Karīma bint ‘Ammār

Karīma bint ‘Ammār al-Dallāla (“the broker”), known as al-Wuḥsha (“the desired one”), is one of the best-known Jewish women from the eleventh century. She lived in Fustāt (Old Cairo), though her family was originally from Alexandria. As a merchant and pawnbroker in Fustāt, she came to be noted for her immense wealth and her charitable activities. After a brief marriage, she had a second, extramarital relationship that bore a son. Karīma’s wealth stands out among all the figures, men and women, whose records are preserved in the Cairo Geniza.