And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?’ or `What shall we drink?’ or `What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. — Matthew 6:28-33
The Statute of Kalisz, labeled “The Jewish Magna Carta,” was signed in 1264 by Bolesław the Pious, Grand Duke of Poland. The statute guaranteed Jewish liberties and became the basis for the development of Jewish sanctuary in Poland. The Statute allowed for the creation of an autonomous Yiddish speaking Jewish nation within Poland’s borders, governed by Talmudic Law (until 1795, and dissolved with the partitions of Poland between Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia). The Statute established Jewish Courts and a special tribunal for the hearing of matters involving Christians and Jews. Jews were exempt from slavery and serfdom, had no obligation for the defense of Poland, and were not required to speak Polish. By 1549, the Jewish population of Poland exceeded 200,000.