Kahal in Warsaw 1894

Kahal in Warschau 1894 IMG

The central self-government body of the Jewish community was the strongly hierachical kahal. The office of the community leader rotated on a monthly basis between the parnasim (members of the community leadership). The kahal collected taxes, carried out communal functions and ensured the smooth functioning of religious, social and economic life. (Marie Schumacher-Brunhes, Lille)

Ludwik Natanson (centre), head of the Kahal, with other leading members, Warsaw, Poland, b/w photograph, 1894, unknown photographer; source: © YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, New York / The YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe.