(PINKAS).
<<(Borod (Nagybáród), Transylvania).>> Pinkas Chevrah Kadisha [Community memorial ...

(PINKAS).
<<(Borod (Nagybáród), Transylvania).>> Pinkas Chevrah Kadisha [Community memorial volume].


Manuscript in Hebrew and Yiddish written in square and cursive calligraphic hands on paper. Elaborate multi-colored title. The chronogram on the title-page is erroneous.
pp. 99 (excluding blanks). Lightly worn and stained. Modern boards. Folio.
Borod, Romania: circa 1850


This manuscript was prepared for the Burial Society of Borod. The title page includes a flowery acrostic poem composed from the Hebrew letters of the town name and signed by Leib Grossman, the Gabbai of the society. Following this are several sets of Regulations adopted by the society at different times. The signatures of members are appended to the end. The Pinkas features dozens of pages with members’ names written as single entries in large ornamental letters, many with geometric and colorful surrounds. Most lack surnames or use ad-hoc surnames made from patronymic acronyms (e.g., a ben Avraham could be written as ‘Bara.’) This is a sign of the times, as the legally required surnames were not as yet deeply rooted among Romanian Jews. One or two of the entries are blanks, mere pencil sketches of an elaborate frame and name to be filled in later. At the end of the manuscript, opening the from the left side, are several pages with many names of individuals, dates, and records of payments. The dates in this section are according to the secular calendar and are from around 1900 to 1904. Borod, is also known by its Hungarian name Nagybáród. The Jewish community there dates to the 18th century; its synagogue was built in 1850. Documents from that era indicate that the Jewish community numbered 280 people. See Yehuda Schwartz (Ed.) Toldot HaKehilot BeTransylvania (1976) p. 152.