Beschreibung:

Mannuscript on parchment, document on behalf of the Duke of Ferrara, Ercole II d'Este concerning rights for Jews. Ferrara, 1550. Italian. Document consisting of eight parchment leaves; contains 45 paragraphs, with references to various rights granted to Jews of Ferrara: permission to rent houses and sell land, permission to hire a lawyer, permission to carry weapons for self defense, permission to build synagogues and conduct slaughter, permission to avoid giving loans on Shabat and holidays, prohibition to receive Christian ceremonial objects as guarantee against loans without the authorization of the church, permission granted to the Jews of Nonatola to establish a bank, and more. In addition it is stated that the local authorities are not allowed to force Jews to wear special garments. In the 15th century the Ferrara Dukes adopted the policy of giving shelter to persecuted Jews. In 1492, some Jews who were expelled from Spain found refuge in the city. Jews paid lesser taxes and had the permission to practice commerce and medicine. In 1535, under the rule of Duke Ercole II, Jews from central Europe also arrived in Ferrara. [8] leaves, 30 cm. Good condition. Stains, creases, minor tears and moth-holes. Soft cardboard binding.