Subject: Jewish philanthropy

Yiddish broadside announcing a public meeting at the National Bank Hall, 203 Pine Street, Philadelphia, on December 31, 1891, at 7 PM. The meeting was called to discuss an urgent letter from Rabbi Joshua Leib Diskin regarding the solicitation of funds for Kollel America. The call was issued in the name of Philadelphia's rabbinate. The broadside mentions Kollel America of Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes, which solicited funds for the poor of Eretz Israel.

Cast iron charity (tzedakah) box in the shape of a safe with a locking door and coin slot. Made of green and black metal. Below the coin slot, it reads "Alms" in English and "Tzedakah" in Hebrew. Circa 1880. This item was never previously cataloged.

Five printed receipts, partially completed in ink, documenting charitable donations to Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia between 1850 and 1854. Each receipt includes the donor's name and, in at least one instance, the signature of Hyman Gratz, Vice President. The receipts are in English and contain partial Hebrew text. Two of the five receipts are present in this record.

Manuscript will of Hyman Gratz, written in his hand on January 21, 1857, detailing the distribution of his estate. The will, written six days before his death, names Rebecca Gratz as the primary beneficiary, with further bequests to Horace Mose upon her death. The document, measuring 13" x 9", comprises two sheets written on both sides. It begins with the phrase "In the Name of the God of Israel Amen."

This handwritten letter, dated November 20, 1863, from L. Bennett Schwabe to the officers and soldiers of the 11th Massachusetts Regiment, notifies them of a shipment of articles sent via Harnden & Co.'s express. The articles, described as "healthy and useful," are intended for the "old members" of the regiment, with a promise to remember "newly drafted men" at a later time. Schwabe expresses his awareness of the regiment's valor and asks for confirmation of the safe arrival of the items. The document features handwritten text on lined paper, with some visible corrections and signs of age such as faint yellow stains. 3.

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.

Two-page letter dated April 11, 1853, from Isaac Hart in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses the election of new trustees for the Shanarai-Chasset Congregation, financial contributions from Mr. Block of Washington, Arkansas, the vacancy of a minister in the Portuguese Congregation, and a gift presented to Mr. Marks. Hart also mentions his reluctance to accept further office within the congregation.

A Hebrew letter dated 18 Shevat 1850, written from Amsterdam by Jakob Meir Lehren and Zalman Rubens of the Pekidim ve-ha-amarkalim Society to Yitzchak Dov HaLevi Bamberger and Abraham Wechsler. The letter discusses issues with a charity collector misappropriating funds intended for indigent Jews in Eretz Israel, disputes between Sephardic and Ashkenazic agents collecting funds in America, and the death of a collector sent by Chief Rabbi Chaim Abraham Gaguin. It also requests that R. Bamberger not issue a proclamation against the organization's collectors. The letter is four pages long, written in Hebrew.

A one-page letter from Mendes Kursheedt to Isaac Leeser dated May 1, 1854, concerning the $3,000 bequest from Judah Touro for charitable distribution. The letter was written in New Orleans, Louisiana and discusses the largest bequest to Jewish causes at that time, facilitated by the Kursheedt brothers with Leeser's guidance.

One and a half page letter dated June 3, 1864, from Sir Moses Montefiore in Ramsgate, England, to Rabbi Sabato Morais in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Montefiore expresses gratitude for Morais's note commending his efforts with the Sultan of Morocco on behalf of oppressed Jews. The letter is written by a secretary and signed by Montefiore.

Three-page letter written by N. Phillips, Clerk at Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City, to Hersh Lehren of the Pekidim and Amarkalim Society in Amsterdam, Netherlands, dated March 1, 1846. The letter details the remittance of funds collected from sedaka boxes at Congregation Shearith Israel, Bet Haim cemetery, and other individuals for the benefit of the poor in the Holy Land. Contributors named include Gershom Kursheedt, H. Goldberg, and S. Abrahams. This letter exemplifies the organized international Jewish effort to aid the poor in Palestine.

A three-page letter written circa 1870 by Sir Moses Montefiore in Hebrew. The letter, written on stationery with the heading “Holy Land...Sir Moses Montefiore,” details various expenditures. The letter was written in Palestine and is in Montefiore's hand. Montefiore's philanthropic endeavors focused heavily on the Holy Land, where he traveled seven times between 1827 and 1875, funding projects related to industry, education, and health. His contributions include the Moses Montefiore Windmill in Yemin Moshe, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the Old City walls, funded by the estate of Judah Touro.

Autograph letter signed by Sir Moses Montefiore, dated September 18, 1873, from Ramsgate, England, to Philo Jacoby in San Francisco, California. Montefiore renews his subscription to Jacoby's publication, "The Hebrew."

A receipt for a $2.00 offering to Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The receipt was issued on October 16, 1849, by Hyman Gratz, acting as gabay (treasurer) of the congregation. Joseph A. Brandon is listed as the payer.

Handwritten receipt from I. Weil acknowledging the receipt of $15 from Mayer Sulzberger for the dues of Abraham, Joseph, and Mayer Sulzberger to The Hospital Association for the year 1867. The receipt is written on the back of a blank printed receipt from Wallerstein, Weil & Co. Dated December 26, 1867. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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.

This book, published in 1904, is a collection of writings and speeches responding to the Kishinev pogrom of 1903 in Russia. The pogrom, in which numerous Jews were killed and injured, sparked international outrage and condemnation. This volume compiles various American perspectives on the event, highlighting the accusations of ritual murder leveled against the Jewish community and the ensuing antisemitic violence. The book also features a plate depicting the Irene Kaufmann Settlement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, suggesting a connection to Jewish charitable work and community building in the United States in response to the tragedy.

This trade card advertises L. Loupe, a dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, carpets, oil cloths, and matting, located in Gilroy, CA. The card features a humorous black and white illustration titled "Courtship On The Beach," depicting two pairs of feet emerging from under a large beach umbrella, with other figures under smaller umbrellas in the background. The text beneath the illustration details the business's offerings.

This trade card is for Edward Stern. The front is a plain print card. [Stern was the first officer of the Federation of Jewish Charities of Philadelphia.] The back of the card is blank.