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Country
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NL
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Name of institution (English)
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Amsterdam City Archives
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Language of name of institution
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dut
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Contact information: postal address
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Vijzelstraat 32, 1017 HL Amsterdam
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Contact information: phone number
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0031 202511511
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Contact information: email
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stadarchief@amsterdam.nl
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Reference number
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1156
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Type of reference number
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Archival reference number
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Title (English)
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Archive of the Portuguese-Jewish Community of Curaçao
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Title (official language of the state)
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Archief van de Portugees-Israëlietische Gemeente Curaçao
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Language of title
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dut
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Creator / accumulator
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Portugees-Israëlietische Gemeente Curaçao
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Date(s)
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1737/1899
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Language(s)
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dut
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fra
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Extent
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50 storage units
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Type of material
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Textual Material
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Scope and content
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This collection comprises documentation produced by the Portuguese Jewish community of Curaçao in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is organised into two series: 1) Stukken van algemene aard (documents of general nature), and 2) Stukken betreffende bijzondere onderwerpen (documents on special subjects). The first series includes two volumes, one with incoming letters from 1780 to 1844, and the other containing extracts of decisions of the Raad von Politie (Police Council) of Curaçao concerning the powers of the congregation government (1826-1834). The second series is organised into six thematic subseries: 1) Benoemingen (Appointments), 2) Financiën (Finance), 3) Beheer ten behoeve van leden (Management on behalf of members), 4) Sociale zorg (Social aid), 5) Rechtszaken (Lawsuits), and 6) Varia (Miscellaneous). Some highlights are the following:
No. 3: letters received from Amsterdam regarding the appointment of Moseh de Daniël Benveniste as Hazan, 1784.
No. 4: letters of application for the position of Doctor of the Poor in place of the late Doctor Da Sola, 1817.
No. 5: ballot papers for the election of the Hazan David Namias de Crasto, 1840.
Nos. 14-16: waybills of various skippers commissioned by the Aron Jessurun & Zn. company in Amsterdam for goods destined for the Portuguese Jewish community in Curaçao (1763-1837) and accounts with this company (1763-80).
Nos. 18-32: documents concerning estates of members managed by the Parnassim (1738-1805): Aboab, Benveniste and De Lemos, Carrion, Dias da Silva, Dovalle, widow of Joshua Henriques, Leon, Isaac Henriques Faro, Lindo, Lopes da Fonseca, Pinto, Senior and Touro.
No. 34: statement of the auction of goods from the estate of Joseph Perera Brandon, administered by the Parnassim, 1757-1815.
No. 40: documents concerning the administration of the insolvent estate of Benjamin de Sola, 1763-1840.
No. 43: judgment ordering Mosses Solas to pay a bill with costs, 1752.
No. 44: documents concerning the case against Abraham da Costa d'Andrade, 1775-91.
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Administrative / Biographical history
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The history of the Jewish community of Curaçao dates back to the conquest of the island from Spain in 1634 and the arrival of the first Jewish settlers, probably from Holland, shortly after. In 1650, twelve Sephardic families (De Meza, Aboab, Pereira, De Leon, La Parra, Touro, Cardozo, Jesurun, Marchena, Chaves, Oliveira, Henriquez Coutinho) were granted permission by Prince Maurice of Orange to settle there. The land assigned to these early settlers was located on the northern outskirts of the present district of Willemstad, which is still known as the "Jodenwyk" (Jewish quarter).
After the conquest of Brazil by the Portuguese in 1654, a large number of Jewish refugees came to Curaçao. This circumstance led to the effective Jewish settlement in Amsterdam. Two years later, the local community established the Congregation Mikvé Israel under the direction of the Spanish and Portuguese community of Amsterdam. In the same year of 1656, the land originally granted to the first twelve Sephardic families was appropriated for a burial ground and was consecrated to its purpose. Also, a small wooden building was rented to house regular daily services. It was only in 1692 that a synagogue was erected and consecrated on the eve of Passover. The services were read by hazzan David Raphael Lopez de Fonseca. The building, enlarged and reconsecrated in 1731, still stands at present.
A period of substantial prosperity for the Jews of Curaçao began early in the 18th century. In 1715, they established a benevolent society for the care of the sick and needy. By 1750, the number of Jews living in Curaçao had increased to about 2,000, most of them merchants and traders. By the end of the 18th century, Jews owned most of the property in the district of Willemstad.
By 1740, two communities had come into existence. A new community occupied a tract across the harbour from Willemstad, known as "Otrabanda". In order to avoid crossing the water on the Sabbath to attend divine services, those who resided in this outlying district formed themselves into the Neveh Shalom (Dwelling of Peace) congregation, and in 1745 consecrated their synagogue. For a time, this was regarded as merely a branch of the older congregation, remaining under its direction. However, after a series of disputes, the congregation became independent in 1870.
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(source: Jewish Encyclopedia)
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System of arrangement
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The collection is organised thematically.
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Author of the description
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Carla Vieira, 2023
