituals of the Feast of Tabernacles (which is the feast
known in Iraq as the Feast of Araziel), the Israeli takes fresh fronds from the heart of the palm and braids them in a
special way and carries them in his hand when reciting the holiday prayer as a symbol of joy and gladness. This is what they call (Lulav), and this
ritual is still followed to this day. (Leviticus 23:40).
In the era of Christ, the Jews carried palm fronds in their celebrations. It was mentioned in the Gospel
that the supporters of Christ spread palm fronds in his path when he entered Jerusalem for the first time (John 12:13).
Palm fronds were signs of victory carried before the victors in their processions (Revelation 7:9).
2 - In the Talmud
The Talmud is the largest and oldest encyclopedia containing Jewish laws, rituals, and traditions based on
the rulings of the Torah. A group of Jewish scholars known as the Amoraim, meaning the modernists or teachers, worked on its compilation.
There are two Talmuds: the first was compiled by the rabbis of Palestine and is called the "Jerusalem Talmud," and it was recorded in its
current form around 458 AD. The second, which is the larger one, was compiled by the scholars of Iraq and is called the "Babylonian Talmud."
Its recording and collection were completed between the years 400 / 500 AD.
The Jews in Iraq during the days of the Parthian state and the beginning of the Sassanid state were a community of great importance
and large numbers. Their density in the Euphrates Valley in particular was so great that some cities such as Nehardea
(near Hit), Pumbedita (Anbar), Sura (near Hillah), and other cities were composed entirely or mostly
of Jews. These groups had an independent entity within the general state entity thanks to the tolerance of the Persians, and
individuals practiced agriculture, trade, and other facilities. In the Babylonian (Iraqi) Talmud, there is a clear picture of
Jewish agricultural life in the eras preceding the Islamic conquest, and it is natural that this book contains general
information on palms and dates, from which we extract the following:-
Palm trees were the most famous and important fruit trees in Iraq, growing there in abundance. Palm forests
were so numerous that their soil was called the city of the farmer's gift, meaning they grew naturally.
(Jerusalemite Yevamot 5-3)
In some places, palm forests extended for many miles. Two scholars from the fourth century
AD relate that while they were on a tour around Iraq, they heard from some farmers that there is a type of date
called "Saniyah" whose history dates back to the days of Adam.
(Berakhot 34b, Sotah 46b)
In the time of Emperor Julian (331 - 63 AD), the region of Maysan in the Lower Euphrates was an
endless forest of palm trees.
(⟦Follows⟧)
Page 206
( 3 )
Funk: Die Juden in Babylon I. 14.
According to what the Talmud narrates, there were two types of palm trees in Iraq: the good Persian type and the
Aramaic type, which was of lower quality. Therefore, it was used as fodder for livestock.
(Ketubot 143a)
The finest type of Persian palm dates was called (Qasba). Despite the abundance and cheapness of palm trees,
three palm trees of this variety were sold for a value of one hundred dirhams.
(Baba Kamma 58b, 59a)
Prominent people used to trade in Qasba dates due to their high quality.
(Megillah 7b)
Palm groves were scattered in the suburbs and streets of the cities. The streets of Sura were decorated with palm trees.
(Eruvin 61a)
In the courtyards of large houses, there were a number of palm trees; in fact, in some houses, palm trees grew inside
the rooms, their trunks piercing the ceilings to overlook the roofs.
(Eruvin 100a)
Poor people lived in huts made of palm fronds.
(Eruvin 55b)
Among the interesting stories told is that one of the rabbis of Palestine named "Hillel" visited Iraq for the first time in search of knowledge.
He bought a basket full of dates for one dirham. His astonishment at this was great, and he said: Is it strange
that the Jews of Iraq devote themselves to seeking knowledge if a basket of dates is sold among them for a dirham?
(Ta'anit 9a, Ta'anit 88)
Among what is narrated about this "Hillel" is his saying: God exiled the Jews to Babylon so they could eat dates and occupy themselves
with seeking knowledge.
(Pesachim 87b)
We see some scholars interpreting the saying of the Prophet Jeremiah that God exiled the Jews to Babylon for their own good
(24-11) that this symbolizes the abundance of dates and flax in this region and their cheapness, which eases for the
afflicted Jews the burdens of living.
(Ta'anit 29b)
Despite the cheapness of dates and the abundance of palm trees, they generated great wealth for their owners. It is narrated that one of them
owned a palm tree of the Persian type whose fruit brought him enough money to pay the land tax due from him
for one year.
(Eruvin 51a)
One of the Talmudic rabbis, Rav, advises the guardians of the property of minors to invest it in palm
fields because their profits are guaranteed.
(Baba Batra 52a)
(To be continued)
Page 207
( 4 )
Others advise husbands who want to invest their wives' dowries to do so in the following order
according to their importance:-
Agricultural real estate, residential houses, palm groves and vineyards.
(Ketubot 79a)
Rav, the leader of the Talmudic scholars, ruled that it is not permissible to cut down a palm tree whose yield exceeds a kav of dates.
(Bava Batra 26a)
In Jewish rituals, date syrup (silan) occupies the same status as dates.
(Berakhot 38a)
The Talmud lists the nutritional health benefits of dates, including the saying of one of the scholars:-
Whoever eats dates after every meal is like one who has closed his door and secured its lock with a bolt.
And the saying of one of them:-
Dates have advantages:- they satisfy the stomach, warm the body, soften the intestines, and nourish the body
without exhausting it.
(Ketubot - 10)
Among the interesting ancient stories passed down by the Jews:-
One of them asked a Jew from Iraq:-
- What are the most important fruits for you?
- Dates.
- Then what?
- Dates also.
- And how is that?
- Because the palm tree provides shade with its fronds, and from its trunk we make roofs and pillars for our houses, and from it and its branches we take our fuel,
and we make from it beds, ropes, and all other vessels and furniture. We take dates as a nutritious food and we make from its leftovers
what satisfies us, and we make from it honey and wine, in addition to other countless benefits. Is there any fruit after this?
⟦line⟧
14
Page 208
Palm Trees and Dates in the Bible and the Talmud
Collected by Ezra Haddad
The Hebrew word "Tamar תמר" with its plural (Tamarim) conveys the meaning of both palm trees and dates together. The
mention of the palm tree and its fruit appeared in the oldest Jewish books and legends. In the Torah and the Bible, as well as in
the Talmud, which is the greatest source of Jewish jurisprudence, rituals, and traditions, there is much evidence of the palm tree's status
and importance in both religious rituals and daily life alike.
1 - In the Bible
There is much evidence that the ancient Hebrews knew the palm tree and especially admired
the straightness of its trunk and the beauty of its shape and its perfect stature in the joy of the branches. Some of them would name their daughter "Tamar"
as a metaphor for beauty and moderation of stature (Genesis 38:6, Samuel 13:1 and 14:27).
We do not have any evidence that the ancient Hebrews (the Children of Israel) knew the palm tree during
their stay in Egypt in the days of Pharaoh. The first time the palm tree was mentioned in the Bible was after the Exodus of the Children
of Israel from the land of Egypt and their entry into the wilderness of the Tih in the Sinai Peninsula. They pitched their tents in
an oasis called Elim (geographers believe it is Wadi Gharandal) where they found twelve springs of water
and seventy palm trees (Exodus 15:27). Their keenness to record the number of these palm trees should be seen as evidence
of their amazement at this tree.
It appears that Palestine in those eras was abundant in palm trees, especially in the Jordan Valley region. For
Jericho, located by the Dead Sea, was called the "City of Palm Trees" עיר התמרים (Deuteronomy 34:3).
The city of Ein Gedi, located on the western shore of this sea, was anciently called Hazezon-tamar
חצצן תמר (Joshua). The wise Deborah used to sit for judgment among the people under the trunk of a palm tree that
was known by her name in Bethel (Judges 4:5).
It appears that some ancient Palestinian tribes used to worship an idol in the shape of a palm tree called
(Baal-tamar) (Judges 20:33). It is said that the ancient Phoenicians used to worship Ashtoreth in the form of
a palm tree called in the Bible "Asherah," meaning the pole (Deuteronomy 24:3).
In the Bible, the date or its juice "molasses" is considered one of the seven excellent fruits (Deuteronomy
8:8).
Archaeologists have discovered ancient Jewish coins with the image of a palm tree on them. Among the fine Roman antiquities are
coins depicting the figure of an Israelite girl sitting under the trunk of a palm tree weeping, and near her a Roman soldier
carrying a spear in his hand, as a metaphor for the Roman takeover of Jerusalem in the days of Caesar Titus in the year 70 AD.
Although the Mosaic Law forbids images and statues in Israeli temples,
the walls of Solomon's Temple were covered with cedar wood engraved with images representing palm trees (1 Kings 6:32).
(To be continued)
Page 209
( 2 )
Among the things that indicate the ancient Israelites' admiration for the palm tree and their comparison of steadfastness against abandonment to it
The Great Psalms compare the righteous man to a flourishing palm tree (Psalms 92:12). In the Book of Song of Songs, which is
a collection of symbolic divine poetry attributed to Solomon the Wise, the beloved compares the slender stature of his beloved to a palm tree
with clusters (7:8).
The palm was used in Jewish religious rituals. Among the rituals of the Feast of Tabernacles (which is the feast
known in Iraq as the Feast of Mrazel) is for the Israelite to take fresh fronds from the heart of the palm and braid them in a
special way and carry them in his hand when reciting the holiday prayer as a symbol of joy and pleasure, which is what they call (Lulav), and this
ritual is still followed to this day. (Leviticus 23:40).
In the era of Christ, the Jews used to carry palm fronds in their celebrations. It was mentioned in the Gospel
that the supporters of Christ spread palm fronds in his path when he entered Jerusalem for the first time (John 12:13).
The palm frond was one of the signs of victory carried before the victors in their processions (Revelation 7:9).
2 - In the Talmud
The Talmud is the largest and oldest encyclopedia containing Jewish laws and traditions based on
the rulings of the Torah. A group of Jewish scholars known as the Amoraim, i.e., the interpreters or teachers, worked on its creation.
It consists of two Talmuds: the first was composed by the rabbis of Palestine and is called the "Jerusalem Talmud," and it was recorded in its
current form around the year 398 AD. The second, which is the larger one, was composed by the scholars of Iraq and is called the "Babylonian Talmud."
The completion of its recording and collection was between the years 499 / 500 AD.
The Jews in Iraq during the days of the Parthian state and the beginning of the Sassanid state were a community of great importance
and rich in numbers. Their density was mostly in the Euphrates Valley, where some cities such as Nehardea
(Buar'a), Pumbedita (Anbar), Sura (near Hillah), and other cities were composed entirely or mostly
of Jews. These groups had an independent entity within the general state entity thanks to the Fayrouzkan system.
Individuals practiced agriculture, trade, and other facilities. In the Babylonian (Iraqi) Talmud, there is a clear picture of the life
of the agricultural Jews in the eras preceding the Islamic conquest, and this book should contain important information
on palms and dates, summarized as follows:
Palm trees were the most famous and important fruit trees in Iraq, available in abundance. The palm trees
due to their abundance, watered themselves without the farmer's care, meaning they grew naturally.
(Jerusalem Pe'ah 5:1)
In some places, palm forests extended for many miles. Two scholars from the fourth century
AD relate that while they were on a tour around Iraq, they heard from some farmers that there is a type of date
called "Munifa" dating back to the days of Adam.
(Berakhot 31, Sotah 46b)
In the time of Emperor Julian (331 - 363 AD), the region of Maysan in the Lower Euphrates was an
endless forest of palm trees.
( To be continued )
Page 212
My dear Salim Edwar
I present this letter to you as a petitioner
I request ⟦assistance⟧ for some
⟦poor person⟧ as he is poor
and has no one to look
into matters such as this | case
⟦Yacoub⟧
1949/9/10
Submitted to the Awqaf
Page 213
Baghdad 9th February, 1949
To:
Mr. Sassoon S. Abed,
Director of Messrs. K. & E.M. Lawee, Ltd.,
Baghdad.
Sir,
I beg to bring to your kind consideration the following
few lines.
I am an Indian Jew, and stranger in this city, I lost
my wife about 2 years ago and I have no body to look at me.
I was working in the NAAFI for 24 years as a clerk, and
I became unfit for duty on account of my eye sight and I became
an Iraqi subject on 1936 and I am now for about 3 years without
employment. I came by this application asking your kindness
to help me either to send me to India or else give me whatever
you can as a help and for which act of kindness I shall ever
pray God for your long life and prosperity.
Hoping to receive a favourable reply and thanking you
in advance.
I beg to remain,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
⟦illegible signature⟧
Moshi Haroon Rouben,
Abbass Eff. House No. 6/95
Dulay 10 ⟦illegible⟧
Reference
Member of Eve
Data chart p
The previous company in detail
Mr. ⟦illegible⟧
c/o ⟦illegible⟧
Page 215
On 1/16/1949
The Honorable Mr. Nassim Ezra Gitayat, Respectfully
Greetings and respect,
Furthermore, your commendable generosity on the occasion of donating a
large iron cabinet for preserving files, along with a small iron cabinet and an iron base
to be added to the furniture of the Community Presidency, has had a profound impact on me. Your kindness
will contribute to presenting the headquarters of the Community Presidency in a manner befitting it.
In view of this kind gesture of yours, I can only offer
to you my sincere thanks and appreciation, with my wishes for your continued success
and prosperity.
Please accept the highest expressions of respect.
Sincerely,
⟦Sassoon⟧
Head of the Community
For filing
For filing
⟦illegible⟧ A/1
The necessary entries have been made in the furniture register
⟦signature⟧
Accountant
1/21
Page 216
Alliance Alumni Club * Baghdad
The Alliance Postgraduates Club
Telephone :: 4703
Telephone :: 4703
No.:
Alwiyah:
ALWIYAH:
Baghdad on: February 8, 1949
Baghdad,:
His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, the respected
President of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
After greetings and respect
The Administrative Board of the Alliance Alumni Club wishes to gather the club members at the
Community headquarters at four o'clock on the evening of Sunday, February 27, 1949. If a
quorum is not reached, the appointment will be on Sunday, March 6, 1949, for the purpose of electing
the Administrative Board for the year 1949, given that the club building is occupied, as is not hidden from your Eminence, by
our refugee brothers.
I hope you will kindly agree to hold this meeting at your premises. To your Eminence, much thanks and respect;
⟦signature⟧
Secretary
For filing
Advances
A/1
1/31/1953 ⟦G⟧
Gentlemen of the Management Committee of Masouda Salman School, respected
Subject: Compensation
Based on Article Six of the employment contract concluded between me and
the aforementioned school, and since I have left the service at the aforementioned school
due to resignation, I request your kind approval to pay the compensation due to me
for my period of service at the aforementioned school, which amounts to ⟦15⟧ years and six months,
noting that I was receiving a monthly salary of ⟦15⟧ dinars with
allowances amounting to ten dinars, and thus my total monthly salary is
twenty-five dinars. With many thanks to you.
Petitioner ⟦Nazha⟧ Ibrahim Salman
Accountant
For auditing
Accounting Department
According to the instructions in the new employment system
⟦Signature⟧
2/1
⟦Pay⟧
⟦Signature⟧
⟦Issued⟧
⟦Number⟧
⟦Date⟧
Page 218
⟦I received⟧ from the Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
one copy of the eighth part of the second volume of the collection
of unified Iraqi laws and regulations, and for this reason I have signed.
⟦Signature⟧
4/6/49
First Clerk
for the Court of Cassation of the Jewish Community
in Baghdad
Page 219
Abrahim H. Ezra
1959 Napa Ave.
Berkeley, California
U.S.A.
Berkeley on March 10, ⟦1959⟧
His Eminence Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, the respected
President of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Sir,
I am Ibrahim Hayyim Ezra. My mother, Mrs. Nazhat Yaqub Al-Kabir, residing in India,
daughter of Mr. Nassim Yaqub Al-Kabir, has a share of the inheritance left by her late uncle Moshe
Yaqub Al-Kabir from the Torah neighborhood, who died about two years ago in Baghdad.
About a year and a half ago, I sent a letter to the guardian of minors, Mr. Ezra Abdullah
Yaqub Al-Kabir (the nephew of the deceased) residing in the Torah neighborhood, on behalf of my mother, but this
letter was refused by the manager responsible for the inheritance for a reason I do not know. Enclosed you will find
the rejected letter.
I ask your eminence to investigate this matter with Mr. Ezra Abdullah
Yaqub Al-Kabir and send the answer to my mother's address listed below with an explanation of the methods that
she must follow to obtain her right from the inheritance. And please inform me of the result of the investigations.
With much thanks and respect, Sir,
The Claimant
Ibrahim Hayyim Ezra
Berkeley - California
Mother's address:
Mrs. M. S. Ezra
2 Draper Lane
Calcutta, India
To the Committee
⟦illegible⟧
1/10
Page 220
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of the late Rabbi Moshe Abraham, His Eminence
the President of the Community, Rabbi Sassoon Khedouri, will deliver a religious speech at four o'clock in the
afternoon today at the Ezra Daoud Synagogue in Al-Bataween.
16 / April
⟦line⟧
For filing - Miscellaneous
4/12
A. A.
Page 224
I present myself, and my hope is secret
My Lord, His Eminence the Rabbi Mr. ⟦Sassoon Khadhuri⟧, the respected
Heartfelt congratulations to this people on your happy holiday
May God ⟦return it⟧ to you with prosperity, blessing, and long life
I wished to visit you for the first time in my life
With these poetic verses, as I am an employee
Dismissed, and the period of dismissal has ended; I came for my reinstatement
To service and was promised good, and in a few days I will be reinstated
God willing
However, as a stranger, I need some
Money, therefore I relied [on others], but I was unable
And I became weary, distress overcame me, and I feared life
So I took this path ((temporarily))
So permit me, my lord, for this audacity
Your loyal servant
Abdul-Amir Ahmed
Page 225
⟦...⟧ / ⟦...⟧ / ⟦...⟧
⟦To the Honorable President of the Physical Council⟧
⟦Submitted to you by Saleh Qurban⟧
⟦In my capacity as an employee at the school⟧
⟦Pursuant to the decision taken⟧
⟦I request your kind approval⟧
⟦To disburse the amount due⟧
⟦To me for the month of⟧ ⟦...⟧
⟦With many thanks to you⟧
⟦Sincerely⟧
⟦Saleh Qurban⟧