Order, “Copulation Fees-Taxes for marriages between Jews” issued by Frederick Francis I, Duke of Mecklenburg [Present-day Germany; Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin]: “Frederick Francis, Duke of Mecklenburg […] To avoid any misinterpretation or incorrect calculations regarding fees for marriages between Jews, We order […] that the Rabbi is to receive half a percent of every 100 Rthlr [Reichsthaler] , without exception, and that the two synagogue-aids (‘Schulbedienten’), namely the hazzan* (‘Vorsänger’) and the Schulklöpfer**, are to together receive a half percent of the wife’s dowry […].” [Researcher’s note: *A hazzan/chazzan is a Jewish musician who is trained in the art of leading a congregation through prayer. **A Schulklopfer is someone who calls the Jewish community to prayer.]
Sammlung aller für das Großherzogthum Mecklenburg-Schwerin gültigen Landes-Gesetze von den ältesten Zeiten bis zu Ende des Jahres 1834. Vierter Band. Kirchen- und Schulgesetze. (Collection of all state laws issued in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin from the earliest times to the end of 1834. 4th Volume. Church and school laws.); (Wismar; 1836); Researched and Translated by Ziba Shadjaani 3/17/2020