Description
This is archival material from the Baghdadi Jewish Community that contains correspondence between various Jewish community groups and government offices. Topics include: increases in monthly salaries, the allocation of money to various Jewish community offices, religious ceremonies, plans for vacant lots, travel for medical treatment and rest, kosher meat, ledgers with the amount of meat purchased in 1949 (for meat tax), correspondence from the Mayor of Baghdad regarding trash removal, financial summaries, budgets, salary reports, newspaper clipping, employee raises, purchased goods, women’s ritual purity laws, correspondence with individual rabbis, girls’ school, applications for permits, and an index of registered judges' names. There are also correspondence and flyers in Judeo-Arabic; the Judeo-Arabic flyers are from the Tomkhe Torah Society.
AI English Translation, Pages 176-200
187
12 / 9 / 1948
Honorable President of the Israelite Community
Greetings and respect,
Further to your letter No. 747 dated 30 / 8 / 1948.
Our council has reviewed the opinion of the Spiritual Council regarding the subject of changing the current slaughter method
and adopting the "Fat-ha" method. While our council does not wish to stir up controversy on this subject
under the present circumstances, it believes that continuing with the current method will inevitably lead sooner
or later to the weakening of the community's financial resources and perhaps their absolute disappearance.
Our council also wishes to point out here that the Spiritual Council has broad scope
to permit the "Fat-ha" should it wish to look into the matter with a spirit of tolerance derived from respected
and protected religious sources, according to which large Israelite communities with religious standing in various parts of the world operate,
especially since the current (Hadia) method of slaughter is a general customary matter (Beshilakh) more than
it is religious texts appearing sequentially in the Talmud.
Therefore, our council still hopes that the Spiritual Council will reconsider at the
appropriate time in light of religious requirements and the development of the public interest.
Please accept our respects;
⟦signature⟧
Vice President
12
987
25 / 5 / 1949
Secretariat of the Capital
Baghdad
Greetings,
With reference to your approval for your Cleaning Department to transport
waste from the factory belonging to the Community No. (7) attached to the Jewish
Slaughterhouse located on Sheikh Omar Street for a fee of sixty Dinars
annually to be collected from the tenant, Mr. Abbas Mohammed.
We request approval to collect the mentioned fees in three installments from
the aforementioned tenant, noting that we are prepared to guarantee the amounts that remain
owed to you up to sixty Dinars annually.
Please accept our respect;
Presidency of the Jewish Community
Baghdad
Head of the Community
We confirm to you that Mr. Abbas Mohammed is known to us
and our establishment guarantees to pay you any amount you demand as a result of your letter written above.
Makal Brothers Establishment
⟦illegible⟧
Slaughterhouse
Comparison of slaughtering starting from the last week of June 1948
until July 10, 1948, relative to the slaughtering from the last week of
June 1949 until July 10, 1949
⟦line⟧
Total slaughtering during the aforementioned period of the year 1948 | Total slaughtering during the aforementioned period of the year 1949 | The decrease occurring in slaughtering during the mentioned period of the year 1949 relative to the slaughtering occurring in the same period of the year 48
7774 | 4880 | 2894
Communication of the result at
the editorial office
⟦illegible⟧
In the name of ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧
⟦signature⟧
8/12/934
⟦illegible⟧
Comparison of slaughtering starting from the last week of the month of June 1948
until 10 July 1948 relative to the slaughtering from the last week of the month of
June 1949 until 10 July 1949
⟦line⟧
Total slaughtering during the period mentioned above for the year 1948 | Total slaughtering during the period mentioned above for the year 1949 | The decrease occurring in slaughtering during the mentioned period of the year 1949 relative to the slaughtering occurring in the same period of the year 48
7774 | 4880 | 2894
The Israelite Community Committee in Baghdad:
Receipt Number: 47964
Receipt:
Dinar:
Fils:
Administration:
Received from:
The amount numbered above:
Fils:
and:
Dinar:
Amounting to:
Signature:
Position:
Comparison of slaughtering starting from the last week of the month of June 1948
until 10 July 1948 relative to the slaughtering from the last week of the month of
June 1949 until 10 July 1949
⟦line⟧
Total slaughtering during the period mentioned above from the year 1948 | Total slaughtering during the period mentioned above from the year 1949 | The decrease occurring in slaughtering during the mentioned period of the year 1949 relative to the slaughtering occurring in the same period of the year 48
7774 | 4880 | 2894
Total slaughter from April 1, 47 to July 10, 1947 | Total slaughter from April 1, 48 to July 10, 1948 | Total increase in slaughter from April 1, 48 to July 10, 48 compared to the same period in year 947
⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧
39803 | 45502 | 5699
Total slaughter from April 1, 47 to July 10, 1947 | Total slaughter from April 1, 48 to July 10, 1948 | Total slaughter from April 1, 49 to July 10, 1949 | Total decrease in slaughter from April 1, 49 to July 10, 49 compared to the same period in year 47 | Total decrease in slaughter from April 1, 949 to July 10, 49 compared to the same period in year 1948
⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧
39803 | 45502 | 39122 | 681 | 6380
For filing
Basra
7/25
Total slaughter from the first of April 947 until 15 July 947 | Total slaughter from the first of April 948 until 15 July 948 | Total increase in slaughter from the first of April 948 until 15 July 948 compared to the same period of the year 1947
⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧
39853 | 45552 | 5699
Total slaughter from the first of April 47 until 15 July 1947 | Total slaughter from the first of April 48 until 15 July 1948 | Total slaughter from the first of April 49 until 15 July 1949 | Total decrease occurring in slaughter from the first of April 49 until 15 July 49 compared to the same period of the year 48 | Total decrease occurring in slaughter from the first of April 49 until 15 July 49 compared to the same period of the year 47
⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧
39853 | 45552 | 39122 | 6430 | 731
Account submitted by the Slaughterhouse Administration Official
regarding slaughter matters from 4/1/49
on 6/15/1949
Revenue | Fils Dinar
Total Slaughter
21224 head of sheep {The Kosher portion is 25845 head of sheep at a rate of 80 kg per head = 210140 kg}
210140 kg x 60 fils = 12608 400
1740 368 value of intestines numbering 21224 at a price of 82 fils per intestine
1446 250 value of kidneys 1625 Haqqa at a price of 890 fils per Haqqa at a rate of 25 Haqqa per day (25 days excluding Saturdays)
15795 018 total revenue
Expenses | Fils Dinar
7002 082 installment of the midwife for the period from 4/1/49 to 6/15/49 at a rate of 2800/833 Dinars per month out of the total commitment amount of 22600/000 Dinars annually
200 000 miscellaneous expenses at a rate of 80 Dinars per month for the period from 4/1/49 to 6/15/49
7202 082 total expenses
15795 018 total revenue for the mentioned period
62/840 total losses for the mentioned period
⟦signature⟧
For filing
Editor
210140 kg
Summary of the account submitted by the contractor for the period from
4/1/49 to 6/15/1949
Revenues | Dinar Fils
Total Slaughter | Cashier portion |
212,242 heads of sheep 25,824 heads of sheep approx. 20 kg per head = 2,040,225 kg | |
2,040,225 kg x 10 fils | 20402.250 |
Remainder of intestines 212,242 at a price of 82 fils per intestine | 25915.920 |
Remainder of kidneys 1,599 Haqqa at a price of 890 fils | 1423.110 |
Total Revenues | 70550.270 |
Expenses | Dinar Fils
Scale installment for the period from 4/1/49 to 6/15/49 at a rate of 2800/833 Dinars monthly out of the total commitment fee of 22610/000 Dinars annually | 7002.082 |
Miscellaneous expenses including khan rent and salaries at a rate of 120/000 Dinars monthly | 300.000 |
Total Expenses | 7302.082 |
Subtract total revenues above | 7055.027 |
Total losses for the mentioned period | 247.055 |
Note
Note: The contractor has claimed that he lost an amount of 481 Dinars in addition to the amount
mentioned above regarding the marriage tax damage
Kilo | Seldon Weight | Bag | Diya'ah | Date | Kilo | Bag | Seldon Weight | Diya'ah | Date
4779 | 122 | 229 | 447 | 4/4/8 | 172177 | 2691 | 14807 | 18447 | Nov
26074 | 79 | 209 | 445 | 2 | 46494 | 64 | 421 | 454 | 5/15
2505 | 70 | 212 | 404 | 3 | 45264 | 86 | 404 | 445 | 5/16
22287 | 66 | 209 | 401 | 5 | 29184 | 82 | 245 | 291 | 17
7408 | 70 | 207 | 288 | 6 | 25224 | 68 | 245 | 284 | 18
27684 | 76 | 227 | 412 | 7 | 20250 | 62 | 218 | 259 | 19
49194 | 148 | 760 | 476 | 8 | 6529 | 144 | 511 | 607 | 20
47216 | 74 | 262 | 2962 | 9 | 40275 | 225 | 1067 | 1067 | ⟦line⟧
2625 | 74 | 228 | 446 | 10 | 4921 | 108 | 422 | 511 | 22
27514 | 72 | 246 | 458 | 11 | 4440 | 92 | 402 | 467 | 23
276 | 76 | 227 | 414 | 12 | 4757 | 90 | 299 | 449 | 24
144674 | 232 | 1107 | 1249 | 13 | 2840 | 75 | 241 | 400 | 25
2862 | 145 | 580 | 660 | 15 | 2170 | 68 | 245 | 284 | 26
5775 | 122 | 496 | 619 | 16 | 7148 | 150 | 557 | 645 | 27
624 | 140 | 548 | 707 | 17 | 120122 | 808 | 1958 | 2844 | ⟦line⟧
56714 | 106 | 517 | 612 | 18 | 5027 | 104 | 429 | 494 | 29
11292 | 126 | 926 | 1125 | 19 | 4104 | 84 | 356 | 411 | 30
4602 | 86 | 428 | 555 | 21 | 28754 | 75 | 254 | 293 | 31
7596 | 127 | 487 | 716 | 22 | 428264 | 5067 | 1027 | 2547 | ⟦line⟧
51484 | 102 | 469 | 574 | 24 | 2258 | 74 | 242 | 284 | 6/1
4088 | 81 | 259 | 477 | 25 | 3014 | 124 | 502 | 582 | 2
4640 | 98 | 291 | 489 | 26 | 3548 | 131 | 502 | 585 | 3
2566 | 71 | 215 | 294 | 27 | 4610 | 106 | 440 | 487 | 5
281 | 75 | 222 | 411 | 28 | 4286 | 84 | 285 | 428 | 6
7120 | 156 | 525 | 645 | 29 | 4027 | 79 | 254 | 297 | 7
121524 | 2512 | 2039 | 1898 | ⟦line⟧ | 448 | 85 | 250 | 414 | 8
4701 | 91 | 421 | 484 | 5/1 | 26514 | 75 | 228 | 284 | 9
4042 | 79 | 265 | 412 | 2 | 6677 | 157 | 511 | 624 | 10
4221 | 90 | 282 | 444 | 3 | 444514 | 921 | 2694 | 4291 | ⟦line⟧
2949 | 88 | 245 | 456 | 4 | 45874 | 100 | 401 | 499 | 12
2800 | 84 | 244 | 409 | 5 | 46224 | 108 | 378 | 451 | 13
6640 | 170 | 490 | 609 | 6 | 2909 | 96 | 246 | 278 | 14
148974 | 2112 | 1267 | 1570 | ⟦line⟧ | 2646 | 94 | 210 | 287 | 15
4448 | 96 | 282 | 479 | 8 | 664507 | 1220 | 5099 | 6006 | ⟦line⟧
4654 | 104 | 297 | 480 | 9
4228 | 95 | 257 | 445 | 10
2717 | 75 | 226 | 292 | 11
2646 | 78 | 210 | 274 | 12
6428 | 122 | 407 | 557 | 13
172177 | 2691 | 14807 | 18447 | ⟦line⟧
Monthly pensions
Hussein Jabbar
120/000
With warehouse rent
Against the fly
To date
Until ⟦illegible⟧
468/000
OTTOMAN BANK.
( Incorporated in Turkey )
BILLS DEPARTMENT.
Baghdad,: 2-6-49
( Iraq ):
M/s: Jewish Lay Council
Gentlemen,
For your guidance, we beg to inform you that the undernoted collection/s remain/s outstanding up to date.
We shall, therefore, be glad to receive your further instructions.
Date of despatch | our Number | your Number | Drawess | Amount | Remarks
| 76331 | | S. Mahdi | ID 1512/500 | due 30-5-49
CONTROL
E. R.
O. B.
BAGHDAD
BILLS DEPARTMENT.
B. 13--1--20
⟦illegible⟧
Valid by correction
First Party: Mr. Fouad bin Yaqoub, by proxy for the Head of the Jewish Community
in addition to his position
Second Party: Mr. Salam bin Mahdi Al-Sheikh Salloum Al-Khayyat
Approval issued
20/2/49
Whereas the Second Party has taken, pursuant to an obligation, the surplus fees arising from
the slaughter belonging to the Jewish Community for the duration of the contract concluded between him
and the aforementioned Head of the Community dated 21/2/1948
And whereas the Second Party has ceased paying the agreed-upon revenues from
the obligation amount, such that the overdue amount in his debt became <del>2050/- Dinars</del> ⟦illegible⟧
under the claim that he suffered some damages,
And whereas the two parties desired to settle the issue of the alleged damages by way of
arbitration in light of the provisions of the aforementioned contract, provided that this arbitration does not grant
the Second Party the right to delay the payment of the promissory notes due for his obligation at their times
at all, totaling 2050/- Dinars, which consist of the three
promissory notes ⟦line⟧
The first on 21/2/1949 for the amount of 512/500 Dinars due on 20/7/49, the second dated 21/2/49
for the amount of 512/500 Dinars due on 15/7/49, and the third dated 21/2/49 for the amount of 512/500 Dinars due on 15/8/49
and the promissory note dated 21/2/49 for the amount of 512/500 Dinars due on 20/9/49
due on 20/12/49, and that the two parties have the authority to demand not according to the procedures
Therefore, an agreement was reached between the two parties to organize this arbitration deed
under the following conditions:-
First - The purpose of this arbitration is to look into the issue of damages
claimed by the Second Party, in light of the provisions of the contract
dated 21/2/49
2
Second - The religious court has every week ⟦...⟧
possible to consider the disputed case before the morning
in the first item above.
Third - Arbitration shall take place within five days from the date of nomination, excluding this item.
Fourth - The court has absolute authority over the remainder based on the interview
and the initial legal statements provided by each of the two parties
and they have the authority to hear their statements and bring them in person to the head of the party
or to clarify points that appear ambiguous upon request for
information and providing them with it.
Fifth - Arbitration shall take place in the administration of the Israelite community <del>in the Council of Experts</del>
at ten o'clock in the morning <del>and the researcher in it</del> on the days appointed by the arbitrators.
Sixth - If one of the two parties refuses to appear before the arbitrators when summoned
the court may consider the case in absentia.
Seventh - Neither of the two parties has the right to dismiss all or some of the arbitrators
without cause.
Eighth - The arbitrators shall issue their decision by consensus or by a majority of opinions
meaning two opinions against one opinion.
Ninth - The court's decision shall be final, conclusive, and enforceable against both parties
in all religious courts and is not subject to appeal or cassation.
This document is organized in five copies, one copy for each of the two parties, and as for the
first three copies, one copy for each arbitrator.
We have agreed to this arbitration decision. Signatures:
First Party ⟦...⟧ Second Party ⟦...⟧ Arbitrators
J/413/50
1/3/1950
⟦8/2/95⟧
Respected Mr. Salam Mahdi
Al-Samawal Street
Baghdad
After greetings
Since the payment of five promissory notes totaling 7562/500 Dinars is due from you
(Seven thousand five hundred and sixty-two Dinars and a half), each amounting to 1512/500 Dinars
(One thousand five hundred and twelve Dinars and a half), the first was due on 7/30/1949, the second
on 8/15/1949, the third on 11/30/1949, and the fourth on 12/15/1949
and the fifth on 12/30/1949.
We now warn you of the necessity to proceed with their settlement within a period of 48 hours (forty-eight hours)
from the date of your notification of this warning; otherwise, we will apply the provisions of the contract concluded between you and the Council
on March 21, 1949, and take legal action against you while holding you liable for all damages and expenses. Sincerely.
⟦8 / 2 / 95⟧
Vice President of the Lay Council
The Lay Council
of the Israelite Community * Baghdad
⟦line⟧
Honorable Vice President
We have listed below the meat slaughter statistics from 1/18/50 until
today 2/2/50 for verification and information, noting that the meat slaughter rate
is 200 Kosher on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and about 240 on other days.
Day | Date | Kosher | Taref | Total
Wednesday | 1/18/950 | 195 | 92 | 287
Thursday | 1/19 | 242 | 114 | 456
Friday | 1/20 | 125 | 103 | 228
Sunday | 1/22 | 250 | 149 | 399
Monday | 1/23 | 207 | 81 | 288
Tuesday | 1/24 | 172 | 75 | 247
Wednesday | 1/25 | 134 | 85 | 219
Thursday | 1/26 | 288 | 122 | 410
Friday | 1/27 | 124 | 92 | 216
Sunday | 1/29 | 227 | 153 | 380
Monday | 1/30 | 205 | 98 | 303
Tuesday | 1/31 | 197 | 70 | 267
Wednesday | 2/1 | 170 | 89 | 259
Thursday | 2/2 | 276 | 141 | 417
⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | 2912 | 1464 | 4376
The Attaché
Baghdad on 2/2/950
⟦signature⟧
The Lay Council
of the Jewish Community - Baghdad
⟦Office of the Vice President⟧
I record below the meat slaughter statistics from 12/20/49
until today 1/17/950 for your kind review, noting that the meat slaughter rate
is 400 cattle on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and about 240 on other days
Day | Date | Al-Hashimi | Al-Karkh | Total
Thursday | 12/20/49 | 152 | 96 | 248
Sunday | 1/1/50 | 226 | 150 | 376
Monday | 1/2 | 231 | 126 | 357
Tuesday | 1/3 | 206 | 111 | 317
Wednesday | 1/4 | 177 | 102 | 279
Thursday | 1/5 | 284 | 173 | 457
Friday | 1/6 | 191 | 115 | 306
Sunday | 1/8 | 278 | 140 | 418
Monday | 1/9 | 216 | 102 | 318
Tuesday | 1/10 | 220 | 111 | 331
Wednesday | 1/11 | 196 | 97 | 293
Thursday | 1/12 | 329 | 140 | 469
Friday | 1/13 | 184 | 93 | 277
Thursday | 1/14 | ⟦illegible⟧ | 150 | 389
Sunday | 1/15 | 279 | 111 | 390
Monday | 1/16 | 252 | 105 | 357
Tuesday | 1/17 | 257 | ⟦illegible⟧ | ⟦illegible⟧
| | 3579 | 1922 | 5501
Baghdad on 1/17/950
Reviewed
1/19
⟦Signature⟧
1/17
Office of the President
This was done in the sheep area due to the lack of assistance from the Sheikh of Al-Jubouri with the necessary information, for which he was paid below
Regarding the fees related to the supply of infantry housing for the months of the years 48/49 and 49/50, i.e., from 4/1/48 until 4/1/50
For each of the two years and according to the listed table:
Year 48/49 | Year 49/50
Number of sheep slaughtered during the period from 4/1/48 - 3/31/49 according to medical reports | 124759 = ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ | 75818
Number of sheep slaughtered during the period from 4/1/49 - 3/31/50 according to medical reports | 121400 = ⟦illegible⟧
⟦illegible⟧ | 76067
Inspection fee for each head at 12 kg at a price of 100 fils per kg = 1200 fils x 124759 = | 10574
⟦illegible⟧ x 15 = ⟦illegible⟧ | 10020
Weighing fee for sheep and cattle slaughtered at a price of 72 fils per head = 72 x 124759 = | 9044
⟦illegible⟧ x 87 = ⟦illegible⟧ | 7740
Quantity of eggs and kidneys estimated at 7500 kg at a price of 250 fils per unit = 7500 x 250 = | 7425
⟦illegible⟧ x 890 = ⟦illegible⟧ | 6240
Total | 46781 | 44025
Baghdad on 1/9/950
Secretary
To be placed with the assistance of the President
And to the Council for information
⟦signature⟧
1902 / 50
3 / 1 / 1950
To Whom It May Concern
⟦line⟧
We hereby certify that Mr. Meer Shaul Basri is the Vice President
of the Jewish Lay Council in Baghdad and that he is authorized to sign
on behalf of the President of the aforementioned Council.
⟦signature⟧
Acting Head of the Community
6031\05
61\10531
⟦line⟧ 17 June 944
A basket of berries and poplars arrived in the third of Issa if he informed of four
And it was called the fourth there, what became famous for us on 17 Ri Lasarma that he delivered it
Heri then that he delivered it to where his Lord told us if
⟦illegible⟧
Tell us if he stopped when to where
950 / ⟦illegible⟧ year
941 / ⟦illegible⟧ year
Grand Total | Dinar | Grand Total | Dinar | Fils
10574 | | | |
| | | 100 | 200
9022 | | | |
| | | 7770 |
7125 | | | |
| | | 6240 |
26721 | | 4900 | 14110 |
Honorable Vice President
We have provided His Eminence the Rabbi, due to the distress of the Head of the Section, with the information detailed above regarding matters pertaining
to the slaughter during the first fiscal year from 4/1/48 to 3/31/49 and the second 4/1/49 ⟦illegible⟧
The Lay Council
of the Israelite Community * Baghdad
⟦line⟧
Honorable Vice President
I record below the meat slaughter statistics from 12/23/949
until today 12/29/949 for your kind review, noting that the
meat slaughter rate is 800 Kosher on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays
and about 400 on other days.
Day | Date | Kosher | Taref | Total
Friday | 12/23 | 157 | 76 | 233
Sunday | 12/25 | 222 | 72 | 294
Monday | 12/26 | 231 | 137 | 368
Tuesday | 12/27 | 239 | 107 | 346
Wednesday | 12/28 | 207 | 71 | 278
Thursday | 12/29 | 301 | 126 | 427
⟦line⟧ | ⟦line⟧ | 1357 | 589 | 1946
⟦signature⟧
Baghdad on 12/29/949
Reviewed
12/30
Account/ Ottoman Bank on 5 / 1 / 1950
Dinar | Fils
To him | 20980 | 994
From him | 23065 | 277
Balance | 2084 | 717
Amounts deposited in this account belonging to the Akur Dim and Al-Masri synagogues | 2217 | 940
With the total bank balance which is in | 2084 | 717
Overdraft | | 223 / 133
Honorable Vice President
For your information, noting that the overdraft occurred on
the trust of the Al-Day and Isaac Hayyim synagogues
⟦signature⟧
15 / 10
Comparison between the table of one month from 11/20 - 12/19 relative to the same period for the year 1948
Date by weeks | Number of sheep slaughtered in 1948 | Date by weeks | Number of sheep slaughtered in 1949 | Total
| Kosher | Treif | Total | For the same period | Kosher | Treif | Total
From 11/20 - 11/26 | 1858 | 1550 | 3408 | For the same period | 792 | 2901 | 582
From 11/27 - 12/3 | 1798 | 1261 | 3059 | " | 845 | 75 | 220
From 12/4 - 12/10 | 1782 | 1542 | 3324 | " | 340 | 87 | 427
From 12/11 - 12/17 | 1810 | 1686 | 3496 | " | 1809 | 818 | 2627
| 7248 | 6039 | 13287 | | 4610 | 2220 | 6830
The ratio of the number of Kosher for the year 49 = 1/2 the number of Kosher for the year 1948 as an approximate ratio
Ratio of the number of Treif " = 1/3 " Treif " " "
Ratio of the total " = 1/2.5 " total for the year " " "