Manuscript on fabric, ledger of the Ruse community, for recording the sale of the synagogue honors on Shabbat and festivals. "Rusçuk" (Ruse, in Bulgarian: Pyce), [ca. early 20th century].
This ledger was prepared specially for the auctioning of honors (opening the ark, being called up for the Torah reading, and more) in the synagogue, on Shabbat and festivals, when writing is prohibited. The leaves of the ledger are made from fabric, and numerous tabs, which can be folded, were cut into them. The tabs feature the names of the members of the community, and various sums of money, in Solitreo (semi-cursive) script, typical of Balkan Jewry. The page headings consist of the names of the various honors, in Ladino.
The (original) binding bears a paper label (damaged and partially lacking), with a Ladino inscription, stating that the ledger belongs to the Rusçuk community, for recording bidding on Shabbat and festivals.
Inside the front cover, a printed paper label of a binder in Ruse.
Jewish settlement in Ruse, Bulgaria, is documented from the 17th century. The community reached its peak in the early 20th century, when it numbered over 4000 members and was one of the largest and most important Jewish communities in Bulgaria.
[38] leaves. 23.5 cm. Fair condition. Stains, creases and wear. Original binding, damaged. Open tear to label on binding.