Manuscript, Book of Laws of the secret society Achva Association, established in Jerusalem, 1894.
Impressive large-format volume, in large square calligraphy on thick paper. Original binding with leather spine and carved olive wood, with symbols of the society: a pair of shaking hands, the Tablets of the Covenant, a Star of David with the word Achva ("brotherhood"), a lion holding a flag reading "Jerusalem" (the symbol of the Jerusalem lodge), stalks of grain, a palm tree and ribbons tied around various trees and fruits with the motto and date of founding of the society (1894). In center of back binding, a captioned Star of David decoration with wooden craftwork.
The Achva Association (founded 1894) was a secret society of religious brethren (mostly members of the Perushim and Chassidic communities of the Old Yishuv) which later opened branches throughout Eretz Israel and the rest of the world. Its ceremonies included elements imitating other secret societies such as the Freemasons. The Book of Laws was a central object in the society's meetings and ceremonies.
The symbols on the binding were meant to represent Torah, agriculture and unity.
The Achva Association has been active for over 130 years (to this day), subtly working to achieve peace and unity between all divisions of the public. Achva worked in various ways to improve the economic conditions of its members, providing key positions in industry and politics for members and their families; was responsible for building Jewish neighborhoods in Eretz Israel, including Neve Shalom, Jaffa and Bayit VeGan, Jerusalem; and was active in establishing Torah and educational institutions and appointing worthy rabbis and mitzvah functionaries (including R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, R. Yechiel Michel Tucazinsky, R. Refael Kook, R. Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and others).
[37] leaves (including blank leaves and pages, and 51 written pages). 31 cm. Particularly thick paper. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and tears. Original leather-coated binding, carved olive wood and leather spine. Binding in good condition.
