A long document (in Latin) concerning the protected Jew Shmuel Markus Schlesinger from Eisenstadt, and some of his family members. Written by a scribe on behalf of a representative of the noble Esterházy family who ruled over the region in the early 19th century. Ink on paper. Eisenstadt, June 1820.
A long handwritten document issued by the Royal Court in Eisenstadt - Austria, which at that time belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary. The document formalizes the legal status of Jew Shmuel Markus Schlesinger who owned several properties in an area that changed hands due to regional conquests. In addition to determining his rights to his properties, the document establishes full equal rights for him and his family members and "removal of restrictions placed against the Jewish community". It also stipulates that by virtue of Schlesinger's definition as a protected subject of the Kingdom, he is permitted to trade freely "anywhere in our domain", he and his family and descendants are protected from military attacks, and the Kingdom of Hungary will extend tolerance towards Jews displaced from their homes due to regional wars. It is also anchored in parallel letters of protection kept by the Hungarian Royal Court. Signed by four nobles and two wax seals.
The city of Eisenstadt came under the rule of the noble Esterházy family in the late 17th century. The Jewish community of Eisenstadt was granted special privileges by the Esterházy family, which ruled the region for centuries. These permissions included the right to own property, engage in commerce and practice their religion freely. As a result of these privileges, Eisenstadt became a center of Jewish learning and culture. The Jewish community also maintained several important institutions, such as a yeshiva, hospital and mikveh. The Jewish population of Eisenstadt peaked in the mid-19th century at over 1,000 people. Since then the nobles battled frequent wars between French and Hungarian armies. Due to frequent border changes between cities, new regulations were established for Jews of pedigree and Jews in general according to the temporary conquering power's discretion. Until the end of World War I, Eisenstadt belonged to the Hungarian Kingdom.
[9] Leaf. 39 cm. Stains. Slight tears at the edges of the pages without damage to text. Good condition.
