Surinam Jewish Community Collection

This collection contains manuscripts and printed material in English and Dutch relating to the Jews of Surinam.

The manuscript material consists of a transcript of Recueil der Privilegien Vergunt an die van de Portugeesch Joodsche Natie in de Colonie van Suriname, which lists the privileges granted to the Jews by the Dutch (1746); the text of services commemorating the visit of the Governor-General of Surinam to Congregation Neve Shalom (Lofzang, by S.J. Rudelsom, June 2, 1785; Plechtige Vreugde Gezangen en Gebeden, by Tobias Tall, December 23, 1822); and typewritten and English summaries and exact Dutch copies (one typewritten, one manuscript) of correspondence of a controversy involving married women in Surinam going about with uncovered heads (1786).

The printed material consists of various programs of special services and other celebrations held in the synagogue (1854-1958); of unusual interest is a service held to commemorate the emancipation of the slaves (1863); programs commemorating the establishment of the Armbestuur and the Armenfonds (1885-1935); a detailed description of the Jewish rite of circumcision (1830?); inaugural sermons (1858-1951); special prayers for burials (1854); the by-laws of the Jewish community (1896?); special postage stamps commemorating the Jewish community (1968) and other printed material on its history.