In 1677, Judah ben Eliezer Briel (1643-1722) of Mantua was granted the title of Morenu ha-Rav (our Teacher, the Rabbi). This document enumerates his rabbinic responsibilities, including adjudicating matters of Jewish civil and family law. Beginning in the 16th century, rabbinic ordination (semikhah) in Italy required the approval of three rabbis. Here, it was conferred by three eminent rabbis of the Venetian community: Jacob ben Moses Levi, Solomon Hai ben Nehemiah Saraval, and Moses ben Jacob Treves. In 1685, Rabbi Briel succeeded his mentor, Moses Zacuto, as chief rabbi of Mantua. During this period, it was not uncommon to find contemporary artistic elements such as putti (cherubs) and mythological figures adorning religious documents. Similar decorative motifs can be found in the Jewish marriage contracts (ketubbot) and Esther scrolls produced at this time. Rabbi Briel was one of the signatories on the illustrated ketubbah at left.