Obj. ID: 56272
  Ephemera  Announcement for the opening of a prayer shawl factory, Venice, 1748

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

This ia an announcement for the opening of a prayer shawl factory directing those interested in purchasihg woolen tallitot from the Hefetz (Gentili) familyy to come or write to Asher ben Uri Hefetz (Anselmo de Leon Gentili) the patriarch of the family. The broadside is printed with decorative printer's devices.

Because woolen Tallitot, which had previously been imported from "the lands of the West," were scarce, the Venetian Hefetz (Gentilit) family embarked on the endeavor advertised in the present broadside to produce high-quality prayer shawls locally.

The document cites numerous Rabbinic sources attesting to the superiority of woolen Tallitot and promises to rememdy a situation in which "whole swaths of people are forced to fulfill their [Biblical] obligation with Tallitot made from another material". Having been granted a monopoly on prayer shawl production by the Venetial authorities, the Genitilis were able to offer Tallitot to every customer, where "wealthy or poor": They tour their selection, which includes simple white shawls as well as those "woven with gold and silver," both large and small. Finally, they invite all queries, asking that these be referred to the patriarch of the familym Asher, son of Uri Hefetz, also known by his Italian name, Anselmo de Leon Gentili.

Manufacturer:                  Produced by Asher ben Uri Hefetz