رسالة: T-S 18J3.2

الوصف

Appeal to the public by a young woman to help her against her neglectful husband, her cousin Yosef b. Kulayb al-Kohen, the brother-in-law of Ibn Ṭarsūn the cantor. (Information from CUDL.) Translation: "In Your name, oh All Merciful. Oh Community of Israel, I appeal to God and to you. I am a young woman, whom God the exalted—whose judgments we accept—has made miserable by marrying a man known as Yosef b. Kulayb [or: Caleb], the brother-in-law of Ibn Ṭarsūn, the cantor. He is my paternal cousin, an old and senile man, who vexes me with errands outside the house, small and large. You know what the Scripture says: [a man must provide his wife with] food, clothing, and conjugal relations [Exodus 21:10]. Not only does he not provide any of these, but he never stays at home at night. An orphan girl lives with me and keeps me company. Two years ago he promised me to pay me half a dirham per day; but he keeps saying: wait a month or two until God will help and I shall be able to pay you.But the two months have become two years. Therefore I am asking now the "Head of the Assembly"—may God make his honored position permanent—and the community—may God keep them—to secure me my rights; otherwise, I shall have to go to a gentile court and secure my rights there. During ten years he has given me no clothing except one wimple. My mother took care of me during this long period. He relied upon her and acquired a good reputation [as one who maintains his wife]. Then, three years ago, my mother died. I sold all my dowry and maintained myself by this, but now nothing has remained with me except turning to God and to you, oh Israel. Had I said less in this matter, it would have been sufficient. Peace be upon you. "May God increase your number a thousandfold and bless you as he has promised you" [Deuteronomy 1:11]. Amen. Selah." (Goitein, Med Soc III, pp. 217–18.)