Thelength to which the Jewish population of the town Trashkun, near Ponivesz, were driven by famine was revealed.
Forced to sell all their worldly possessions in order to obtain food for their hungry families, Jews of the village found themselves left only with their taleithim and tfilim. When the local priest, noting their plight, offered to lend 25 lit on the taleithim and tfilim, the Jews, in dire want, saw no alternative but to accept.
When the Rabbi of the town learned the facts he assembled the Jews and under the threat of a cherim (religious ban), ordered them to redeem their prayer shawls and phylacteries.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
