The Council of the Four Lands

The Council of the Four Lands was a unique phenomenon in Jewish intercommunal organization. It operated in Poland between roughly 1580 and 1764 and met twice a year, in the fall and in the spring, during the large trade fairs. The Council of the Four Lands was composed of Jewish leaders drawn from four regions and oversaw various institutions, including a court of justice. It was recognized by Polish authorities as the representative body of Jews, responsible for collecting taxes. With respect to the Jewish community it had many functions, such as approving the publication of books, dealing with debtors, and allocating fines and punishments. It was specifically instrumental during crises such as the time of the pogroms of 1648 and 1649.