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From: R. Nachmani
Subject: What counts as proof?
Date: 20 Kislev 5782
I would suggest four categories:
1. Observation — a witness was present for the event 2. Attestation — an authority vouches that the requirement was met 3. Documentary — written evidence exists (ketubah, conversion certificate, etc.) 4. Community — the community recognizes the person as meeting the requirement
In Baghdad, all four were used, sometimes for the same person, sometimes for different purposes.
My grandfather's status as a kohen was community knowledge. Everyone knew the Nachmani family were kohanim. It was simply known, passed down, never questioned. There was no document. There did not need to be.
His marriage was documentary. The ketubah was signed, witnessed, filed with the community. His wife's family kept a copy. When they left Iraq in 1951, they brought the ketubah but not much else.
His son's brit was observed. Three witnesses, as required. Their names were recorded.
His learning was attested by the rav. When he needed to prove he could serve in a certain capacity, the Hakham Bashi's office issued a letter confirming his qualifications.
Four different types of proof. Four different methods. All for one man.
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