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Subject: Jewish life -- 19th century -- United States

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Advertisements for *The Occident*, June 1849: An Autograph Manuscript by Isaac LeeserAdvertisements for *The Occident*, June 1849: An Autograph Manuscript by Isaac Leeser

Autograph manuscript written in English (with one Hebrew word) by Isaac Leeser, listing advertisements for the June 1849 issue of *The Occident*. Advertisements include one for a Jewish boarding house in New York City with "fine spacious apartments," open until after the arrival of Philadelphia cars; Bibles bound in calf, suitable for Jewish families and schools; and a search for a Chazan for K.K. Bne Jeshurun in Cincinnati, offering a salary of $500. The manuscript notes that "none but persons fully qualified need apply, and none others will be elected." The manuscript comprises two pages in a tall, thin folio format. Dated May 1, 1849.

Ketubah of Shelomoh ben Simhah and Braynah bat Yosef, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1835Ketubah of Shelomoh ben Simhah and Braynah bat Yosef, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1835

This ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) is written in Hebrew and Aramaic on parchment in brown ink. It documents the marriage of Shelomoh ben Simhah and Braynah bat Yosef, which took place in 1835 at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ketubah is significant for being officiated by Isaac Leeser as Hazan (cantor) and Abraham Hart as President (parnas). This may be the earliest known ketubah signed by Rev. Leeser, offering a significant glimpse into early 19th-century American Jewish life. The description includes a comparison with a similar ketubah from 1848 sold at auction.

Letter from Isidor Bush to Isaac Leeser, January 6, 1851Letter from Isidor Bush to Isaac Leeser, January 6, 1851

Two-page letter written by Isidor Bush on January 6, 1851, from St. Louis, Missouri, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bush details his financial struggles and despair after his business failed in New York City. A second, German-language letter to Dormitzer in New York City is also included, discussing debts and a request to reinstate a subscription to *The Occident*.

Letter from Solomon Solis to Sarah Miriam Carvalho, November 28, 1850Letter from Solomon Solis to Sarah Miriam Carvalho, November 28, 1850

A two-page letter written by Solomon Solis to his sister, Sarah Miriam Carvalho, on November 28, 1850, in Philadelphia. The letter discusses the status of a parcel of property owned by their late father in New Orleans, including attempts to locate his books and details regarding foreclosures and lawsuits. The letter also includes personal reflections on their parents. A small illustration of the property is included on the second page. The letter shows tears.

The Jewish Messenger: February 7, 1868The Jewish Messenger: February 7, 1868

Full-page memorial to Isaac Leeser in the Jewish Messenger, published February 7, 1868, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York, New York. The newspaper includes contributions by S.M. Isaacs.