Kosher tax facts for kids

The Kosher tax was a special fee that Jewish people sometimes had to pay to their governments. It was one of several "indirect taxes." This means it wasn't a tax on income or property, but often on specific goods or activities. This tax was used by governments like the Russian Empire, the Habsburg Empire (which included Austria), Germany, and Moldavia.

What Was the Kosher Tax?

The Kosher tax was a special fee that Jewish communities had to pay. It was usually collected on things related to Jewish life. The most common form was a tax on kosher meat. Kosher meat is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws called kashrut.

The Korobka Tax in Russia

In Russia, this tax was known as the korobka. The word korobka (коробка) actually means "box" in Russian. It got this name because Jewish people often had to put a coin into a box when paying the tax.

This tax was paid for every animal slaughtered according to kashrut rules. It was also paid for every pound of this kosher meat that was sold. The korobka was part of a larger system of taxes on Jewish communities in Russia.

Why the Korobka Was Difficult

Many people felt the korobka was the hardest and most annoying tax for Jewish people in Russia. It added a lot to their financial burden. Because of these heavy taxes, including the korobka, many Jewish families left towns. They moved to villages or lived on the large estates of noblemen to try and escape the taxes.

Kosher Taxes in Galicia

Galicia was a region that became part of the Austrian Empire in 1772. After this, special taxes were put on Galician Jews. These taxes included fees for marriage permits, kosher meat, and even for synagogues (Jewish places of worship).

For example, between 1777 and 1784, Jewish people in Horodenka, a part of Galicia, paid several special taxes. These included a "Protection and Tolerance Tax" and a "Property and Occupation tax." In 1784, the Property and Occupation Tax was removed. In its place, the Kosher Meat Tax was introduced.

The Crupca Tax in Moldavia

In 1741, Moldavian ruler Grigore Ghica confirmed a tax called the crupca. This was an indirect tax on kosher meat. It was very similar to the korobka tax used in Russia.

Kosher Taxes in Germany

During the 1700s and 1800s, some towns in Germany also had a "kosher meat tax." This tax was collected by local governments. The money collected was often used to help support the local Jewish community.