In 1810 the German Jewish newspaper, Sulamith cited recent actions in Anhalt-Deßau and Württemberg that permitted protected Jews the opportunity to become artisans. The article reported official encouragement from Duke Leopold III (left) to give apprenticeships to Jewish youth and the same article praised Hirsch Schwabe, a Dessau merchant who decided that his youngest son, Samuel, should be a farmer. Schwabe was fortunate to have lived in Dessau during Leopold's time.  Below is a translation of the original article and the following link will open the original article which can be read HERE. Top return to the Schwabe Family Page click HERE.

According to a supreme royal decree the children of (selected / worthy) Jewish parents would forthwith be allowed to become apprentices of artisans and artists of all kind. The masters of the various guilds will no longer be permitted to refuse them. One assumes that this humane decree from the benevolent king will be followed by further ordinances in favour of the Jews, who would thus receive the opportunity of proving their sentiments of loyalty and love towards the king and the fatherland.

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In the county of Anhalt-Dessau all children of Jewish parents will now be permitted to learn any trade they want. The dearly beloved Duke of Dessau has thus once again shown how deeply he cares for the wellbeing of all his subjects. One may justly expect that the Jewish citizens of Dessau will use this concession expediently. Last year already, the merchant Hirsch Schwabe set a good example by deciding that his young son, named Samuel, would study agriculture under an upright official resident in Zerbst. Not only the continual diligence of the young agriculturist, but his good behaviour earned the admiration and trust of his mentor. May he be an example to many others!