Manchester Congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews
Moor Lane Governance Studio
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1910 Ascamot — Laws
75 laws, listed without scan pages or editorial fields.
Law 1
Governance/LegalTitle
Name
Separated original text
1. This Congregation shall be called the " MANCHESTER CONGREGATION OF SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE JEWS." The Synagogue of the Congregation shall be entitled "SHAARE TEPHILA."
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 2
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Minhag
Separated original text
2. The Minhag of this Congregation shall be strictly Orthodox; that is to say, identical with that of the London Congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, "Shaar Hashamayim," and the form of prayers shall be according to the Prayer Book edited and revised by Dr. M. Gaster, 1901-1906.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 3
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Alteration by majority
Separated original text
3. In the event of any minor alteration being required by majority of members, it shall be submitted to the Haham for his sanction.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 4
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Ecclesiastical jurisdiction
Separated original text
4. This Congregation shall be under the spiritual guidance of the Haham of the Orthodox Spanish and Portuguese Congregations of the United Kingdom ; or in his absence any other Ecclesiastical authority acknowledged by the London Congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, "Shaar Hashamayim."
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 5
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Private collections prohibited
Separated original text
5. No person shall at any time make application for money, or collect any in the Synagogue, except, however, when sanctioned by the Executive, but it shall be incumbent upon the Executive to make Collections on Purim, Fast Days, Eve of New Year, and Eve of the Day of Atonement.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 6
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Decorum
Separated original text
6. The Executive shall enforce strict Decorum during Divine Service.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 7
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Times of service
Separated original text
7. Time of service for the incoming and outgoing of Sabbath shall be posted on the notice board, in accordance with the time stated in the Almanac as recognised by the Haham. Service shall commence on Sabbath morning at 8-30, and the Sepher shall be taken out punctually at 10 o'clock. Members shall be duly notified by the Secretary, of the time of service for all Holy Days.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 8
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Mitzvoth and Aleyoth
Separated original text
8. The distribution of Mitzvoth and Aleyoth shall be at the discretion of the Presiding Warden; but for the Holy Days such distribution shall as far as practicable be arranged before-hand by the Executive.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 9
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Offerings
Separated original text
9. Offerings by Mi-Sheberach shall be allowed on all occasions, Sabbaths and Holy Days. No offerings shall be permitted to be made at the Hechal, excepting by the Baal Petihah, the gentlemen carrying a Sepher and the Accompagnar. Any offerings or Haschcaboth, other than those made by gentlemen called to the Sepher, shall be made immediately after the conclusion of the Haphtarah.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 10
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Choir
Separated original text
10. A paid choir consisting of at least eight choristers shall be permanently maintained.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
Not yet entered.
Law 11
Governance/LegalTitle
Privileges of seatholders
Separated original text
11. A male of the Jewish Faith above the age of twenty-one years, renting a seat in the body of the Synagogue of the minimum value of three guineas per annum, and not being in arrears, shall be entitled : (a) To share in the honours connected with Divine Service. (b) To have the necessary assistance of the Congregation at all religious Rites and Ceremonies. (c) To rent seats for any sons between the ages of thirteen and twenty-five years, and for unmarried daughters above the age of thirteen years, at half the usual rental of the seat for which application is made. (d) To rent seats for sons under the age of twenty-one years at one guinea per annum, but if an application should be received for such seat or seats at full rental, the junior seatholder shall retire. He, however, shall be permitted to retain his seat on payment of half the usual annual rental until attaining the age of twenty-five years.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
Not yet entered.
Law 12
Governance/LegalTitle
Privileges of widows
Separated original text
12. A widow renting a seat in the Gallery, and not being in arrears, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a seatholder, membership excepted.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 13
Governance/LegalTitle
Membership qualification
Separated original text
13. A seatholder of this Congregation who has paid Three Guineas or more for his seat for a period of not less than twelve months immediately preceding his nomination as a member, shall if not in any arrears whatever, be eligible for admission as a Yahid of this Congregation. Any such person desirous of being elected shall sign a form, undertaking, if elected, to abide by all the Laws then in force or to be thereafter enacted.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 14
Governance/LegalTitle
Election of Yehidim
Separated original text
14. Yehidim shall be elected only at General Meetings of Yehidim, and the names and addresses of all persons to be proposed for admission as Yehidim at any General Meeting, shall be set out in the notice convening such meeting. No person proposed for admission as a Yahid shall be elected, unless he shall have previously been recommended by the Mahamad ; the voting shall be by ballot. Upon election he shall be entitled to all the privileges of membership so long as he continues to rent and pay for a seat of such minimum annual value as set out above. Every Yahid shall be furnished with a printed copy of the Laws. Every such Yahid shall, in addition to the privileges of seatholders, be entitled to speak and vote at all General Meetings.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 15
Governance/LegalTitle
Retention of privileges
Separated original text
15. Should any Yahid resign his seat and remove beyond twenty miles from Manchester, he shall be entitled by the yearly payment of one guinea to retain the privilege of having the necessary assistance of the Congregation at all religious Rites and Ceremonies.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 16
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Disqualification of Yehidim
Separated original text
16. Should a Yahid have departed from the tenets of our holy religion, he shall be excluded from the list of Yehidim, provided that the Mahamad shall by resolution declare that they find he has so acted. If a Yahid be convicted of any criminal offence, he shall not be eligible to hold any office in the Congregation.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 17
Governance/LegalTitle
Seat rentals
Separated original text
17. The annual rental of seats in the body of the Synagogue shall be :— Nos. 1 to 26 £6 6 0 Nos. 75 to 110 £4 4 0 Nos. 27 to 50 £5 5 0 Nos. 111 to 148 £3 3 0 The annual rental of all seats in the Gallery shall be £2 2 0 Seat rental shall be due quarterly, in advance. On any vacancies occurring in the front seats of the gallery, those renting back seats shall have the preference by order of priority of seatholdership.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 18
Governance/LegalTitle
Reduced rentals
Separated original text
18. Seats may be let at a lower rate temporarily at the discretion of the Mahamad. No one shall be allowed to sub-let or exchange his or her seat without the sanction of the Mahamad.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 19
Governance/LegalTitle
Transfer of seats
Separated original text
19. Any person desirous of resigning his or her seat shall give three months' notice, from quarter day, in writing to the Secretary; at the termination of which notice all rights or privileges appertaining to any such resignee shall be considered at an end, and the seat declared vacant.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 20
Governance/LegalTitle
Rental of seats to non-residents
Separated original text
20. The rental of seats in the Synagogue to non residents in Manchester shall be, from the period extending from and including Rosh Hashana and Succoth, Two Guineas for the first and second rows, and One Guinea for the third and fourth rows. Gentlemen who reside within twenty miles of Manchester at least six months of the year, shall be considered residents and shall pay full rental.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 21
Governance/LegalTitle
Applications for seats
Separated original text
21. Applications for seats shall be made in writing to the Secretary ; all applications for seats received by the Secretary shall be brought before the Mahamad, which body itself shall have the sole power of allotting them. One month prior to the High Festivals, the Mahamad shall appoint a sub-committee composed of three of its members to deal with the allotment of Holyday Seats.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 22
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Marriages
Separated original text
22. Yehidim not being in arrears shall be entitled to be married by this Congregation, subject to the Rules and Regulations hereinafter set forth ; sons and daughters of Yehidim, occupying junior seats, shall be entitled to the same privileges provided always that their parents are not in arrears. Application for marriage shall be made in writing to the Secretary, at least three weeks previous thereto.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 23
Historical/HeritageTitle
Marriage fees
Separated original text
23. Marriage Fees shall be payable in advance as follows :— SYNAGOGUE PRIVATE To the Congregation.. 3 3 0 5 5 0 " " Minister ...... 1 1 0 1 1 0 " " 1st Hazan ... 1 1 0 1 1 0 " " 2nd Hazan... 0 10 6 0 10 6 " " Sty. Secretary 0 7 6 0 10 6 " " Shamash ...... 0 7 6 0 10 6 Choral Weddings £7. 7. 0. in addition to the above fees.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 24
Governance/LegalTitle
Choral weddings
Separated original text
24. For seatholders and strangers, the fee to the Congregation in addition to six months’ seat Rental shall be from £3. 3. 0. to £10. 10. 0. at the discretion of the Mahamad ; the fees to the officials shall be as above. The above charges may be reduced at the discretion of the Mahamad in special cases.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 25
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Bar-Mitzvah
Separated original text
25. Boys on attaining their religious majority (Bar Mitzvah) shall be permitted to recite the Blessings and Portion of the Law, provided due notice thereof, of at least one month, shall have previously been given to the Mahamad.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 26
Governance/LegalTitle
Registration
Separated original text
26. It shall be imperative on Yehidim and seatholders in this Congregation to register in the Congregational records, all births and deaths occurring in their families, and to pay a registration fee of 1/- in each case. A copy of such registration may be obtained for a fee of 2/6.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 27
Governance/LegalTitle
Accounts
Separated original text
27. Seat rentals, offerings, etc., in this Congregation shall be due and payable on the respective quarter days, viz. :— March 25th, June 24th, September 29th, and December 25th, in every year.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 28
Governance/LegalTitle
Accounts in arrear
Separated original text
28. Yehidim being in arrears in the payment of their accounts for a longer period than six months shall forfeit the right of voting at all meetings ; should a Yahid or seatholder be in arrears for a longer period than twelve months, he or she shall be deprived of all the rights and privileges in the Congregation, and his or her seat, and also those occupied by his sons and daughters (under Law 11 (c, d,) may be declared vacant by the Mahamad, who shall, however, give to such person three months’ notice of such, their intention. If necessary, payment may be enforced, but the Mahamad shall have the power of taking into consideration any satisfactory reason given for such arrears, and arrange the matter as they deem equitable. A written application for accounts in arrear, accompanied by a copy of this Rule, shall in all cases be necessary.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 29
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Charity and relief fund
Separated original text
29. A fund, under the name of Ozer Dalim, shall be established under the direction of the Executive, for the purpose of affording relief where they consider necessary.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 30
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Limit of charitable distribution
Separated original text
30. No funds shall be disposed of for charitable purposes by the Executive unless the resources of the Ozer Dalim be exhausted, and in no case shall the Executive have power to dispose of more than £2 (two pounds) to each applicant unless it be so decided by a majority of two-thirds at a General Meeting of the Yehidim.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 31
Governance/LegalTitle
Meetings of Yehidim
Separated original text
31. The Yehidim of the Congregation shall, without exception, meet during the month of Iyar and the month of Tishri in every year, and at any other time that the Mahamad shall think fit, or within ten days from the date of presentation to the Presiding Warden of a requisition, signed by at least six members of the Mahamad, or twenty of the registered Yehidim, requesting him to convene a meeting for a specific purpose. At all meetings of Yehidim twelve members shall form a quorum.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 32
Governance/LegalTitle
Meetings of Mahamad
Separated original text
32. The Mahamad shall meet on the first Sunday after Rosh Hodesh, and at any other time that the Executive shall deem desirable. At all meetings of the Mahamad, five members shall form a quorum.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 33
Governance/LegalTitle
Special meetings of Mahamad
Separated original text
33. A special meeting of the Mahamad shall be convened within seven days of the presentation to the Presiding Warden of a requisition signed by at least three members of the Mahamad, and in which shall be specified the purpose of the special meeting.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 34
Governance/LegalTitle
Disqualification from Mahamad
Separated original text
34. Any member of the Mahamad failing to attend three consecutive meetings without giving satisfactory reasons shall, at the discretion of the Mahamad, cease to be a member thereof.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 35
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Engagement of stipendiary officials
Separated original text
35. The Minister and Hazanim of this Congregation shall be elected by the majority of Yehidim at a meeting duly convened, subject to six months’ notice from next quarter day from either side to terminate such engagement.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 36
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Privileges of stipendiary officials
Separated original text
36. All stipendiary officials, other than the Minister and Hazanim shall be engaged by the Mahamad, subject to three months’ notice from any date from either side to terminate such engagement.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 37
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Privileges of Shamash
Separated original text
37. While in office, all stipendiary officials shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges accorded to Yehidim, voting and membership excepted.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 38
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Duties of Hazanim
Separated original text
38. The Hazanim, whenever Divine Service or Religious Rites and Ceremonies have to be solemnised, shall attend in their official attire, at least five minutes prior to commencement, and perform the same in compliance with Law 2. They shall visit the sick, and attend at the house of mourning during Evening Service.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 39
Governance/LegalTitle
Duties of stipendiary secretary
Separated original text
39. The Secretary shall be considered a good and attesting witness on behalf of the Congregation. He shall keep correctly: Separate minute books of meetings of the Mahamad and the Yehidim. The necessary books of the revenue and expenditure of the Synagogue. Separate registers of Yehidim and seatholders, with their respective date of entry, full name in Hebrew and English, and place of residence. A register of all seats in the body and gallery of the Synagogue numerically with their respective owners and rental. An inventory containing all movable and immovable property belonging to the Congregation. Separate registers of births, marriages, and deaths, with their respective date of event, full of parties concerned, in Hebrew and English, and place of residence.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 40
Governance/LegalTitle
Registrar
Separated original text
40. He shall act as Registrar under the Marriage Registration Acts, 6 and 7, Wm. IV., c. 86; 7 and 8 Vic., c. 81. He shall take charge of, and be accountable for all books, papers, etc., entrusted to his care. He shall copy out the Congregational quarterly and post the same within one week from the date of quarter day. He shall, within three weeks from quarter day, prepare for the Treasurer statements of Congregational accounts due. He shall, one week prior to the meeting of the Mahamad immediately following the 3lst day of March, prepare for the Treasurer a yearly Balance Sheet, showing in detail the income and expenditure, assets and liabilities, etc., up to March 31st. He shall post in due time the summonses of all meetings. He shall be present at all ceremonies of marriages and funerals, to superintend and attest the same.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 41
Title
Duties of Honorary Secretary
Separated original text
41. He shall, whenever called upon official business, attend on any, or all of the members of Executive. He shall keep the business of the Congregation strictly private ; except' however, to the members of the Executive. He shall attend on Sundays from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Synagogue Chambers, to answer enquiries, etc. He shall take from the Synagogue letter box all letters, etc., and hand the same to their respective owners ; he shall hand over to the proper officers, all letters, etc., addressed to him on Congregational business.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 42
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Duties of Shamash
Separated original text
42. The Shamash, whenever Divine Service or religious Rites and Ceremonies have to be performed shall be present in his official attire, at least fifteen minutes prior to commencement. He shall have the care of the Synagogue, and be responsible for its appurtenances, he shall keep the Synagogue and its contents in a state of perfect order and cleanliness. He shall, prior to closing, see the Synagogue perfectly safe and secure ; he shall attend to the heating and to the lighting, and most carefully see to its extinction.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 43
Governance/LegalTitle
Duties of Treasurer/Collector
Separated original text
43. The Collector shall act under the superintendence of the Treasurer ; he shall collect all Congregational accounts, as the Treasurer shall direct. He shall give good security in such sum and in such manner as the Mahamad shall deem satisfactory. He shall hand over to the Treasurer, at least once a week, all moneys collected, and the documents, etc., containing the details thereof.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 44
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Regulations governing officials
Separated original text
44. They shall perform such duties herein not specified for them, respectively, as the Mahamad shall deem consistent with the office. They shall not follow any profession or business other than Congregational, except with the sanction of the Mahamad. They shall not allow anyone to fulfil their respective duties without the permission of the Mahamad. Any neglect of duty on their part shall render them, respectively, liable to be admonished by the Presiding Warden, and for continued neglect, to such steps as the Mahamad shall deem proper.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 45
Governance/LegalTitle
Government
Separated original text
45. The Government of this Congregation shall be vested in a Mahamad composed of six Yehidim, and the Executive, duly elected, as hereinafter directed, and such ex-officio members who may have become eligible according to Law 50.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 46
Governance/LegalTitle
Qualification for Mahamad
Separated original text
46. Any seatholder above the age of twenty-five years, who shall have been a Yahid for a period of twelve months and upwards, and not being in arrears, shall be eligible to serve on the Mahamad.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 47
Governance/LegalTitle
Disqualification of relatives
Separated original text
47. Father and son, or more than two brothers, shall not serve on the same Mahamad, and—in either case—should both be elected, the one having the less number of votes shall retire in favour of the Yahid who shall have received, at the same election, the next largest number of votes.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 48
Governance/LegalTitle
Election of Mahamad and Executive
Separated original text
48. The election of members of the Executive and Mahamad—except for the filling up of vacancies—shall take place during the months of Nisan and Iyar in every year ; any or all the retiring members of the Mahamad shall be eligible for re-election.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 49
Governance/LegalTitle
Qualification for Executive
Separated original text
49. No Yahid shall be eligible for the office of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, or Honorary Secretary, unless he shall have previously served at least twelve months in the Mahamad. The President, Vice-President and Treasurer shall not occupy their respective office longer than three consecutive years.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 50
Governance/LegalTitle
Ex-officio members of Mahamad
Separated original text
50. All Presidents shall be deemed ex-officio members of the Mahamad for one year immediately following their retirement.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 51
Governance/LegalTitle
Mode of election
Separated original text
51. The nomination and election of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Honorary Secretary shall take place before the nomination and election of the Mahamad. Not less than two nominations shall be made for the office of President, Vice-President and Treasurer respectively. Three days prior to the annual election, the Secretary shall send to every elector, a list of the Yehidim nominated for the Executive and for Mahamad ; all voting shall be by ballot, and ballot papers shall be distributed to the voters at the meeting convened for the elections. A mark shall be placed by the voter against the name of the candidate for the respective office. Should more than one mark be placed against the name of any candidate, it shall invalidate the vote. Any list of candidates for the office of President, Vice-President, Treasurer or Honorary Secretary, having more than one marked, shall be considered null and void. Any list of candidates for the Mahamad, having more than six names marked, shall be considered nulland void. Voting by proxy shall not be allowable. In case of equality of votes, the presiding Chairman at that election shall have the casting vote. Printed notice of these laws shall be sent to every elector.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 52
Governance/LegalTitle
Vacancies in Executive
Separated original text
52. In the event of the resignation, disqualification or death of the President, the Vice-President shall, de facto, be considered elected to fill the same until the next annual election. In the case of the Vice-President, Treasurer or Honorary Secretary, the Mahamad, at their first meeting shall elect another to fill the vacancy.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 53
Governance/LegalTitle
Vacancies in Mahamad
Separated original text
53. In the event of the resignation, disqualification or death of a member of the Mahamad, the candidate who at the last annual election shall have had the highest number of votes shall, de facto, be considered elected to fill the vacancy. Should there be two or more candidates with an equal number of votes, Goral (lottery) shall be resorted to, at the next meeting of the Mahamad.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 54
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Installation of Executive
Separated original text
54. The newly elected Executive and Mahamad shall be proclaimed by a Mi-Sheberach, on the Sabbath immediately preceding Shabuoth, and the newly elected Executive shall then take their seats of honour in the Synagogue.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 55
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Duties of President
Separated original text
55. The President shall convene and preside over all meetings of Yehudim, Mahamad and Executive, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Congregation. He shall act as Segan in the Synagogue from Rosh Hodesh Sivan to Rosh-Hodesh Kislev. He shall carry into effect all decisions duly arrived at by the Yehidim, Mahamad, or Executive. He shall submit to the Mahamad, at the earliest opportunity, all communications, etc., received by him referring to Congregational affairs. He shall sign as “ President,” the annual return of registers, the minutes of all meetings, and any other abstracts which may be required for official communications.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 56
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Duties of Vice-President
Separated original text
56. The Vice-President shall act as Segan from Rosh-Hodesh Kislev to Rosh-Hodesh Sivan. In the absence of the President, he shall fill the office in all capacities.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 57
Governance/LegalTitle
Duties of Treasurer
Separated original text
57. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys, etc., due and accruing to the Congregation. He shall receive from the Collector, not less than once a week, all monies and an account thereof, collected on behalf of the Congregation. He shall superintend the collector in every respect. He shall advance, if necessary, the sum of twenty pounds to the Congregation. He shall keep the banking account in the name of the Congregation, and deposit there such sums of money amounting to ten pounds and upwards; all cheques shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President or Vice-President, He shall regulate the yearly expenditure of the Congregation, as voted by the Mahamad, and every month report to the Mahamad, the financial position of the Congregation. He shall, at the meeting of the Mahamad, immediately following the 3lst day of March, submit a yearly Balance sheet, showing in detail, the income and expenditure, assets and liabilities, etc., up to March quarter. He shall submit to the Mahamad, at the earliest opportunity, all communications, etc., received by him concerning Congregational affairs. He shall, at all times, act in place of the President or Vice-President during their absence.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 58
Governance/LegalTitle
Duties of Honorary Secretary
Separated original text
58. The Honorary Secretary shall attend all meetings of Duties of Yehidim, Mahamad and Executive; he shall superintend the Stipendiary Secretary in every respect. He shall conduct and sign as ‘‘ Honorary Secretary ” the entire correspondence, etc., duly directed, connected with Congregational affairs. He shall submit to the Mahamad at the earliest opportunity, all communications, etc., received by him concerning Congregational affairs. He shall at all times act in place of the Treasurer during his absence.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 59
Minhag/HalachaTitle
Duties of Executive
Separated original text
59. The Executive shall meet, and carry into effect all applications for religious Rites and Ceremonies, agreeably to the respective Laws.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 60
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Duties of Mahamad
Separated original text
60. The Mahamad shall control, carry into effect, Duties of despatch and enforce the entire affairs of the Congregation, in conformity with the several Laws, Rules, and Regulations thereof. They shall submit at the half-yearly meetings of the Yehidim a report of their proceedings, and at that of Iyar, a yearly Balance Sheet and Report, which shall be circulated among the members three days previously. They shall, in case of any occasion arising unprovided for by the Laws of the Congregation, have the power to determine thereon temporarily, i.e., until the first meeting of Yehidim thereafter shall sanction or reject the same. They shall have the power of taking into consideration any satisfactory reasons given by a member for his being in arrears, and arrange the matter as they deem equitable. They shall, on retiring from office, individually and collectively deliver to their successors all property, etc., of the Congregation in connection with the respective offices they shall have held.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 61
Governance/LegalTitle
Honorary Solicitor
Separated original text
61. An Honarary Solicitor to the Congregation shall be elected annually.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 62
Governance/LegalTitle
Auditors
Separated original text
62. Two auditors—who shall be appointed by the Yehidim at their half-yearly meeting in Tishri, shall examine, audit, and sign—if correct, all accounts, balance sheets, etc., referring to Congregational affairs.
Proposed modern Ascamot wording
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Law 63
Governance/LegalTitle
Deputies
Separated original text
63. This Congregation shall be represented on the London Committee of Deputies of British Jews, in accordance with the laws of the said Committee governing the number of representatives allowed, viz:—according to the number of members in the Congregation ; the election shall, in accordance with the constitution of the said Committee be a triennial election. The nomination and election of Deputies who shall be Yehidim, shall take place at the same meetings at which the members of the Mahamad are nominated and elected. They shall hold office for three years and be eligible for re-election on the expiration of their term of office. On the non-acceptance, resignation, or death of a Deputy, the Mahamad shall within two months of such vacancy occurring, summon a meeting of the Yehidim to nominate any Yahid or Yehidim, and at an interval not exceeding fourteen days from such nomination, a ballot shall be taken for the election of such Deputy or Deputies. Such Deputy or Deputies shall hold office until the next triennial election,
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Law 64
Governance/LegalTitle
Board of Shechita
Separated original text
64. The Congregation may be represented on the Board of Shechita by three gentlemen to be chosen by the Yehidim from their body. Their nomination and election shall take place at the same annual meetings at which the members of the Mahamad are nominated and elected. In the event of non-acceptance, resignation or death of a representative, the Mahamad shall be empowered to elect a Yahid to fill the vacancy, until the next annual election.
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Law 65
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Talmud Torah
Separated original text
65. A Talmud Torah outside the Synagogue shall be provided, and be entirely maintained by the Congregation, and managed by the Mahamad.
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Law 66
Historical/HeritageTitle
Fees for Talmud Torah
Separated original text
66. Yehidim and seatholders shall be entitled to have their children taught in the Talmud Torah, upon payment of a fee of 10/6 per annum for each child in the infants’ class, and one guinea per annum, for each child in the other classes, but the maximum fee payable by each parent, shall not exceed two guineas per annum. Persons who are neither Yehidim nor seatholders may have their children taught in the Talmud Torah upon payment of an annual subscription of one guinea, in addition to the fees. Fees shall be payable in advance.
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Law 67
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Hebra
Separated original text
67. There shall be a Hebra in connection with the Synagogue, for the purpose of performing the last rites to the dead. The President, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Congregation shall be respectively, President, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Hebra. A separate fund shall be kept and the monies collected in houses of mourning shall be added to the funds of the Hebra.
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Law 68
Governance/LegalTitle
Charges for graves
Separated original text
68. The charge for graves shall be left to the discretion of the Mahamad, but in no case shall it be less than two guineas for an adult, or one guinea for a child under 13, but it shall not exceed ten guineas ; in the case of strangers, the charges shall not be less than five guineas and two guineas respectively, but it shall not exceed twenty-five guineas. For stillborns the charge shall be 10/6. All charges incurred for funerals shall be payable on demand, by the relatives, heirs, or personal representatives of the deceased. All arrears due to the Synagogue must be paid prior to any interments taking place ; in cases where the said charges and arrears cannot be paid by the time specified, it shall be left to the Mahamad to use their discretion in the matter.
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Law 69
Governance/LegalTitle
Reserved graves
Separated original text
69. Graves may be reserved for Yehidim and seatholders, on application to the Mahamad, by pre-payment of a sum of not less than three guineas each, but the number to be restricted to two graves.
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Law 70
Governance/LegalTitle
Reserved grave rights
Separated original text
70. The purchase of any reserved grave shall not entitle any person to be buried therein if, at the time of death, the said person be not a Yahid or seatholder of the Congregation, but widows whose husbands at the time of death were either Yehidim or seatholders shall retain their former privilege, at the discretion of the Mahamad, even if they cease to rent seats in the Synagogue.
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Law 71
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Forfeiture of privileges
Separated original text
71. Any contributor or member of his family who shall have renounced the Jewish Faith, shall forfeit all rights and privileges in connection with the Beth-Haim.
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Law 72
Governance/LegalTitle
Trusteeship
Separated original text
72. All the immovable property and invested funds of the Congregation shall be vested in seven Trustees, such Trustees to be elected from the Yehidim of the Congregation who have been or are members of the Mahamad, at a meeting of Yehidim convened specially for the purpose. Should any vacancy occur, it shall be filled up by and from the Yehidim, at their meeting following a vacancy.
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Law 73
Title
Purchase/sale of real property
Separated original text
73. Any resolution passed by the Mahamad and adopted by three-fourths of the Yehidim present at a General Meeting, and afterwards confirmed at a Special General Meeting of the Congregation, called for the purpose, shall be deemed to be a Special Resolution of the Congregation for the purposes of the Trustees. At all General Meetings dealing with the real property of the Congregation, a quorum shall consist of not less than twenty-five Yehidim.
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Law 74
Governance/LegalTitle
Trustee regulations
Separated original text
74. Any Yahid elected as a Trustee, shall hold such position subject to the conditions and regulations set forth in the Trust Deed.
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Law 75
Mixed: Governance/Legal & Minhag/HalachaTitle
Alteration of Laws
Separated original text
75. The aforementioned Laws, Rules, and Regulations may be abrogated, added to, or remitted, as the majority of Yehidim duly assembled shall resolve ; always excepting Laws 1, 2, 3, 4, which are fundamental and irrevocable. A notice of any proposed alteration shall be posted in the vestibule of the Synagogue for at least fourteen days prior to the meeting to which the proposed alteration is to be submitted.
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