Betrothal Contract (Fustāt, Egypt)

This document is a betrothal contract from Fustāt (Old Cairo) between Meir and Sitt al-Khibā’ bat Tahor. Her dowry is itemized at length. Among other interesting details, Meir has promised not to take a second wife or to have relations with his wife before she has completed the full Rabbanite purification process after menstruation. In addition, the end of the contract contains a warning for her to uphold these laws as well. Apparently, it was the local custom in Egypt for Jewish women to go to the bathhouse immediately after the cessation of bleeding and to wash using regular water, drawn from a well, instead of waiting seven “clean days” and then going to a mikveh. In 1176, Maimonides declared that Jewish women were required to observe the Rabbanite laws, or face a financial penalty, and this text might reflect his initiative. The contract also expands her ability to demand payments that would not usually be accessible to her, granting her unusual rights. Ellipses indicate lacunae in the manuscript.