Subject: Jewish Culture

This broadside announces a performance of the opera "The Jewess" ("La Juive") at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London, England. The date of the performance is listed as Saturday evening, March 26th, but the year is uncertain; possibilities include 1842 or 1853. The broadside also notes that this is the 8th time the opera was performed in America and provides details about the actors and scenes. It's considered possibly the earliest extant American broadside for this opera. The opera, composed by Fromental Halévy, premiered in Paris in 1835 and was a popular work in the 19th century. The storyline explores the theme of religious tolerance.

A collection of 27 multicolored greeting cards used to decorate Jewish New Year cards. The cards depict various scenes related to religious festivals, life cycle events, patriotism, immigrants, and figures holding a Jewish flag. This lot contains 6 cards. The cards date from around 1900.

This multi-page dance program is for the Hebrew Charity Ball held on February 9, 1869. The cover features "Hebrew Charity Ball 1869" in decorative Victorian-style lettering, adorned with an illustration of cherubs holding musical instruments within a circular frame, set against ornate borders. A yellow ribbon is attached to the spine. The program lists "Promenade Music" and "Dancing Music" selections, including various quadrilles, waltzes, schottisches, lancers, galops, and gems from operas, with composers such as Offenbach, Mozart, Strauss, Verdi, and Hassler. Music was provided by Hassler's Grand Orchestra and Military Band. The interior pages also list Henry S. Frank as the Master of Ceremonies and several Floor Managers. The final page is blank for "Engagements." The item was printed by R. Stein, Phil. 3.

Fold-out greeting card featuring a silk pillow and punch paper border of Jewish stars. The cover depicts roses and Hebrew lettering. The interior displays two bird scenes with the message "All the Seasons Joy to You." The card is in its original box. Date is unknown, but likely early 20th century based on style.

An invitation to a dramatic episode titled "Esther, the Queen," produced by the Mickve Israel Literary Association. The event was to be held at the Hall of the Columbia Club, 1405 Oxford Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 1908. The invitation includes ticket number 533.

A letter dated December 2, 1942, from Joseph Brainin of the National Reception Committee to Erwin Piscator. The letter requests Piscator's participation in building cultural ties with the USSR. Brainin notes Piscator's position as a noted director and director of the School of the Theater at the New School for Social Research, and mentions the Committee of Jewish Writers and Artists.

First American edition of a book detailing the manners and customs of the Jews. Printed by Henry Benton in 1833. Geographic location: Connecticut.

Black and white photograph of a bar mitzvah boy standing alone. The photograph is attributed to the Van Dyke Studio located at 539 1/2 S. Broadway. The date is unknown, but it is estimated to have been taken around 1900 based on the style of photography. The image is part of the M Collection, found in Ms. Coll. 1410, Oversize Box 1, Folder 37.

Postcard depicting the Jewish Day celebration at the Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago. The reverse side features an image of Moses holding the tablets. Published circa 1933.

This item is sheet music for the song "She walks in beauty," from the collection "Hebrew Melodies." The words were written by Lord Byron, and the music was arranged by I. Braham and I. Nathan. It was published in New York by W. Dubois in 1815. The item features musical notation, lyrics, and an ornate title for "Hebrew Melodies," with prominent text attributing the words to Lord Byron and music arrangement to I. Braham & I. Nathan. This piece is part of a collaboration where composer Isaac Nathan (who initially studied to be a rabbi) and Lord Byron produced a collection of songs. Nathan claimed the tunes were derived from ancient Jewish temple music, though many were European folk songs adapted for synagogue services. The "I. Braham" credited is John Braham, a popular Jewish singer of the time, who allegedly lent his name for half the profits. The publication generated some backlash for Byron due to the period's prejudice against Jewish people. Notably, "She walks in beauty" was written by Byron prior to this collaboration, inspired by Mrs. Anne Beatrix Wilmot, and has no explicit connection to Judaism or Jewish themes. The document shows signs of age.

Sheet music for the "Temple Polka Mazourka" composed by Florence Ziegfeld and published by Root & Cady in Chicago, Illinois in 1864. The cover features a depiction of a Hebrew Temple.