Paper Scroll – Megillat Purei HaKela’im – Miracle of Prague Salvation

Handwritten paper scroll, Megillat Purei HaKela’im – about the miracle of salvation of the Prague community in 1621. [Without note of place. C. 19th century]. Vowelized square writing; black, red and green ink, on a long paper scroll. In this scroll is the story of the deliverance of the “Purim Firhang”, celebrated during several generations among the descendants of the Prague beadle, Rabbi Chanoch son of R’ Moshe Altschuler. The story is recounted at length in the scroll by Rabbi Chanoch son of R’ Moshe: In the month of Tevet (1621/2), silk rolls were stolen from the home of Duke Liechtenstein, at the time he was in Vienna. Following the Duke’s orders, it was announced in the Prague synagogue that anyone who had any information about the theft should inform the heads of the community. Immediately after the announcement, R’ Yosef Tine approached the beadle Rabbi Chanoch son of R’ Moshe and told him that he had purchased the silk fabric from two army personnel. After consultation, the head of the community, R’ Ya’akov Te’omim was sent to return the stolen goods. However, the city governor who was known to be of an explosive nature, demanded that the person who purchased the fabric should appear before him; if not, the community head will be sentenced to death. On the morrow, R’ Ya’akov arrived together with the beadle R’ Chanoch to attempt to calm him so he would waive his demand but the governor fumed and commanded to throw R’ Chanoch into prison and announced that he will be hung the next day. R’ Yosef Tine who purchased the silk was brought before the city governor. R’ Chanoch was released but R’ Yosef was imprisoned in his stead and was sentenced to death by hanging with two dogs by his side. After much exertion and lobbying, a ransom of ten thousand gold pieces was negotiated and R’ Yosef was released from prison at twilight of Erev Shabbat. To commemorate the salvation of the beadle and of R’ Yosef, the festival of the family deliverance called Purim Firhang was instated. In the scroll, the year 1623 is recorded although calculating the days and months mentioned in the scroll, the correct year should be 1621. This scroll was first printed in the Jubilee Yearbook by Zvi Gratz, Breslau, 1888, pp. 48-52. Paper scroll. Length: 204 cm. Height: 23 cm. Fair condition. Stains and wear. Dampness and ink stains. Tears to the beginning of the scroll and in other places (at times with damage to text), with restorations. Housed in a new box.