Friedman Family Papers 1844-1944

Abstract

Aaron Friedman was a rabbi, shochet, and author. He was a shochet in Stavisk, Poland, Bernkastel-on-the-Moselle, Germany, and New York City, and author of a defense of the practice of Shechita entitled, â€Tuv Ta’am” in 1874. This collection also contains information on his son, Abraham Friedman and his grandson, Nathan Friedman. This collection consists of correspondence, business documents, family photographs, personal effects, genealogical information, and publications.This collection is located at the American Jewish Historical Society located in Boston. For information on accessing collections at AJHS Boston please visit their website at: http://www.ajhsboston.org/index.htm.Donor information unknownAaron Tzevi Friedman was born in Stavisk, Poland on March 22, 1822. When he was seventeen he became the shochet (a licensed and trained ritual slaughterer) for the city of Stavisk. He later moved to Bernkastel-on-the-Moselle in Germany where in 1844, he became a rabbi and shochet for the city. He married Rebecca Lieberman of Frankfort. In 1848, he moved to New York where he was chosen as shochet of one of the largest abattoirs (slaughterhouse) in the city. In response to attacks made against the practice of shechita, Friedman wrote a defense of shechita entitled â€Tuv Ta’am” in 1874. He became known as the â€Ba’al Shem” of America because of his strict Orthodoxy. He remained a shochet of New York City until his death on May 17, 1876.Finding Aid available in Reading Room and on Internet.Published citations should take the following form: Identification of item, date (if known); Friedman Family Papers; P-948; box number; folder number; American Jewish Historical Society, Boston, MA and New York, NY.far031