Magnificent Illustrated Manuscript
Ledger of the Torah Anshei Chesed Society in Brooklyn, New York – 1908
“Pinkas HaZahav” – a large and impressive handwritten ledger of the Torah Anshei Chesed society in New York, adorned with colorful illustrations.
A fine manuscript, featuring vibrant, multicolored title pages and dozens upon dozens of artistic ornamental borders, richly decorated with varied embellishments and illustrations – including the flag of the United States!
According to the entries recorded within the ledger, it was in use from 1908 until 1944.
It includes a register of donations by the men and women of the community who contributed toward the Aron Kodesh of the synagogue, with a special decorated page for women who donated one hundred dollars; a list of members of the Chevra Mishnayos who donated one hundred and thirty dollars (with a special title page); and lists of yahrtzeits of community members (also preceded by a distinct title page).
The ledger bears testimony to the vibrant life of Torah and Yiddishkeit in a community that had been active from the nineteenth century onward. One of the well-known rabbanim in America who served this congregation during that period was Rabbi Yeshayah Zev Margolin, author of Drushei Maharsham and other works.
New York, 1908. Large format: 42 cm. [33] leaves, followed by additional blank leaves.
Condition: Overall good to fair. Minor restoration repairs to the margins of the first leaves and to several additional leaves. A few leaves show burn marks and ink fading. Bound in a new half-cloth and leather binding.
The original front cover of the ledger is included, embossed with the inscription:
CONGREGATION TORAH ANCHE CHESED OF BROOKLYN
FOUNDED: APRIL 22, 1908
The ledger, together with its original cover, are housed in a box.
