List or table: T-S NS J317

Description

A butcher's bill for meat for Rosh Hashana. Goitein writes, "On weekends the standard fare was chicken, but for the two days of New Year, when many guests were expected, more substantial meat was needed. Here, obviously, two additional pounds were fetched, when unexpected newcomers arrived. Mutton was preferred to beef and was therefore more expensive. The most expensive meat was the fat tail of a sheep. A mutton's head, symbolizing a beginning, was a favored dish for the New Year's dinner. At the time of this bill the silver dirhem was worth 48 copper fals." Partial translation: On the eve of the New Year: Five pounds and again two pounds of mutton. The price: 5 1/4 [dirhems]. Also beef, five [pounds. The price:] 2 dirhems and 4 fals. Total: 7 1/3. Received: 7 dirhems. Balance: 1/3 + 1/8 Price for one pound sheep's tail: 1 1/8 dirhems. Total balance: 1 1/2 dirhems less 2 fals. (Information from Goitein, Med Soc IV, p. 231.)