January 2 1782 – 16 Tevet 5542
Austrian Emperor Joseph II published his Act of Tolerance, officially allowing Jews rights of residence in the countries under his rule, but at the same time enforcing their use of the German language. Anyone unable to pass an examination in German was forbidden to marry until they reached the age of twenty-five. Jewish merchants and dignitaries and their sons were permitted to wear a sword in public, and Christians were asked to behave in a fitting and friendly fashion toward their Jewish neighbors.