This volume examines in inter-disciplinary perspective the degree to which the medieval Ashkenazi were innovative in the area of communal activity surrounding burial and mourning customs. The topics cover liturgical poetry as well as statutory prayers; confessions, final testimonies and acts of charity; funeral and mourning rites; the influences of the surrounding non-Jewish; the effects of major acts of persecution.

The Nuremberg Miscellany Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nurnberg, Bibliothek, 8 Hs. 7058 (Rl. 203)] is a unique work of scribal art and illumination. Its costly parchment leaves are richly adorned and illustrated with multicolour paint and powdered gold. It was penned and illustrated in southern Germany - probably Swabia - in 1589 and is signed by a certain Eliezer b. Mordechai the Martyr.

The Miscellany is a relatively thin manuscript. In its present state, it holds a total of 46 folios, 44 of which are part of the original codex and an additional bifolio that was...