Maczakové z Ottenburgu – Vopatrný Gorazd Josef (2025)

This book presents the story of the ancestors of Mrs. Kamila Mašková from Nový Bydžov. Among the direct ancestors of her father were also nobles, and in the line of her mother, there were Jews. Therefore, the noble families of Maczak from Ottenburg, Bukovský from Neudorf, Šponar from Blimsdorf, Felix from Ebenholz, and the d'Alquen family, from which she descended, are discussed in detail. Among her Jewish ancestors were, among others, Chajim ben David ha-kohen, Šimeon ha-levi Schick, and Kalonymos ben Elijahu Pick. For a deeper understanding of the issues, information about the beginnings of Jewish settlement in Bohemia and about Jews in Prague and Nový Bydžov is included. There is also information about genetic genealogy, the monarchical principle, noble aristocracy, and Jews more generally.
The book seeks to emphasize the importance of understanding our genealogy and the significance of respect for our ancestors. In this life, it is impossible to achieve anything truly valuable, substantial, and important without the appropriate effort. The ethical demands of Orthodox Judaism and the consistent building and cultivation of character in the environment of noble aristocracy can be inspiring even today.