1852 marriage contract (“ketuba”) of Yedidiah Yosef Israel and his wife, Reina. (From the family of Menache Israel of Seattle
1891 marriage contract (“ketuba”) of Avraham Amato and Rahel Capelouto.
The decorative marriage contracts are a distinctive Sephardic tradition that was continued even after the Jews fled Spain and Portugal. In the “ketuba” (above), you will notice the double arched design (containing the text) that originated from the Moorish art of Spain. In the center of the “ketuba” is a building that contains the “hamsah” (la mano), as a symbol for protection against the evil eye.
Translation from Hebrew of the outer rim of the “ketuba” ~ “Song of Madrigal”:
“Happy is all who fear God and walking in His ways. With the toil of your hands, you will eat. Happiness and the best to you. Your wife is like a fruitful vine, within your home. Your sons are like young olive trees around your table. Therefore, shall be blessed, the man who fears God. God shall bless you from Zion, and you shall see the goodness of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see sons of your sons. Peace on Israel. God saved Joseph’s life, & he was a very successful man, & all that he touches succeeds.”
1888 Book for Religious Studies
It was written in Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) and the front cover states: “Livro de Instrucion Religioza. Compuesto por Yakov Kabouli, Professor de Hebreo en la escola de la Aliansa Israelit. Rhodes = 5684 (1924). Segunda Edicion”
1929 Book of Songs
Jacob Surmani Eliau, Rodi 5690
1910 Turkish Travel Document
It was issued in Rhodes to Isaac Nessim BenVeniste, who was twenty years old, under the authority of the Sultan Mehmet Reshat, to allow BenVeniste to leave with his family.
1905 Ottoman Identification Document
It was issued to Rahel Benun Franco, married to Morris Franco in Rhodes. (From Morrie and Rae Cohen Israel)
1934 Diploma from the Rabbinical College of Rhodes of Rabbi Michael Albagli. (Image from Louise Albagli)
1933 Diploma from the Rabbinical College of Rhodes of Shemtov Codron. (Image from Ray & Cheryl Codron)
Clara Barki Diploma (Image from Cynthia Flash Hemphill)
Joseph Soriano Diploma 1933 (From Moe Soriano of Atlanta)
Wedding Invitation of Rachel Notrica & Ghedit Bega (Image from Ruby Hanan)
1934 Soriano-Israel Wedding Invitation at the Kahal Grande (From Joseph Mayo Family)
Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation
