Ascamoth da Sta. Irmandade Hesed veemeth [Statutes of the Chesed VeEmet Chevra Kadisha]. Amsterdam, 1748. Portuguese.

Statutes of the Chesed VeEmet Chevra Kadisha of the Spanish community in Amsterdam. Includes text of statutes reinstated by community leaders, along with copies of protocols, decisions and letters relating to the internal management of the society, appointments, membership dues and manner of burial.

Originally included 69 pages, including blank pages to be filled in. Additional gatherings added ca. 1760 (with continuous pagination), bound into copies of book. The present copy includes both original and added pages. One known copy contains more gatherings (until p. 101).

At end of present volume, 30 pages handwritten by an administrator of the society, from ca. 1776-1798, with names of members and their distribution into divisions. Some names deleted (for deceased members) or otherwise annotated for presence, payment, retirement, etc.

On title page (and top of p. 31), engraving depicting rinsing of the dead body.

69 pages (including numbered blank pages) + [16] unnumbered blank leaves; additional gatherings: 71-92 pages + [37] leaves (some blank). Approx. 13 cm. Good condition. Stains, creases and minor tears. Endpaper detached. Gilt edges. Original leather binding, somewhat worn, with pair of brass clasps.