OAJA Acts

Page 99 of 154

1. Full Date of Act
May 19, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Royal Court Decree” issued by the Austrian Royal Court
3. Geography of Act
Europe (multi-countries)
4. Text of Act

Even though the Jews were finally granted new permission to sell on the main annual markets in the Austrian hereditary lands through the ordinance of September 9, 1783, the special concession cannot be extended beyond its specific [current] content, which means that it cannot be extended to include peddling during the annual markets, but rather, the Patent of June 4, 1787 and the regulations of January 16, 1786 are to remain valid, by the power of which Jews are prohibited from peddling in the Austrian hereditary lands altogether; that is, including during the time of the annual markets. […]
5. Source
Politische Verfassung der Israeliten im Lande unter der Enns und insbesondere in der k. k. Haupt- und Residenzstadt Wien. J. L. E. Graf von Barth-Barthenheim. (Wien; 1821). (Political Constitution of the Israelis in the Country under/near Enns and especially in the R[oyal] I[mperial] Capital and Royal Seat of Vienna. J. L. E. Count von Barth-Barthenheim.); (Vienna; 1821)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Editor
Present-day Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary
1. Full Date of Act
Jun. 19, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Ordinance” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
House of Habsburg-Lorraine
4. Text of Act

The nummerus localis* of the Jews shall not be surpassed.
5. Source
Auszug aller im Königreiche Böhmen bestehenden Verordnungen und Gesetze nach Johann Roths Advokaten und Justiziärs der k. k. Staatsherrschaften Kotieschau and Kladrau, unter buchstäblichen gereihten Aufschriften der Gegenstände nach der Zeitfolge verfassten Sammlung neu aufgelegt, verbessert und vermehrt durch Johann Blaseck, k. k. Rath, Unterthansadvokaten und Fiskaladjunkten im Königreiche Böhmen. Fünfter Theil. Von Gef bis kirsch.; (Prag; 1817); (Abstracts of all existing regulations and laws in the Kingdom of Bohemia according to Johann Roth’s, advocate/attorney and justice/council of the r[oyal] i[mperial] sovereignties [Chotieschau] and Kladruby, newly reissued collection in alphabetical and chronological order, improved and augmented by Johann Blaseck, r[oyal] i[mperial] council of subjects (prosecutor) and fiscal adjunct in the Kingdom of Bohemia. Fifth part. From Gef to kirsch); (Prague; 1817)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2019
8. Notes
Researcher
*Most localities had a pre-determined “number of spots” called “Familienstellen” which could be assigned to Jews. This number could not be surpassed, and if the sons of a Jew wanted to get married, they had to apply for their own ‘spot.’ This was done to limit the number of Jews in specific regions.
1. Full Date of Act
Jul. 4, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Ordinance” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
Archduchy of Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

Jews are prohibited from trading with knick-knacks. […]
5. Source
Oesterreichische Gewerbs und Handelsgesetzkunde mit vorzüglicher Rücksicht auf das Erzherzogtum Oesterreich unter der Ens. Ein Versuch von Johann Ludwig Ehrenreich Grafen von Barth-Barthenheim. Fünfter Band. Fortsetzung der Polizeyeschäftigungensrechte. (Wien; 1819) (Austrian trade and commercial laws with particular consideration to the Archduchy of Austria under the Ens. An attempt by Johann Ludwig Ehrenreich Count von Barth-Barthembeim. Fifth Volume. Continuation of Police Employment/Activity Rights.); (Vienna; 1819)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Jul. 5, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Ordinance” issued by the city government of Riga
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Latvia
4. Text of Act

On the order of Her Imperial Majesty, the sovereign ruler of all Russians addressed to the city government of Riga and the 6-member-city-council. […] 1) Except Jewish/Hebrew families who have either received special permission of the highest order or a concession from the government […] may be permitted to remain here, but no one else from this nation is to be given permission [to be in Riga] under any pretenses […]. According to the police authorities, only the following Jewish/Hebrew families are to be tolerated [a list of 15 families, each named, follows.] All other Jews/Hebrews, however, who are found to be here illegally […] are to be informed that they, and their families, are to leave with all of their possessions no later than in 6 weeks [from the publication of this order, which the police authorities are to oversee/enforce. …].
5. Source
Buchholz, Anton: Geschichte der Juden in Riga bis zur Begründung der Rigischen Hebräergemeinde im J. 1842. Herausgegeben von der Gesellschaft für Geschichte und Altertumskunde der Ostseeprovinzen Russlands. (History of the Jews in Riga until the foundation of the Hebrew community of Riga in the year 1842. Published by the Society for History and Antiquity of the Baltic-See provinces of Russia.); (Riga; 1899);
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2020
8. Notes
Researcher
The above ordinance contains 13 points and is several pages long and has been abbreviated to fit the allocated space. It can be found in its entirety in the cited source. The document is signed by W. v. Löwis, Secretary J. C. Lenz.
1. Full Date of Act
Jul. 16, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Royal Court Decree” issued by the Austrian Royal Court
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

[…] The Jews in the State of Austria, are to be used in the military service – just like all the other subjects; however, not as armed [soldiers with rifles] (‘zum Feuergewehr’), but only as cartage-servants (‘Fuhrwesenknechte’) […]
5. Source
Beyträge zur Politischen Gesetzeskunde im österreichischen Kaiserstaate. Herausgegeben von Johann Ludwig Ehrenreich (Graf von Barth-Barthenheim); Erster Band. (Wien; 1821) (Contributions to the Political Jurisprudence in the Austrian Imperial State. Volume I; Edited/Published by Johann Ludwig Ehrenreich (Count of Barth-Barthenheim); (Vienna; 1821)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2017
8. Notes
Researcher
A decree was issued on March 9, 1789, which permitted Jews to serve in the military as soldiers who were “permitted to carry rifles” if they so choose.
1. Full Date of Act
Jul. 18, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Jews shall attend universities only in the country.” Ordinance.
3. Geography of Act
Lower-Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

Jewish university students are to be denied passports to foreign countries, since they could (technically) also study here.
5. Source
Braumüller, Wilhelm: Urkunden und Akten zur Geschichte der Juden in Wien. Erste Abteilung. Allgemeiner Teil 1526-1847. Erster Band. (Wien) 1918; p. 592.
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2016
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Aug. 11, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Royal Decree” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
House of Habsburg-Lorraine
4. Text of Act

Jewish coats, which are usually made of lower grade/quality wool, are only to be categorized as such, if they are circulated in pieces that are 6 Ell or larger. However, the factory owner, who manufactures these, must not cut them up before their sale in order to circumvent the required stamp.
5. Source
Auszug aller im Königreiche Böhmen bestehenden Verordnungen und Gesetze nach Johann Roths Advokaten und Justiziärs der k. k. Staatsherrschaften Kotieschau and Kladrau, unter buchstäblichen gereihten Aufschriften der Gegenstände nach der Zeitfolge verfassten Sammlung neu aufgelegt, verbessert und vermehrt durch Johann Blaseck, k. k. Rath, Unterthansadvokaten und Fiskaladjunkten im Königreiche Böhmen. Fünfter Theil. Von Gef bis kirsch.; (Prag; 1817); (Abstracts of all existing regulations and laws in the Kingdom of Bohemia according to Johann Roth’s, advocate/attorney and justice/council of the r[oyal] i[mperial] sovereignties [Chotieschau] and Kladruby, newly reissued collection in alphabetical and chronological order, improved and augmented by Johann Blaseck, r[oyal] i[mperial] council of subjects (prosecutor) and fiscal adjunct in the Kingdom of Bohemia. Fifth part. From Gef to kirsch); (Prague; 1817)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2019
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Sep. 24, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
Decree, issued by Ludwig, Landgrave of Hesse
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Germany
4. Text of Act

1. None of our officials shall permit a Jewish marriage, unless the proper marriage contract, written in German, has been confirmed in court. 2. No official shall allow a Jewish wedding, if the fiancée is a foreigner, without a written attestation by the court of her place of residence that the marriage contract has been confirmed there, as well.
5. Source
Von Gottes Gnaden Wir Ludwig, Landgraf zu Hessen… (By God’s Grace, We, Ludwig, Landgrave of Hesse… ). Hesse Decrees Collection; Folder 4; Leo Baeck Institute.
6. Researcher
Dominik Jacobs
7. Year of Research
2020
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Nov. 21, 1788
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Ordinance” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
Archduchy of Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

Jews are prohibited from dawdling (‘Trödeln’)* […]
5. Source
Gesetze, Verordnungen und Vorschriften für die Polizei-Verwaltung im Kaiserthume Oesterreich. Erschienen in den Jahren 1740 bis Ende 1825, und in alphabetisch-chronologischer Ordnung zusammengestellt mit vorzüglicher Rücksicht auf Nieder-Oesterreich, von Chrysostomus Fauller, k. k. Polizei-Beamten. Zweiter Band. (Wien; 1828); (Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations for the Police-Administration in the Austrian Empire. Published between the years 1740 – 1825 and Arranged in alphabetical-chronological order with special consideration to Lower Austria by Chrysostomus Fauller, r[oyal] i[mperial] Police Officials/Authorities/Officers. Second Volume.); (Vienna; 1828)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
Even though the word "Trödeln" by itself is mainly (and exclusively) associated in modern German with the act of dawdling and roaming around without an aim, in the past it was often associated with the act of roaming around with the intent of selling knick-knacks, which is why there are still words like “Trödelhandel” (wandering around and trading with small items) and “Trödelmarkt” (similar to our modern flea-market) that exist in modern German.
1. Full Date of Act
1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Jewish Emancipation Delayed”
3. Geography of Act
France
4. Text of Act

Commentary from Other Sources: 1) Jews, as well as other non-Catholic minorities, should have been granted citizenship automatically b the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens of August 26, 1789. Nevertheless, full emancipation was delayed another two years: Protestants were granted citizenship in December 1789; the Sephardi Jews of southwestern France in June 1790. And the Ashkenazi Jews of Alsace and Lorraine only in September 1791. Levy, Richard (Editor): Anti-Semitism – A Historical Encyclopedia of Prejudice and Persecution (Volume 1, A-K); (Santa Barbara; 2005)
5. Source
None
6. Researcher
None
7. Year of Research
None
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Jan. 15, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
Ordinance #600, issued by the government of the Kingdom of Bohemia
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Czech Republic
4. Text of Act

Any Jew who wishes to exhibit a Torah in his house shall pay a fixed, one-time amount of 50 guilders into the common purse of the Jewish community, which is to be used for the Jewish normal schools.
5. Source
Jaksch, Peter Karl (Ed.). Gesetzeslexikon im Geistlichen, Religions- und Toleranzfache, wie auch in Güter- Stiftungs- Studien- und Zensurssachen für das Königreich Böhmen von 1601 bis Ende 1800. Sechster Band von T – Z (Encyclopedia of Spiritual, Religious and Tolerance Laws, as well as Matters of Goods, Foundations, Education and Censorship, for the Kingdom of Bohemia, from 1601 until the End of 1800. Volume VI, from T through Z). Government Printing Office: Prague, 1828. Page 144.
6. Researcher
Dominik Jacobs
7. Year of Research
2020
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Jan. 16, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Decree” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
Archduchy of Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

[…] citizenship cannot be granted to foreigners who do not wish to settle in the hereditary lands just as they cannot be granted to Jews. […]
5. Source
Politischer Coder. Dreizehnter Band. Josephinische Gesetze von 1789 bis 20 Febr. 1790. U. D. Politischer Coder, oder wesentliche Darstellung sämmtlicher, die k. k. Staaten betreffende Gesetze, und Verordnungen im politischen Fache. Practisch bearbeitet von Ignaz de Luca, k. k. Rath and Professor an der hiesigen Universität. Dreizehnter Band. Mit allerhöchster Genehmigung; (Wien; 1794); (‘Political Coder. Thirteenth volume. Law of Joseph from 1789 to Feb. 20, 1790. U. D. Political coder, or essential representation of all r[oyal] i[mperial] laws and regulation in the political field. Edited for practicality by Iganz de Luca, r[oyal] i[mperail] council and professor at the local University. Thirteenth volume. [Printed] with the royal permission); (Vienna; 1794)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Jan. 30, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Royal Court Decree” ('Hofdekret') issued by the Bohemian Government
3. Geography of Act
Kingdom of Bohemia
4. Text of Act

Jews may hold services in their houses, in places where there is no synagogue. […] if they, however, wish to exhibit the Torah, they are required to ask for this permission explicitly. […]
5. Source
Dr. Johnn Luksche’s, weiland kaiserl. mähr. schles. Appelationsrathes, Besondere Rechte der Personen Mährens Dr. Joh. Luksche’s, weiland kaiserl. mähr. schles. Appelationsrathes, Besondere Rechte der Personen Mährens und Schlesiens, vorzüglich in politischer Hinsicht. Zweiter Band; (Brünn, 1844); (Dr. Joh. Lutsche’s Weiland Imper[ial], Moravia[n], Silesia[n] Council of Appellations, Special Rights of Persons of Moravia and Silesia, especially in political terms. Vol. II); (Brünn; 1844)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2017
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Apr. 3, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Jewish Tax in Bohemia” issued by Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

[…] 1) […] The number of Jews, which were [limited to] 8541 until now, has been increased to 8600. 2) The government is to split the newly arriving Jewish families among the currently existing Jewish communities and to determine/fix the number of these families in such communities. 3) In the future, therefore, no Jew can receive a family-number before he has identified himself and shown to hold the necessary wealth/funds in order to maintain a family and has also fulfilled all other necessary requirements to get married. 4) If after some time the number of [Jewish] families increase in those communities without the knowledge of the local authorities (‘Kreisamt’), and should it be proven that the authorities had pre-knowledge and have permitted such an […] increase, they are to be fined 100 Gulden; the implicated officer 50 Gulden, and the Jewish community, where the additional families have been found, 10 Ducats (Dukaten’). […]
5. Source
Politischer Coder. Dreizehnter Band. Josephinische Gesetze von 1789 bis 20 Febr. 1790. U. D. Politischer Coder, oder wesentliche Darstellung sämmtlicher, die k. k. Staaten betreffende Gesetze, und Verordnungen im politischen Fache. Practisch bearbeitet von Ignaz de Luca, k. k. Rath and Professor an der hiesigen Universität. Dreizehnter Band. Mit allerhöchster Genehmigung; (Wien; 1794); (Political Coder. Thirteenth volume. Law of Joseph from 1789 to Feb. 20, 1790. U. D. Political coder, or essential representation of all r[oyal] i[mperial] laws and regulation in the political field. Edited for practicality by Iganz de Luca, r[oyal] i[mperial] council and professor at the local University. Thirteenth volume. [Printed] with the royal permission); (Vienna; 1794)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
This regulation is several pages long and contains §37; it has been abbreviated here to fit the allocated space.
1. Full Date of Act
Apr. 30, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Ordinance” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
House of Habsburg-Lorraine
4. Text of Act

[…] Jews are to be required to pay twice the school fees (‘Schulgeldes’) if they do not have a (tested and) certified home-teacher, and do not send their school aged children to their own or a Christian school […]
5. Source
Auszug aller im Königreiche Böhmen bestehenden Verordnungen und Gesetze nach Johann Roths Advokaten und Justiziärs der k. k. Staatsherrschaften Kotieschau and Kladrau, unter buchstäblichen gereihten Aufschriften der Gegenstände nach der Zeitfolge verfassten Sammlung neu aufgelegt, verbessert und vermehrt durch Johann Blaseck, k. k. Rath, Unterthansadvokaten und Fiskaladjunkten im Königreiche Böhmen. Fünfter Theil. Von Gef bis kirsch.; (Prag; 1817); (Abstracts of all existing regulations and laws in the Kingdom of Bohemia according to Johann Roth’s, advocate/attorney and justice/council of the r[oyal] i[mperial] sovereignties [Chotieschau] and Kladruby, newly reissued collection in alphabetical and chronological order, improved and augmented by Johann Blaseck, r[oyal] i[mperial] council of subjects (prosecutor) and fiscal adjunct in the Kingdom of Bohemia. Fifth part. From Gef to kirsch); (Prague; 1817)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2019
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
May 7, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Patent for Galicia Regarding the Jewry” issued by Emperor Joseph II for Galicia
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Poland and Ukraine
4. Text of Act

[…] 5) After 6 years, counting from the first election, which will take place as ordered by this patent, the knowledge* (attendance) of a German school will become an indispensable requirement. […] 9) If a Jew wishes to receive permission to pray in the comfort of his own home by setting up a Torah, he is to pay a tax of 50 fl [Gulden] annually which is to be used for the Jewish regular schools. 10) For the permission to build a new synagogue or a cemetery, the necessary chamber taxes are to be paid. 11) In order to improve the education and mind/intellect and manners/morals of the Jewry and to make them more capable, […] a German school according to the specification of the regular schools (‘Normalschulen’) is to be established for the Jewish youth – in so far as it is possible. […] 12) And since according to the current legal constitution, knowledge of the German language is required in more than one way, no [Jewish] youth is to be admitted to Talmud class in any place where there is a German school if he cannot prove with a certificate of a German teacher that he’s properly visiting a German school and has made good use of the lessons [taught there]. […] The father of the youth, as well as the teacher who has accepted the youth without a certificate of a German school proving that he’s attending school, are to receive each a 3-day prison sentence […]. 13) Also, no Jew is to be wed if he cannot show proof according to [section] 12 that he’s received proper German language training either in a public school or at home [those turning 13 by the time this ordinance is issued are exempt]. […]
5. Source
Vollständige Sammlung aller seit dem glorreichen Regierungsantritt Joseph des Zweiten für die k. k. Erbländer ergangenen höchsten Verordnungen und Gesetze durch privat Fleiß gesammelt, und in chronologischer Ordnung gebracht. Neunter Teil enthält die Verordnungen und Gesetze vom Jahre 1789. (Wien; 1971); (Complete collection of ordinances and laws issued in the hereditary lands since the glorious reign of Joseph the Second – privately and diligently collected and brought into chronological order. 9th volume contains the ordinances and laws of 1789); (Vienna; 1791);
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
This Jewish Patent for Galicia contain 64 §§ with various sub-categories and has been abbreviated to fit the allocated space. Although this patent contains various improvements to the legal status of Galician Jews, it still contains a number of restrictions.
1. Full Date of Act
May 29, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
Ordinance #15950, issued by the government of the Kingdom of Bohemia
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Czech Republic
4. Text of Act

Those Jews who seek permission to marry, shall at all times submit documented proof of their age as well as their having received regular schooling, as the permit will otherwise not be issued to them.
5. Source
Jaksch, Peter Karl (Ed.). Gesetzeslexikon im Geistlichen, Religions- und Toleranzfache, wie auch in Güter- Stiftungs- Studien- und Zensurssachen für das Königreich Böhmen von 1601 bis Ende 1800. Zweiter Band von E – H (Encyclopedia of Spiritual, Religious and Tolerance Laws, as well as Matters of Goods, Foundations, Education and Censorship, for the Kingdom of Bohemia, from 1601 until the End of 1800. Volume II from E – H). Government Printing Office: Prague, 1828. Page 57.
6. Researcher
Dominik Jacobs
7. Year of Research
2020
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Oct. 2, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Lower-Austrian circular to all county offices”
3. Geography of Act
Lower-Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

[…] no Jewish property owner, however, is to be exempt from the compulsoriness of having to house all of his Jewish servants on his land and residences – no matter whether he maybe a local or a foreigner Jew. […] Jews who purchase public properties are not allowed to establish businesses on them that could drive Christian businessmen away, except to establish factories according to the decree issued on January 2, 1782. […]
5. Source
Braumüller, Wilhelm: Urkunden und Akten zur Geschichte der Juden in Wien. Erste Abteilung. Allgemeiner Teil 1526-1847. Erster Band. (Wien) 1918; p. 553-554.
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2016
8. Notes
Researcher
The circular was the public announcements of a decree issued by the Court Chancellery on September 24, 1789
1. Full Date of Act
Oct. 16, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Governmental Ordinance” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
Archduchy of Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

The roaming around and trading (‘Tändeln’)* with clothing articles and other items/commodities in houses, vaults/business-stands (‘Gewölben’), open alleys (‘Gassen’), and streets is prohibited to the Jews with the real threat of an arrest and – depending on the circumstances – other corporal punishments. […]
5. Source
Erzherzogthum Oesterreich unter der Enns. Von Christian Johann Paurnfeindt, wirklichen k. k. Rath und Referenten bei dem niederösterr. Mercantil- und Wechselgerichte; (Wien; 1836); (Trade book of commercial laws and its procedural application to the commercial/trade courts, with special consideration of the Archduchy of Austria under the Enns. By Christian Johann Paurnfeindt, real/true r[oyal] i[mperial] advisor and referent at the Lower Austrian commercial/trade and exchange court); (Vienna; 1836)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
The same or similar prohibitions were issued via ordinances of July 13, 1787; July 4, 1788; November 21, 1788; governmental circular of March 1, 1790; royal court ordinance of May 13, 1792; governmental ordinance of May 25, 1792. *“Tändeln” appears to be a word combining both “Handel” and “Trödeln” into one and refers here to the act of roaming around in order to sell knick-knacks.
1. Full Date of Act
Nov. 9, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
Ordinance #34909, issued by the government of the Kingdom of Bohemia
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Czech Republic
4. Text of Act

No Jew-child shall be baptized before having reached the eighteenth year, unless a Jew-child of an age where the child is able to distinguish good and evil, but hasn’t reached the eighteenth year, on his or her own volition, should demand the baptism on the deathbed, in which case such a Jew-child may be baptized.
5. Source
Jaksch, Peter Karl (Ed.). Gesetzeslexikon im Geistlichen, Religions- und Toleranzfache, wie auch in Güter- Stiftungs- Studien- und Zensurssachen für das Königreich Böhmen von 1601 bis Ende 1800. Fünfter Band von R – S (Encyclopedia of Spiritual, Religious and Tolerance Laws, as well as Matters of Goods, Foundations, Education and Censorship, for the Kingdom of Bohemia, from 1601 until the End of 1800. Volume V, from R through S). Government Printing Office: Prague, 1828. Page 192.
6. Researcher
Dominik Jacobs
7. Year of Research
2020
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Dec. 20, 1789
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Ordinance” issued by Adolphus Fredrick (‘Adolf Friedrich’) IV
3. Geography of Act
Archduchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz; Present-day Germany
4. Text of Act

Each Jew having received concession* ('Ein jeder concessionierter Jude’) shall be required to produce his letter of protection* (‘Schutzbrief’) or passport at any time while he’s traveling or doing business [on the road]
5. Source
Repertorium der in den Herzogthum Mecklenburg-Strelitz geltenden Verordnungen. Herausgegeben von Kanzley-Rath von Kamptz zu Neustrelitz. (“Repertory of the valid/issued ordinances in the Duchy of Meckenburg-Strelitz. Edited by Legal Council of Kamptz of Neustrelitz.”); (Neubrandenburg; 1794)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
*Both of these terms referred to having received permission to settle in a particular territory. (‘auf Reisen und Handeln und Wandeln’)
1. Full Date of Act
1790
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Jewish Protection Letter” (‘Judenschutzbriefe’), issued by Landgrave Wilhelm IX of Hesse-Kassel, year 1790*
3. Geography of Act
Holy Roman Empire; Present-day Germany; Principality of Orange-Nassau [Provisional]
4. Text of Act

“By the grace of God, We, Wilhelm the ninth, Landgrave to Hesse […] announce herewith publicly that we have taken on the Jews – with the reservations of previous ordinances – and allowed them to settle with wife and child […] and to live in Our sovereign protection (‘landesherrlichen Schutz’) […] as long as they adhere to the current laws and especially to the already issued Jewish ordinances […] and to behave accordingly, and to not to take advantage of anyone or burden them with excessive usury. For this protection, the […] Jew is to pay for himself and his family the usual silver and war contribution and all other fees, which they owe and are to submit to us and are to pay duly and not to fall short on […] We have signed this letter of protection Ourselves and have sealed it with our Princely secret seal as it occurred in our City of Residency of Kassel […]”
5. Source
Hecker, Horst: Jüdisches Leben in Frankenberg (“Jewish Life in Frankenberg by Horst Hecker"), 2011. Accessed online;
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
*Even though, we do have the original text of the ‘Schutzbrief’ of Wilhelm the ninth, it is unclear when exactly this document was signed. Experts in the field have narrowed it down to the first half of the 1790s.
1. Full Date of Act
Mar. 1, 1790
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Governmental Circular” issued by the Austrian Government
3. Geography of Act
Archduchy of Austria; Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

The roaming around and trading (‘Tändeln’)* with clothing articles and other items/commodities in houses, vaults/business-stands (‘Gewölben’), open alleys (‘Gassen’), and streets is prohibited to the Jews with the real threat of an arrest and – depending on the circumstances – other corporal punishments. […]
5. Source
Erzherzogthum Oesterreich unter der Enns. Von Christian Johann Paurnfeindt, wirklichen k. k. Rath und Referenten bei dem niederösterr. Mercantil- und Wechselgerichte; (Wien; 1836); (Trade book of commercial laws and its procedural application to the commercial/trade courts, with special consideration of the Archduchy of Austria under the Enns. By Christian Johann Paurnfeindt, real/true r[oyal] i[mperial] advisor and referent at the Lower Austrian commercial/trade and exchange court); (Vienna; 1836);
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2018
8. Notes
Researcher
The same or similar prohibitions were issued via ordinances of July 13, 1787; July 4, 1788; November 21, 1788; October 16, 1789; royal court ordinance of May 13, 1792; governmental ordinance of May 25, 1792. *“Tändeln” appears to be a word combining both “Handel” and “Trödeln” into one and refers here to the act of roaming around in order to sell knick-knacks.
1. Full Date of Act
Mar. 5, 1790
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
Court decree, issued by Leopold II, Archduke of Austria
3. Geography of Act
Present-day Austria
4. Text of Act

Jewish apprentices shall not be granted a journeyman license, unless they can prove, by way of a certificate, that they have attended a German school, with progress, for at least two years.
5. Source
Fauller, Chrysostomus. Gesetze, Verordnungen und Vorschriften für die Polizei-Verwaltung im Kaiserthume Oesterreich: Erschienen in den Jahren 1740 bis Ende 1825, und in alphabetisch-chronologischer Ordnung zusammengestellt, mit vorzüglicher Rücksicht auf Nieder-Oesterreich, Zweiter Band (Laws, Ordinances and Regulations for the Administration of Police: Published in the Years 1740 Until the End of 1825, and Compiled in Chronological Order, Under Excellent Consideration of Lower Austria, Volume Two). Geistinger: Vienna, 1828. Page 309.
6. Researcher
Dominik Jacobs
7. Year of Research
2020
8. Notes
None
1. Full Date of Act
Mar. 20, 1790
2. Name of Act (or Short Description)
“Royal Court Decree” ('Hofdekret') issued by the Bohemian Government
3. Geography of Act
Kingdom of Bohemia
4. Text of Act

[…] to receive permission to exhibit the Torah, Jews are required to pay a tax of fifty Gulden, which are to be used by the Jewish schools. […]
5. Source
Dr. Johnn Luksche’s, weiland kaiserl. mähr. schles. Appelationsrathes, Besondere Rechte der Personen Mährens Dr. Joh. Luksche’s, weiland kaiserl. mähr. schles. Appelationsrathes, Besondere Rechte der Personen Mährens und Schlesiens, vorzüglich in politischer Hinsicht. Zweiter Band; (Brünn, 1844); (Dr. Joh. Lutsche’s Weiland Imper[ial], Moravia[n], Silesia[n] Council of Appellations, Special Rights of Persons of Moravia and Silesia, especially in political terms. Vol. II); (Brünn; 1844)
6. Researcher & Translator
Ziba Shadjaani
7. Year of Research & Translation
2017
8. Notes
None