Obj. ID: 36510
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Alms box of the Hevra Kaddisha in Glogau, Głogów, 1821

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

A confraternity, or Holy Society, is generally an association of lay people created for the purpose of promoting special good works in a particular community. While the origins are in the Catholic Church, such Jewish self-help groups began to be organized in 16th century Italy, eventually spreading across Europe and the Ottoman Empire to serve the needs of Jewish communities. Some were organized around general communal needs such as a Burial Society for the care of the dying and dead or a Society for Visiting the Sick. Some were organized around more particular interests such as Talmud Study o the responsibility for keeping the Eternal light glowing in the synagogue. It was considered an honor and privilege to be a member of such a group that served the community.

Silver charity boxes are a relatively rare Judaica item and one with this square form is even rarer. The confraternity for which it was made, the Chevrat Haspakat Aveilim, was apparently one which supplied all the needs of the grieving family during the mourning period of seven days. This was one of what were probably several such voluntary organizations to look after the needs of the Jewish Community.

Inscription: On the 15th of Shevat, (5)581 [1821], according to the minor reckoning, The box was made from the fund of the society "Supply for the Bereaved" by the Gabaim, the distinguished officer, the honorable Rabbi Rafael Leib son of Reb Y"Z" (Yosef Zelig)? Munck, and the honorable Rav Reb Zelki Halevy, the righteous Gabai, the son of our teacher Y"Z" (Yosef Zelig)? Rafael the head of the rabbinical court, and the Rav Reb Yisrael, the son of our teacher, the honorable Yudel, of blessed memory, Gorer.