AI en Translation, Pages 26-50
Page 26
The Hakham Bashi
of the Israelite Community in Baghdad
Number :: ⟦474/C⟧
Date :: 26 February 929
Telephone Number: 200 Central
To the Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
Greetings and respect. Do not think me a nuisance to your presence, nor a burden upon your honorable council body with this letter of mine,
which present circumstances drive me to write, and circumstances have mandatory rulings that must have their effect.
The previous council entrusted me with the duties of the Acting Hakham Bashi on February 6, 928, then
unfortunate crises occurred in the administration of the community since that date, so it was not possible to look into
the matter of my salary, which was and still is less than the salary of my predecessor, Hakham Ezra D. Nakkour.
And now the period in which I have occupied the Acting Hakham Bashi position will be, until the ratification of
the new budget at the end of March, fourteen months. So why this reduction, and have
the means of living and the demands of social life dropped in price, or what?
This important position that was placed upon my shoulders has made expenses take - by nature
of the situation - another form, whether in terms of housing or other expenses.
Therefore, I saw no alternative but to demand with my own tongue, after I saw that your honorable council's
many preoccupations do not allow it to remember such a case, that you look into the matter of the reduction that has befallen
me.
I have firm hope that the honorable council will see it as its duty to fulfill one of three matters:
Which are either allocating an addition to the salary starting from the date of appointment, i.e., fourteen months ago,
in fulfillment of the acting salary, or deciding this addition for the account of house rent, or as other assistance as happened
previously, in the amount of two thousand rupees.
I hope to present this request of mine to the members of the honorable council in the first upcoming session;
Acting Hakham Bashi
To the Council
27/2/29
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
D/ ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧
363 N for the year 21
21 ⟦illegible⟧ Revocation of Iraqi Nationality
811
President
Council of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
363 N / 3 / 61 in your letter numbered ⟦illegible⟧ and dated ⟦illegible⟧
Regarding the revocation of Iraqi nationality for the person named ⟦illegible⟧ Isaac Ibrahim Isaac Al-Jarad
On 4 Oct (1951) his nationality was revoked
⟦illegible⟧
On behalf of the General Directorate of Travel and Nationality
Page 27
Administration of the Lay Council
of the Israelite Community
Baghdad
Number: 65 / JS / 929
Date: 4 March 929
His Eminence the Honorable Acting Hakham Bashi
Baghdad
Telephone Number: 200 Central
Subject: Assistance for His Eminence the Acting Hakham Bashi and increasing his salary
With reference to your letter No. 372 / J dated 27 / 2 / 929, which explained
the financial hardship that has surrounded your Eminence since you took the Acting Hakham Bashi position
upon yourself, and based on the Council's confidence in the validity and merit of your request, it decided in its session
held on 3 March 929:
1) To grant your Eminence the sum of one thousand rupees as assistance for the increase in private expenses that
you incurred after assuming the Acting Hakham Bashi position.
2) To increase your monthly salary by one hundred rupees, making it four hundred and twenty-five rupees, effective
from the first of March 929.
With respect to your Eminence,
⟦signature⟧
Vice President of the Lay Council
⟦illegible⟧
Page 28
Diwan of the Council of Ministers
Number 1247
Date: May 28, 949
Number: ⟦S/828⟧
Date: ⟦May 4, 949⟧
His Excellency the Acting Hakham Bashi, respected
Baghdad
After greetings,
His Excellency the Prime Minister has reviewed your letter No. 464/J dated April 21, 1949,
and the letter from the Acting President of the Spiritual Council, in which you were informed that the said Council
has taken a decision to dismiss you from your current position. His Excellency also reviewed several petitions addressed
by members of the Spiritual Council and some members of the Mosaic community to His Majesty
and the Office of the Prime Minister, which include a request for your dismissal from your post due to accusations of acts said to be contrary
to the provisions of Israeli religious law.
His Excellency has instructed me to state that all matters pertaining to the position of the Hakham Bashi and his appointment
are subject to the provisions of the Hakhamkhana Regulation dated 23 Shawwal 1281, and that any action
taken in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this regulation cannot be recognized, nor is it permissible
for the government to consider it legal. Article 12 of the regulation stipulates that the dismissal
of the Hakham Bashi is the responsibility of the Spiritual and Temporal Councils, and that if such
an accusation occurs, the Temporal Council shall refer the matter to the Prime Minister's Office, and when the Office
of the Presidency orders it, the two councils shall meet jointly to issue the necessary decision ⟦line⟧ etc.
Based on the above, the Spiritual Council should have taken a decision of accusation and not
of dismissal, and sent that in a letter to the Temporal Council to mediate by presenting the matter to the Prime
Minister's Office according to the procedures. Since it appears that the said Council did not follow the provisions of the regulation
in its procedures, the government cannot commit to any action based on the decision it took in
this regard or the petitions submitted by some members of the community.
His Excellency the Prime Minister requests that you deposit a copy of this letter with both the Spiritual
and Temporal Councils for their information.
(Signature)
Secretary of the Council of Ministers
Copy to:
Ministry of Justice, with reference to its letter No. 7/1/191 dated
16 / 5 / ⟦29⟧ for information.
True copy
⟦illegible signature⟧
Record No. / P : ⟦illegible⟧
File No. : ⟦illegible⟧
Record No. / P : ⟦illegible⟧
File No. : ⟦illegible⟧
Record No. / P : ⟦illegible⟧
Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
The Lay Council
In the year 1956 : ⟦illegible⟧
It was decided in session 12 held on 1/27/1956 and based on the report of the Finance Committee and the letter
of the Income Tax Department No. ⟦illegible⟧ on 1/25/1956 regarding the assessment of income tax for the year 1954
imposed on the Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad amounting to ⟦illegible⟧ Dinars
And then the Presidency of the Community initiated the legal procedures
The Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad has decided the following: and then
And then 6/26/1956 in session 276 and based on the report of the Finance Committee
And after reviewing the request submitted by Mr. ⟦illegible⟧ regarding the reduction of the tax imposed on him
based on his difficult financial circumstances and his health condition which does not allow him to pay the mentioned amount
In session 276 on ⟦illegible⟧ it was decided as follows:
1) Based on the decision of the Lay Council in the mentioned session, it was decided to exempt him from paying an amount of (
Dinars from the original amount imposed on him, which is ⟦illegible⟧ Dinars
2) Installment of the remaining amount of ⟦illegible⟧ Dinars in the form of equal monthly installments
In session 276 on ⟦illegible⟧
3) Notifying him of the decision to take the necessary action
Presidency of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
(Signature)
President of the Lay Council
Page 29
Chief Rabbi
The Jewish Community: Baghdad
The Chief Rabbi
of The Jewish Community,
Baghdad
Telephone 200 Central
Telephone : 200 Central.
Number: 4/500
No.:
Date: 28 May 929
Date:
Subject
To the Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
After greetings, based on the instructions of His Excellency the Prime Minister, we present to you
attached a true copy of the letter received by us from His Excellency's secretary dated 28 May
929 and number 1247, which stated the non-consideration of the decision taken by the
Spiritual Council regarding my dismissal from the Acting Chief Rabbinate and the petitions and regulations submitted regarding this
matter due to their non-compliance with the Rabbinate system. We hope you take note of it.
With respect to you,
⟦seal⟧
Acting Chief Rabbi
A copy of it to each of the honorable members of the Lay and Spiritual Councils
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad
Number ⟦...⟧
Date 20 / 5 / 929
Issue Number ⟦...⟧
To be filed
To ⟦...⟧
6/16
29
The Lay Council of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
Number 144/7361
Date April 23, 1958
To the Honorable Chairman of the Minors' Property Management Committee
Respected
Subject: Estate of the deceased ⟦Salim⟧
The Council decided in its session held on April 16, 1958, to approve your request numbered
144/7361 and dated April 14, 1958, regarding the disbursement of an amount of 2631 Dinars
to the person named ⟦Salim⟧ from the estate of his deceased father ⟦Salim⟧, in order to settle the debts owed by
the aforementioned estate amounting to ⟦...⟧ Dinars according to the lists attached to your aforementioned request
provided that the disbursement is carried out under the supervision of the specialized committee and that we are provided with the formal receipts confirming the disbursement
in accordance with the laws and instructions in force.
The Council also decided to approve the disbursement of an amount of ⟦...⟧ Dinars monthly to the person named ⟦Salim⟧
starting from April 1, 1958, until March 31, 1959, in exchange for his management of the assets of
the aforementioned estate, supervising them, and preserving them from damage and loss, and according to
the responsibilities placed upon him by the aforementioned Council decision. Provided that the disbursement is made
under formal receipts signed by him and certified by the specialized committee in the aforementioned
Council. Please provide us with a periodic statement every three months on the status of the aforementioned assets
and any changes, additions, or reductions that occur to them, supported by the necessary documents and
papers for that. Also, please inform us of any obstacles or problems you face in implementing this decision
to take the necessary action regarding them according to the powers granted to us by the law and the internal regulations
of the aforementioned Council. With appreciation.
(Signature)
President of the Lay Council
A copy to:
1- The Minors' Property Management Committee to take the necessary action accordingly.
2- The Financial Department in the Council to implement paragraph (1) above.
<del>74</del>
Treasury
Page 30
The Hakham Bashi
of the Israelite Community in Baghdad
Number: 425 / J
Date: 10 April 929
Telephone Number: 200 Central
Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
Subject: Appointment of ⟦Isaac⟧ Meir Hakham Salem as an usher and registrar of numbers
The person named Isaac Meir Hakham Salem was appointed as an usher in the Spiritual Court and a registrar of numbers on 20 January 929
And since the honorable Council has not yet considered the matter of his salary, it is requested hereby to decide
a salary of sixty rupees for the aforementioned, and he has been continuing in his position since the date specified above /
⟦illegible⟧
Acting Hakham Bashi
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad:
Number: 929/5/10
Date: 10 April 929
File Number: 2
To the Lay Council
9/4/10
The Hakham Bashi
⟦illegible⟧
Page 31
The Chief Rabbi Hakham Bashi
of The Jewish Community, The Israelite Community: Baghdad
Baghdad
Telephone : 200 Central. Telephone 200 Central
Number: 510 / Kh
No.:
Date: 5 June / 1929
Date:
Subject: Notifying the director of the Alliance regarding the preparation of the synagogue
Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
Since His Eminence the Acting Hakham Bashi has decided to deliver a religious sermon in the synagogue
of the Alliance at nine-thirty Arabic time on next Saturday (8 / 6 / 1929)
His Eminence requests that you inform the director of the aforementioned school to prepare the place at the
appointed time, and to you thanks in advance
⟦Al-Asas⟧
Secretary of the Hakham Bashi
To the Director of Supplies
Write to the director of the Alliance regarding a private location
5 / 6 / 29
⟦Kaji⟧
The Hakham Bashi
A. R
Page 32
800 / S / 49
5 June 1949
Preparation of the Alliance Synagogue
To the Honorable Director of the Alliance Schools
I have been tasked by the Vice President of the Physical Council to request that you prepare the Alliance Synagogue
next Saturday at nine-thirty Arabic time, as His Eminence the Acting Chief Rabbi⟦shi⟧
intends to deliver a religious sermon at the aforementioned time,
⟦illegible⟧
Director of Correspondence
The Chief Rabbi
2
Page 33
ALLIANCE ISRAELITE UNIVERSELLE
A. D. SASSOON COLLEGE
Direction ⟦line⟧
No.:
Baghdad, the: June 6, 1927
Israelite Consistory
Baghdad
Mr. President
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your
letter from yesterday asking me to place at your disposal the
Synagogue of your school, next Saturday in the afternoon
for a lecture to be given by the Chief Rabbi.
I received at the same time an invitation card to
this lecture, for which I thank you.
I place at your disposal, since you ask me to do
so, our Synagogue which is free on that day. But I
would like to ask you, for the future, not to send out in-
vitations before knowing if the premises are not already engaged
for school or other meetings. This easy
precaution would help us avoid regrettable misunderstandings.
On the other hand, regarding the lecture of
next Saturday, I am not unaware of the
division that exists within the Community, or more exact-
ly among our Hahamim. I therefore hope that the
lecture you are organizing will not cause any disorder
of the kind - very regrettable - that took place
on previous Saturdays in other Synagogues in the neighborhood,
disorders that took place following certain speeches.
800 / 19 / 8
3621 N September 50
In her capacity as the guardian herself
In her capacity as the guardian herself mentioned above in this
In her capacity as the guardian herself and in her capacity as the representative that any sums or funds will be paid under this document
To the author for the benefit of the Finance Committee that any subsidy may be paid by us or by the competent authorities on behalf
In any amounts due to any desire regarding the minors mentioned above
Signature in her capacity as the guardian
Type to be written
⟦illegible⟧
Page 34
222 / JS / 29
18 June 1929
Refund of 52 Rupees Insurance Deposit
To
Director of the Electrical Equipment Department
On December 3, 928, an insurance deposit of
fifty-two rupees was placed with you on the relief account by the Hakham Bashi Department of Baghdad for its house numbered 56
And since the Hakham Bashi Department has moved from the mentioned house some time ago, please return
the mentioned insurance deposit to the current Hakham Bashi Department
Thanking you in advance,
⟦illegible⟧
138
The Hakham Bashi
⟦signature⟧
Vice President of the Lay Council
You understand well, Mr. President, this concern, which I have
always had, to keep our premises outside of the struggles
and opinions of parties.
I am sure therefore that the speech this Saturday
will not give rise to any demonstration on the part of anyone
at all, and that you have taken your measures to maintain or-
der and security.
Please accept, Mr. President, the assurance
of my best regards.
⟦illegible⟧
Administration of the Physical Council - Baghdad:
Number: 929 / W / 86
Date: 20 June 948
File Number:
Presented to the Council
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
Page 35
Rupee
52 /
The mentioned amount of it ⟦with a balance of⟧ 926 was placed as a deposit in the Department
of Electricity
18 February 929
The Accountant
⟦Youssef⟧ ⟦...⟧
To the Director of Edits
To the Council
⟦...⟧ 11/2/29
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
26 Rabi'ah ⟦illegible⟧
31 October ⟦illegible⟧
To the Chairman of the Donations and Aid Committee
Number ⟦illegible⟧
Social Aid Committee for the Mosaic Community
I have an interest in the donations ⟦illegible⟧ father of six children, the youngest of whom is an infant not exceeding 7 months of age
⟦illegible⟧ my work, which I used to practice continuously, has been disrupted, and due to the illness that afflicted me, I am no longer able to work
In my current situation, I have become close to the dire state that my family has reached due to the absence of any resource to live on
and my family, and because of the illness that afflicted me, and I am still close to the aforementioned state
⟦illegible⟧ and ready for a medical examination
Number ⟦illegible⟧
Date ⟦illegible⟧
Attachments ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
And this is what made me request your assistance, with many thanks
Page 37
Baghdad 19 June 1949
1300 D / 1945
To
The Vice President of the Israeli Lay Council in Baghdad
Dear Sir
Reference to your letter No. 221 / J / 949 on the 18th of the current month
We beg to inform you that the deposit of (54) rupees was collected
<del>collected</del> ⟦credited⟧ to us on 12 November 1944 (and not on 2 December 948)
for the electricity of the house numbered 56 / 128 and it was returned on 28 ⟦February⟧ 948
to Mr. Ezra R. Dangoor, agent of the former <del>Hakham Bashi</del> in Baghdad against
receipt
The deposit
It is rupees
The deficit according to the list No. 15 / 12 27/9/1945
" " " 4 / 2 27/10/1945
54 / 00
15 12
4 2
34 2
Sincerely
(Signature)
Accountant
⟦illegible⟧
Page 38
221 / JS / 929
20 August 1929
The Diwaniyah of the house numbered 56 - 138
⟦illegible⟧
His Eminence Rabbi Ezra Dangoor, the respected
It appeared in the account of the endowments that an amount of fifty-two rupees (52) was placed by
you on November 13, 924, with the Electricity Supply Administration as lighting insurance
for the house numbered 56 - 138, previously used for the administration of the Israelite community.
We requested this amount from the aforementioned administration in our letter No. 221 / JS / 1929
dated June 18, 929, and it became clear from the response of the Supply Department that Your Eminence
received the amount on February 28, 928, in your capacity as an agent for the Hakham Bashi.
Our council, in its session held on August 18, 929, decided to inquire from
Your Eminence about the fate of this amount.
On ⟦20 / 8⟧
⟦signature⟧
Vice President of the Lay Council
The Hakham Bashi
N. M.
Page 39
Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
This department vacated the old house in early February 929, and it appears that the
Electricity Department submitted a request on 15 / 4 / 929, and when they found no one living in this house, they deducted
the amount from the deposit held by them for the aforementioned house.
Furthermore, the owner of the house, Sassoon Menashi Shlomo Daoud, has presented a receipt from the Electricity Department
for the mentioned amount -
Acting Hakham Bashi
Transfer Number 528 J
8 / 7 / 929
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad:
Number: 20 / Ans / 929
Date: 8 / 7 / 929
File Number:
Accountant
⟦illegible⟧
The mentioned amount is to be paid
To be kept in the file of the Acting Hakham Bashi
⟦illegible⟧
363 / ⟦illegible⟧ / ⟦illegible⟧
3631 B A
861 - 35 ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
Based on Article (25 A), your esteemed council decided in its session held in August 1950 and based on what
was contained in the letter of the Income Tax Directorate No. 364 on April 14, 71 in the official letters
addressed to us regarding the aforementioned Article 861 - 35 regarding the liability of the ⟦illegible⟧
3631 balance 1661 and the mentioned amount has been paid according to a receipt on April 14, 81
Accordingly, we request your Excellency's approval to provide us with 363 in September 81 and in ⟦illegible⟧
as a clearance regarding the amount 363 until 82 in previous books and correspondence
in file 12 and in 363 B A 81 in the official books related to this subject, therefore
we request the kind approval ⟦illegible⟧
President of the Lay Council for Jews in Baghdad
⟦illegible⟧
56
Page 40
Baghdad on December 23, 929
1
To -
The Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
Subject: Drawing attention to the three amounts suspended in the suspense account
Greetings and respect
Drawing your attention to the amounts that are still suspended in the suspense account, which are as follows:
| Rupee | Anna
The deposit placed in the Electricity Department for the Hakhamkhana office on 12/26/3 | " | 52
The difference resulting from the recovery of the seized amount in the Execution Department on 4/20/28 | 2 | 24
The remainder of the rent for Khan al-Shorja owed by Khawaja Yusuf Nissan Shakarji | " | 443
With my knowledge of all the transactions that took place on these amounts and are still taking place, I have come to draw your attention to
settling them
This is for your command, sir
⟦signature⟧
The Accountant
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad
Number 504/9/929
Date 12/24/929
File Number
To the Accountant
1/15
930
To be filed
1/20
930
With the deposit case
⟦illegible faded stamp⟧
Baghdad 1 July 948
To the Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
The Electricity Department has deducted from the deposit held with them the amount of
thirty-one rupees and fifteen annas ⟦31/15⟧ for the electrical units
used by the Treasury Department from 1/2/28 to 2/14/28 according to the notice submitted
to me on 4/15/28
Therefore, I request that you pay me the aforementioned amount, with respect
For Accounting
Salwa Yusuf
⟦signature⟧
Referred to His Eminence the Chief Rabbi for permission
Administrative Body
2/7/48 K.J.
Transfer Number 542 / J.N. / 48
4/7/948
Lay Council Administration - Baghdad:
Number: 948/D/115
Date: 1 / 7 / 948
File Number:
Office of the Chief Rabbi - Baghdad:
Number: 4 / 9
Date: 4 July 948
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF RABBI: BAGHDAD
Page 41
Baghdad - March 25, 1930
To the Honorable Vice President of the Lay Council
Subject: Lease agreement for the community administration
On March 7, 1930, the sum of two thousand three hundred and ten rupees (2310) was paid to His Eminence the Acting Hakham Bashi based on
the Council's decision, as the lease payment for the community administration
for a full year, two months, and eighteen days starting from February 12, 690 Hebrew to
the end of April 691.
However, the accounting department has not yet received the aforementioned lease agreement contract.
I hope to bring this to your attention ⟦line⟧ ;
Accountant ⟦line⟧
N. M.
Administration of the Lay Council -- Baghdad:
Number: 481
Date: 3 / 25 / 930
File Number:
Director of Correspondence
To request the Honorable to send the agreement and deposit it with the accountant
3 / 25
⟦Subhi⟧
The Hakham Bashi
Page 42
The Chief Rabbi
of The Jewish Community,
Baghdad
Telephone : 200 Central.
Hakham Bashi
The Israelite Community: Baghdad
Telephone 200 Central
No.: 1286
Date: September 8, 1930
Subject
To the Honorable President of the Lay Council
Greetings and respect
Furthermore, it has come to my attention that the honorable Lay Council has decided to reduce the salary
allocated to the presidency of the Spiritual Council and set it at two hundred and forty rupees.
I do not know what the real motive was that led your honorable council to take this
decision, alongside many decisions to increase the salaries of most members of the Spiritual Council
and other rabbis. This is besides the fact that I still hold the position of Acting
Hakham Bashi, which has incurred heavy expenses for me, such as renting a house
befitting it and furnishing it, among other things that are not hidden from your sight. Therefore, I hope
your honorable council will reconsider its decision in this regard.
I am returning herewith the amount of (240), this month's salary, until your council decides what it deems
appropriate in this matter.
If you see a necessity for my attendance at the session, please inform me of that.
Respectfully yours;
⟦Hakham Bashi⟧
⟦Hevra Kadisha⟧
Baghdad
BAGHDAD
Acting Hakham Bashi
N. M.
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad:
Number: 541
Date: September 8, 1930
File Number:
Page 43
672
9 September 1930
His Excellency the Acting Hakham Bashi, the Respected
Reference to your letter No. 1286 dated 1 September 1930
I regret to inform Your Excellency that our council, in its session held on 8 September 1930
Decided that it is unable to reconsider the matter of your salary due to budget constraints
Enclosed you will find the amount of two hundred and forty rupees, your salary for the month of August 1930. Please acknowledge
receipt of it;
⟦signature⟧
President of the Lay Council
⟦Daoud Samah⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
Page 44
The Chief Rabbi
of The Jewish Community,
Baghdad
Chief Rabbi
of the Israelite Community in Baghdad
Telephone : 200 Central.:
Telephone 200 Central:
No.: 1202
Number ::
Date: 10 September 1930
Date ::
Subject: Salary of the Presidency of the Spiritual Council
To the Honorable President of the Lay Council
With reference to your letter No. 672 dated 9 September 1930
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Article (20) of the Rabbinate Regulations restricts the right
to allocate the salary of the President of the Spiritual Council to the General Council alone, and you undoubtedly remember
that the Honorable General Council had allocated the salary for the Presidency of the Spiritual Council (amounting to 300 -
Rupees) according to a protocol signed by its members. It appears from this to your honorable council that implementing a reduction
in my salary is also the right of the General Council. Furthermore, please note that I cannot dispense with
one-fifth of my salary, especially since my expenses have doubled from what they were before; the house I used to live in
in the Bani Said neighborhood, with a rent of three hundred and fifty rupees, I replaced under the influence of some members
of the community with another whose annual rent is one thousand and one hundred rupees. This is besides the fact that other expenses have risen
at this rate, a matter which your council should have taken into consideration. Moreover, I have presided over the Spiritual
Council before this for a period of a year and a half without requesting compensation for this position!
I was surprised that the honorable council used the financial crisis as an excuse for its inability to reconsider
its decision, while it has decided to increase the salaries of the rest of the rabbis with supplements totaling more than
eight hundred rupees per month, and this is what I alluded to in my previous letter.
I hope that your council will kindly restore my salary to what it was, and you will find enclosed the amount of
two hundred and forty rupees, which I am returning again to your council. Respectfully yours,
⟦illegible⟧
Acting Chief Rabbi
in Baghdad
Acting Chief Rabbi
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad:
Number: 558
Date: 10/9/930
File Number:
N. M.
Our letter is repeated with another stating that the Council does not possess administrative authority
The Kindergarten Committee
Page 45
The Chief Rabbi
of The Jewish Community,
Baghdad
Telephone : 200 Central.
Hakham Bashi
of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
Telephone 200 Central
No: 1251
Date: 1/22/1931
Subject
To the Honorable President of the Lay Council
Greetings and respect,
In response to your letter No. 893 dated 1/5/1931
The reduction of my salary came in a manner that is not consistent with justice and fairness, as for a period of
four months your esteemed council had reduced only my salary, even though it made increases
and additions to the salaries of others. The reductions decided in the aforementioned council were,
as far as I know, to reduce previously large salaries, and these naturally do not include me.
In view of my position, the office I hold, and the requirements I am tasked with, the
reduction of my salary is not something your esteemed council would approve. In view of the above, I ask the council
to reconsider the matter and issue a decision to increase my salary.
With highest respect to your Excellency,
Hakham Bashi of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
⟦Hakham Bashi of the Jewish Community in Baghdad⟧
⟦May God protect it⟧
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad:
Number: 866
Date: 1 / 22 / 1931
File Number:
N. M.
To be considered when preparing the next budget
4/28/1931
The Hakham Bashi
Daoud Rubin
Page 46
The Chief Rabbinate
Baghdad
The Chief Rabbi
of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
THE CHIEF RABBI
OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY,
Baghdad
Number: 1558
No.:
Date: 13 / 10 / 1931
Date:
Subject:
The Honorable Lay Council
Reference to your letter No. 1341 dated 18 / 9 / 1931
The reduction rates indicated in your letter should not include my salary for the following reasons:
1) It is no secret that my salary was specifically allocated by the General Council
which alone has the right to determine it according to the authority granted to it under Article 20
of the Rabbinical Regulations in force until this date, and there is no doubt that when it determined
the amount of 300 rupees, it well appreciated the importance and status of the position I hold.
2) Even if it were assumed, for the sake of argument, that your honorable council has the authority to order a reduction in my salary, based
on what was understood from your letter, my salary would become (199/8) rupees, which I should receive in my capacity
as President of the Spiritual Council and Acting Chief Rabbi, while these two positions require
a salary higher than this amount considering their status and the expenditure and spending they require, and this
is not consistent with truth and justice.
3) By occupying these positions, I have entered into many needs
that require spending to ensure the prestige and honor of the two mentioned positions, and as I was unable to manage
living matters and urgent needs with the current salary, the inclusion of the reduction to my salary
will make the management of my living in severe distress, and this is something that your conscience undoubtedly would not accept.
Based on the above reasons, I hope you will reconsider the issue of my salary and inform me of the result.
May you remain in respect;
Acting Chief Rabbi
⟦illegible⟧
Administration of the Lay Council in Baghdad
Incoming
Number 1116
Date 22 / 10 / 31
Number ⟦illegible⟧
Page 47
1506
1931/10/26
To the Honorable Acting Chief Rabbi
Reference to your letter No. 1558 dated 10/13/1931
Our council, based on its appreciation of the necessity of assisting your Excellency, has decided that
your salary shall be subject to the prescribed reduction after taking into account both reductions that were
applied to it last year, i.e., considering it as two hundred and sixty rupees, which is the maximum
assistance our council was able to provide to your Excellency, especially since the reduction
notified to you in circular No. 1341 dated 9/18/1931 was general and included
all salaries and allowances of all community employees.
⟦signature⟧ Abd ⟦...⟧
The President
Page 48
The Chief Rabbi
of the Jewish Community in Baghdad
The Chief Rabbinate
Baghdad
THE CHIEF RABBI
OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY,
Baghdad
Number: 1572
No.:
Date: 12 / 11 / 1931
Date:
Subject:
The Honorable Lay Council
With reference to your letter No. 1516 dated 26 / 10 / 1931
I had explained in my previous letter the necessary reasons that compelled me to
bring to the attention of your honorable council the need to reconsider the matter of my salary and the severe distress
overwhelming me in managing my livelihood. Unfortunately, the reply letter I
received did not alleviate this distress, and this reason prompts me to appeal to
your honorable council again, reminding you of the provision of Article 20 of the Rabbinical Regulations
which authorizes the General Assembly alone the right to decide on the issue of my salary and the necessity of convening it for deliberation
on this matter. This is on one hand, and on the other hand, since I hold the acting position of the Chief
Rabbinate, for which I am entitled to fair compensation, and it has previously occurred that I received
a salary at a rate of 425 rupees per month for the period that your honorable council approved for payment
for my work in it in addition to my original position. This is for my entitlement to fair compensation for the acting
Chief Rabbinate, and I have not received any amount for it, and the needs are still expanding
and the severe distress resulting from its rejection is still ongoing, so expediting the resolution of this case
is a necessity. Therefore, I hope you will pay attention to my numerous appeals in this regard and resolve
the case in a manner that suits the interest of my position according to Article 13 of the Rabbinical Regulations, which
requires the allocation of a sufficient salary for the Chief Rabbi. For if I do not obtain a
satisfactory result from all these rightful appeals, I will be forced to appeal to higher authorities
and to legal methods in order to reach my legitimate rights. I have firm hope that
your honorable council will take into consideration the merit of my request and not give room for seeking
another path, and I am waiting for the decision of your honorable council as soon as possible so that I may be clear about my situation.
With much gratitude and respect;
Acting Chief Rabbi
Chief Rabbi Avraham A. ⟦...⟧
The Chief Rabbi ⟦...⟧
The Lay Council of the Jewish Community - Baghdad
Date 12 / 11 / 1931
File Number 927
2051
26/10/1931
To the respected wife of the late Salim Daoud Samuel
On 10/10/1931, under number 8551, and in our memorandum, and based on our request
from the Baghdad District Administration for the house of Constantine Karuist and Partners, and accordingly, we request that you provide us
with a written statement that you have received from our offices all the belongings of the late Salim Daoud Samuel.
The wife of the deceased has declared in his esteemed committee, in our presence, and with our testimony and the testimony of his body,
and accordingly, we request you to present to us your official documents so that we may hand over the belongings to you
in your name as recorded on 8/3/1931 under number 1361 in our records, in our capacity as heirs and administrators of the affairs
of the estate of the deceased, and accordingly, this memorandum had to be written to your Excellency.
⟦illegible⟧
Secretary of the Council
Page 49
The Iraqi Government
Ministry of Justice
Editing Department
General Number 1 / 1 / 19
Special Number
Telegraphic Address: Justice
Date: 5 / January 1922
Please refer to
The General Number
Subject Summary: Petition of the Acting Chief Rabbi.
To -
The President of the Lay Council of the Jewish
Community - Baghdad
The Acting Chief Rabbi has submitted a petition to this Ministry stating
that while his salary during the year 1920 was 425/- Rupees, it was reduced during
the recent period to 169/8 Rupees. Since Articles 13 and 14 of
the Rabbinate Regulations stipulated the fulfillment of the needs of the aforementioned, we request that
the Council considers increasing his salary to an amount consistent with his official and personal status
and informing us of the result.
⟦signature⟧
Minister of Justice
Administration of the Lay Council - Baghdad
Number ⟦...⟧
Date 20 / 1 / 1922
File Number ⟦...⟧
A T A
Page 50
1608
10/1/932
His Excellency the Honorable Minister of Justice
Reference to Your Excellency's letter dated January 15, 932, No. 7/1/191
The Acting Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Abraham Aslan, had been appointed by the obeyed Royal Decree in March
930 to perform the duties of the Acting Chief Rabbi until the end of the communal elections. Since the communal
councils were dissolved pursuant to the aforementioned Decree, the mentioned Acting Chief took over the affairs of the community and collected
for himself a salary of (435) rupees, while he used to receive for the membership he held in the Spiritual
Council a salary not exceeding 160 rupees. Upon the completion of the communal elections, he was elected President of the Spiritual
Council, and at that time he had collected (1700) rupees as four months' salary for the temporary position he
occupied. When His Eminence presented to the Lay Council the amounts he spent during his tenure as Acting Chief
for approval, a long debate ensued regarding the salary he collected for himself, and the Lay Council
preferred to approve what he spent out of respect for his person, and allocated him a monthly salary of (240) rupees
for the position of President of the Spiritual Council, which he accepted.
After that, the aforementioned Rabbi withdrew from the presidency of the Spiritual Council of his own accord, preferring
to serve as the Acting Chief Rabbi, and he remained in the position of Acting Chief while the first Royal Decree had
stipulated that his duties be limited to supervising the elections only. He continued to collect the salary recently set for him
(240 rupees) without objecting to it until he requested the previous council to add (20 rupees) to
his salary, and the previous council granted his request. Then (after some time had passed), the mentioned council, for reasons it deemed
necessary, took a decision to reduce the salary of the mentioned Rabbi along with other employees to (220 rupees).
It is not hidden from Your Excellency that our council has taken over the administration of the community while the economic crisis is strangling
its treasury, and we found no way to combat the mentioned crisis except by reducing the salaries of all clergy and employees of
the community administration, including teachers, clerks, and others. The reduction decision included the salary of the Acting Chief Rabbi
- naturally - but on the basis of 260 rupees, not on the salary he was receiving when the general reduction decision
was issued. Thus, his salary after the reduction became (199/8 rupees), and by this, our council has provided His Eminence the maximum
assistance it can provide in this regard.
We agree with Your Excellency on the necessity of meeting His Eminence's needs, but we would like to draw Your Excellency's attention to