Ets Haim is an independent institution within the Portuguese Jewish community of Amsterdam. Its goals, tasks and jurisdiction are set down in a charter.

The first three articles of this charter cover the general character of the Ets Haim. And we include them here for your information.

Article 1. Name

The institution carries the name "Portugees Israelitisch Seminarium Ets Haim". It was founded in 5397/1637 as the continuation of the "Fellowship Talmud Torah" (est. 5376/1616) and it is an independent educational institution of the Portuguese Jewish community of Amsterdam.

Article 2. Place of Residence

The institution resides in Amsterdam.

Article 3. Goals

1. The institution's objective is the education of the members of the Portuguese Jewish community, so that they can fulfill jewish religious functions. Additionally the institution is responsible for conducting Jewish studies in general.

2. The institution is charged with the preservation of the library "Bibliotheek Ets Haim - Livraria Montezinos". This includes the specific charge of maintaining "Livraria Montezinos" and ensuring its independence as a single indivisible collection.

3. The institution tries to meet its goals by:

a. offering education, particularly in the Dutch Portuguese-Jewish tradition. b. the promotion of study and research of the library and its collections. c. raising funds to cover any costs involved. d. employing such personel as is necessary in achieving these goals e. acquisition of necessary resources f. utilisation of any legal means that will further the goals of the institution

4. The institution performs its duties and offers its services solely in accordance with the prescriptions of the orthodox jewish tradition of the Portuguese Jewish community of Amsterdam.