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Subject: Charity organization


Adolphus S. Solomons American Red Cross Vice President Medal, circa 1880 Adolphus S. Solomons American Red Cross Vice President Medal, circa 1880

14k gold and enamel medal awarded to Adolphus S. Solomons, Vice President of the American Red Cross, circa 1880. The cross bar reads "Vice President for the United States", and the back is engraved with his name. The medal features a red cross on a white and blue background. The medal is associated with the founding of the American Red Cross and Solomons' significant role in the organization.

Autograph Letter Signed from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser Regarding Chinese Jews, May 9, 1853 Autograph Letter Signed from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser Regarding Chinese Jews, May 9, 1853

Autograph letter signed from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser, written in English on May 9, 1853. The letter discusses the plight of Chinese Jews and proposes ways American Jews can offer support, both spiritually and financially. The letter references articles in *The Occident* and suggests sending emissaries to China to teach Hebrew. Three pages, with an autograph address panel. Written in Richmond, Virginia, and addressed to Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Banquet in Honor of Jesse Seligman Banquet in Honor of Jesse Seligman

This is a commemorative banquet program from a dinner held on October 1, 1891, in honor of Jesse Seligman. The program, printed by Dempsey & Carroll in New York City, includes a hand-drawn watercolor illustration on the front and back covers, a multi-course menu (in French), and a record of speeches given by prominent figures in the New York Jewish community, including Jacob H. Schiff, Oscar S. Strauss, Myer S. Isaacs, Myer Sulzberger, and Julius Goldman. Rabbi Gustav Gottheil delivered the grace. The program is a unique artifact offering a glimpse into late 19th-century Jewish high society in New York City.

Bookplate: The Jewish Museum, New York City Bookplate: The Jewish Museum, New York City

Bookplate indicating ownership by the Jewish Museum in New York City. The bookplate notes that it is from the Deinard Collection, presented by Jacob Schiff. The date is approximately 1915 based on the date of the collection.

Bookplates of Moses Aaron Dropsie Bookplates of Moses Aaron Dropsie

Two bookplates of Moses Aaron Dropsie (1821-1905), founder of Dropsie College. One bookplate depicts an open book and Hebrew lettering. The description notes that Dropsie was a Whig candidate for mayor in 1852 and an anti-slavery advocate. The bookplates are undated.

Broadside Calling for a United Jewish Charity Organization in Philadelphia, March 29, 1869 Broadside Calling for a United Jewish Charity Organization in Philadelphia, March 29, 1869

A broadside printed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 29, 1869, calling for the unification of Jewish charitable organizations in the city under the banner of "The Society of the United Hebrew Charities of Philadelphia." This document represents an early effort towards consolidating Jewish charitable giving in America, predating the 20th-century Federations. It lists numerous names of individuals and organizations.

Broadside: Appeal for Relief of Jews Fleeing Morocco, 1859 Broadside: Appeal for Relief of Jews Fleeing Morocco, 1859

Two-page printed broadside letter dated December 25, 1859, issued by a committee of Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia to solicit funds for the relief of Jews who fled to Gibraltar from Morocco to escape persecution. The appeal includes a letter by Sir Moses Montefiore and lists committee members with their addresses: M.A. Mitchell, A.S. Wolf, H.M. Phillips, D. Salomon, S. Hart, S. Heiter, H. Cohen, S. Arnold, Henry Allen, J.A. Phillips, A. Hart, G. Mayer, D. Gans, J. Moss, and M. Arnold.

First Annual Report of the Jewish Foster Home Society of Philadelphia First Annual Report of the Jewish Foster Home Society of Philadelphia

This pamphlet contains the first annual report of the Jewish Foster Home Society of Philadelphia, published in 1856. The report lists hundreds of names of individuals and families associated with the organization, including notable figures such as Rebecca Gratz, Hymen Gratz, Uriah Levy, Abraham Hart, and the Geyser family of New York City. The report also includes an address by J. Binswanger, who gives the society's address as 146 Franklin Street, Philadelphia. This is the only known copy of this report, and it is not listed in Singerman.

Handwritten Minutes of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Jewish Foster Home Society of Philadelphia and Related Invitations Handwritten Minutes of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Jewish Foster Home Society of Philadelphia and Related Invitations

This archival collection consists of one handwritten letter and three printed invitations. The letter, dated approximately February 24, 1863, comprises four pages of handwritten minutes from the eighth annual meeting of the Jewish Foster Home Society of Philadelphia. The three printed invitations announce the annual meetings of the same society, dated February 14, 1860; February 10, 1863; and February 20, 186[?]. All items originate from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The invitations are not listed in Singerman.

Invitation and Ticket to the Hebrew Charity Ball, Philadelphia, February 15, 1898 Invitation and Ticket to the Hebrew Charity Ball, Philadelphia, February 15, 1898

Invitation and ticket to the Hebrew Charity Ball held at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia on February 15, 1898. The four-page brochure-style invitation lists eight Jewish charitable organizations in Philadelphia and details their work, primarily serving the poor, sick, women, and immigrants. Organizations mentioned include the United Hebrew Charities, the Jewish Hospital Association, the Orphans' Guardians, and the Association of Jewish Immigrants. The back of the invitation lists over 90 officers and members of the Hebrew Charity Ball Association, including prominent merchants such as Benjamin Gimbel, Samuel Lit, and Joseph Fels. The ticket, included with the invitation, was priced at $5. The invitation highlights the significant role of these organizations in supporting vulnerable members of Philadelphia's Jewish community.

Legal Documents and Correspondence of Moses Aaron Dropsie, 1849-1860 Legal Documents and Correspondence of Moses Aaron Dropsie, 1849-1860

Collection of legal documents and a letter penned by Moses Aaron Dropsie (1821-1905), a prominent Philadelphia lawyer, philanthropist, and founder of Dropsie College. The materials include Dropsie's first legal argument, dated October 17, 1849, a letter from October 1860 concerning a legal matter involving a ship captain, and a legal document signed by Dropsie as attorney on May 6, 1858. Also included are two biographical sketches highlighting Dropsie's significant contributions to American Judaism and public affairs.

Letter - Congregation Shaary Tefilla, New York, New York, June 12, 1854 Letter - Congregation Shaary Tefilla, New York, New York, June 12, 1854

Letter from Rabbi S.M. Isaacs, dated June 12, 1854, to the members of the Congregation Shaary Tefilla in New York. The letter discusses the contributions received for the relief of the famished Jews in Palestine. It lists over 130 donors and their contributions. The letter was printed on a single page and measures 9.5 inches by 8 inches.

Letter from a Committee of American Jews in Jerusalem to Col. George I. Fisher, January 1, 1878 Letter from a Committee of American Jews in Jerusalem to Col. George I. Fisher, January 1, 1878

Three-page letter dated January 1, 1878, from a committee of American Jews in Jerusalem (David Lilienthal, Moses Teiler, and H. Z. Sneersohn) to Col. George I. Fisher in Washington, D.C. The letter solicits funds for impoverished Jews in Jerusalem, explaining that they are not seeking government funds but requesting assistance in publishing a plea for aid in leading American journals. The letter references Simon Wolf and Rabbi Weiss. The letterhead features a blue seal depicting an American eagle over Solomon's Temple.

Letter from Adolphus S. Solomons regarding Memorial Book presented to the children of Myer S. Isaacs, July 7, 1904 Letter from Adolphus S. Solomons regarding Memorial Book presented to the children of Myer S. Isaacs, July 7, 1904

A one-page letter and cover letter, signed by Adolphus S. Solomons, agent, on the letterhead of the Central Committee of the Baron De Hirsch Fund. Dated July 7, 1904. The letter accompanies a memorial book (Item 13-1687 in the collection) presented to the children of Myer S. Isaacs. Solomons describes his long-standing association with Myer S. Isaacs and expresses his deep interest in the Baron De Hirsch Fund. The memorial book is a leather portfolio containing calligraphic text on six pages of parchment paper, signed by trustees of the Baron de Hirsch Fund.

Letter from B. F. Peixotto to Isaac Leeser, November 30, 1865 Letter from B. F. Peixotto to Isaac Leeser, November 30, 1865

Letter written by B. F. Peixotto in Cleveland, Ohio to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 30, 1865. The letter discusses Bnai Brith and lodge donations. It is written on the stationery of Davis, Peixotto & Co., located at 3 & 5 Water Streets. The envelope includes a printed return address for B. F. Peixotto, Cor. Sec., Cleveland Library Association.

Letter from George Randorf to Louis E. Levy, September 29, 1890 Letter from George Randorf to Louis E. Levy, September 29, 1890

Letter from George Randorf, former agent of the Association of Jewish Immigrants, to Louis E. Levy, President of the Association, requesting a letter of reference and seeking forgiveness for any unintentional offense caused by his departure. Written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 29, 1890.

Letter from Jacob Henry Joseph to Isaac Leeser, Montreal, October 31, 1853 Letter from Jacob Henry Joseph to Isaac Leeser, Montreal, October 31, 1853

A two-and-a-half-page letter written by Jacob Henry Joseph on October 31, 1853, from Montreal, Canada, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joseph critiques Leeser's actions and personality. The letter provides insight into the relationship between the two men and the Jewish community in North America during the mid-19th century.

Letter from Joseph Morrison to Isaac Leeser, September 11, 1853 Letter from Joseph Morrison to Isaac Leeser, September 11, 1853

A letter dated September 11, 1853, from Joseph Morrison in New York to Isaac Leeser. Morrison apologizes for a perceived attack in an article he wrote for the Asmonean, defending Leeser's fundraising efforts for the destitute in New Orleans. The letter discusses a misunderstanding regarding the article's reception and clarifies Morrison's respect for Leeser despite differing opinions. The letter is approximately 8 x 10 inches in size.

Letter from Judah Touro to David Hart, September 1, 1835 Letter from Judah Touro to David Hart, September 1, 1835

A two-page letter from Judah Touro in New Orleans, Louisiana to David Hart in New York City, dated September 1, 1835. Touro discusses problems with a runaway slave. Hart was a long-time friend and business associate of Touro. Letters with personal content from Touro are extremely rare.

Letter from Moses Montifiore to Gershom Kursheedt and Solomon Isaacs Regarding Donations for the Holy Land Letter from Moses Montifiore to Gershom Kursheedt and Solomon Isaacs Regarding Donations for the Holy Land

Period copy of a letter dated January 19, 1847, from Moses Montifiore to Gershom Kursheedt and Solomon Isaacs in New York. The letter expresses gratitude for the congregations' donation of 64 pounds sterling to "our poor brethren in the Holy Land." Montifiore notes that the Distribution Committee in Amsterdam will manage the disbursement of funds. The verso contains a note requesting publication of the letter, suggesting its intended publication in the Occident, edited by Isaac Leeser. The letter is a full single page measuring 8" x 10". A related item (20-658) in the collection documents a separate donation of one hundred and forty dollars sent to Hersh Lehrem in Amsterdam for the same purpose. By 1824, the Amarkalim Society in Amsterdam served as the primary collection agency for charitable aid to the Holy Land, with significant contributions from Gershom Kursheedt and Shearith Israel.

Letter from Moses Myers to James Nimmo Regarding a Contribution to the American Colonization Society, Norfolk, Virginia, June 25, 1829 Letter from Moses Myers to James Nimmo Regarding a Contribution to the American Colonization Society, Norfolk, Virginia, June 25, 1829

This letter, dated June 25, 1829, was written by Moses Myers of Norfolk, Virginia, to James Nimmo. Myers details a contribution to the American Colonization Society for the transportation of freed slaves from Virginia to Africa and requests that his name be withheld. The letter highlights Jewish involvement in the Colonization Society and offers insights into the social and political climate of Norfolk, Virginia, in 1829.

Letter from Rebecca Gratz to Joseph Gratz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1805 Letter from Rebecca Gratz to Joseph Gratz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1805

Two-page letter written by Rebecca Gratz to her brother, Joseph, urging him not to leave home and to consider their aging parents. Written in haste and under duress, with numerous corrections, it reveals her common sense even in stressful times. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1805. This letter predates the known collection of Rebecca Gratz's letters, published in 1929, and offers intimate details not found elsewhere.

Letter from Rezin Davis Shephard to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Judah Touro Estate, June 10, 1857 Letter from Rezin Davis Shephard to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Judah Touro Estate, June 10, 1857

A one-page letter dated June 10, 1857, from Rezin Davis Shephard, executor of the Judah Touro estate, to Isaac Leeser. Shephard explains his inability to fulfill Leeser's requests due to significant financial commitments stemming from various projects undertaken over the previous three years. Shephard's response highlights the estate's limitations and its inability to meet additional requests. The letter underscores the financial constraints faced by the executor in managing Touro's estate following Touro's death on January 13, 1854. Additional information about R.D. Shephard can be found in B. W. Korn's 1969 work, 'The Early Jews of New Orleans'.

Letter from S. Baroway to Louis Levy Regarding Jewish Immigrants in Baltimore, December 14, 1892 Letter from S. Baroway to Louis Levy Regarding Jewish Immigrants in Baltimore, December 14, 1892

Letter from S. Baroway, agent for the Baltimore Committee of the Baron de Hirsch Fund, to Louis Levy in Philadelphia. Dated December 14, 1892, the letter responds to Levy's request for the number of Jewish immigrants who arrived in Baltimore in September, October, and November 1892. The letter is written on the letterhead of the Baltimore Committee of the Baron de Hirsch Fund, located at 1208 East Baltimore Street. Levy's address is given as S.E. Corner 7th & Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

Levytype Company Portrait of Hyman Gratz Levytype Company Portrait of Hyman Gratz

Levytype Company portrait of Hyman Gratz, a prominent Philadelphia merchant and philanthropist. The oval portrait shows Gratz in a seated pose, with a facsimile signature. The print measures 6" x 9", with the image itself being 3.5" x 4.5". Created circa 1880 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Memorial Book Presented to the Family of Myer S. Isaacs Memorial Book Presented to the Family of Myer S. Isaacs

A leather portfolio containing a calligraphic memorial book presented to the family of Myer S. Isaacs in 1904. The portfolio includes six pages of parchment paper with calligraphic text, signed by trustees of the Baron de Hirsch Fund: Jacob H. Schiff (Vice President), Eugene S. Benjamin, Emanuel Lehman (Treasurer), (a name difficult to read), A. Abraham, Henry Rice, Wm B. Hackenburg, Mayer Sulzberger, and A. S. Solomons. It also contains a glossy portrait print of Isaacs and a cover letter signed by Adolphus S. Solomons, agent for the Baron de Hirsch Fund (the letter is cataloged separately). The book serves as a testament to influential American Jews and their involvement in Jewish-American organizations in the late 19th century. The portfolio measures 7.5" x 10", is lined with purple silk, and has a gilt-covered pebbled leather exterior. The leather shows wear at the spine and borders; the portrait print has some soiling and small tears. Overall condition is Very Good.

R. H. Macy & Co. Bill for an Agate Pail, 1899 R. H. Macy & Co. Bill for an Agate Pail, 1899

Bill from R. H. Macy & Co. for an agate pail, dated June 10, 1899. The bill is addressed to both sides of 14th Street and 6th Avenue. The bill includes a description of the Straus family's history, including their involvement with R. H. Macy & Co., their philanthropy, and the tragic loss of Isidor and Ida Straus on the Titanic. The description further details the legal suit against L. Straus Sons in 1913 regarding undervaluation of imported chinaware. The bill provides insight into the business dealings of the Straus family and their connections to prominent department stores and legal matters.

R. H. Macy & Co. Invoice for Canoe and Paddle R. H. Macy & Co. Invoice for Canoe and Paddle

Invoice from R. H. Macy & Co., located at Broadway at 6th Ave., 34th St. to 35th St., for a canoe and paddle. The invoice is dated December 17, 1900. The invoice is associated with Nathan Straus (1848-1931), an American merchant and philanthropist who, along with his brother Isidor, were partners and co-owners of R.H. Macy & Company. The description includes biographical information about the Straus brothers, their involvement with Macy's, and Nathan Straus's philanthropy in Israel, as well as a connection to Anne Frank through Otto Frank, who worked at Macy's.

Report of the Executive Committee of the Helpers, January 1898 Report of the Executive Committee of the Helpers, January 1898

This pamphlet contains the report of the Executive Committee of the Helpers, a San Francisco-based organization, from January 1898. The report covers the organization's activities and finances for the period from its founding in 1889 to January 1898. The exact nature of the organization's activities and the type of help provided require further investigation beyond what is listed in the available metadata.

Report on the Colonization of Russian Refugees in the West Report on the Colonization of Russian Refugees in the West

This 35-page book, published in New York in 1882, is a report by Julius Goldman on the efforts of the Hebrew Emigrant Aid Society of the United States to settle Russian Jewish refugees in the American West. The report details the challenges and successes of this colonization effort, offering valuable insights into the experiences of Jewish immigrants at the time and the role of the Hebrew Emigrant Aid Society in assisting their resettlement.

Responsa from Leib Aryeh Breslau: A Halachic Inquiry by Haym Salomon Responsa from Leib Aryeh Breslau: A Halachic Inquiry by Haym Salomon

Responsum 41, folio 46r, from the book *Leib Aryeh Breslau… Penei Proops, Amsterdam* (small folio; see Vinograd, Amsterdam 2181). This 1790 responsum addresses a halachic question posed by Haym Salomon (Solomon) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, concerning financial matters related to philanthropy. The book is signed by a previous owner, Hirschel Lehren. Sold at Kestenbaum & Co. auction in NYC on 11/17/1998 for $1,700 (including commission).

Sir Moses Montefiore: A Centennial Biography Sir Moses Montefiore: A Centennial Biography

This book is a biography of Sir Moses Montefiore, written by Lucien Wolf and published by Harper Brothers in New York City. The book contains 271 pages of text, plus 42 pages in the back dedicated to English prayers. A previous owner's name is inscribed in the flyleaf. The book was likely acquired around 1885, given the date inscribed in the flyleaf.

Taxes Due on the Estate of Simon Muhr:  Estate Records, 1895 Taxes Due on the Estate of Simon Muhr: Estate Records, 1895

This document pertains to the taxes owed upon the death of Simon Muhr, a prominent Philadelphia German Jewish philanthropist, merchant, manufacturer, and owner of the Muhr Building. The document details aspects of Muhr's life, including his philanthropic activities and his bequest to Jewish and other charities, including a substantial sum to the city of Philadelphia for scholarships. The date is April 4, 1895, and it includes information regarding Muhr's death on February 9, 1895. The document provides insight into the financial settlement of his estate and the distribution of his considerable wealth to various causes.

Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the American Society for Meliorating the Condition of the Jews Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the American Society for Meliorating the Condition of the Jews

This pamphlet contains the twenty-fifth annual report of the American Society for Meliorating the Condition of the Jews, presented in 1848. The report details the society's activities and accomplishments during the year, likely including information on its charitable work, advocacy efforts, and overall progress in improving the lives of Jewish people in the United States. The report was likely presented to the society's members and possibly distributed more broadly to raise awareness and solicit further support.