Skip to content

Subject: Judaism--19th century

No additional authority information available for Judaism--19th century.


Autograph Letter Signed from Isaac Mayer Wise to Rabbi Max Landsberg, July 10-13, 1871Autograph Letter Signed from Isaac Mayer Wise to Rabbi Max Landsberg, July 10-13, 1871

Autograph letter signed by Isaac Mayer Wise (1819-1900) written in German to Rabbi Max Landsberg (1845-1927) on the letterhead of *The Israelite & Die Deborah*. The verso contains Landsberg's pencil-written response to Wise. Wise questions Landsberg's signing of a petition against him at the Cincinnati rabbinical conference. The letter includes Landsberg's response. Two pages. Written in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 10th, 1871 and Rochester, NY on July 13th, 1871. Letters fully transcribed and with complete English translation.

Broadside: Responsum from Rabbi Joseph Saul Nathanson to Rabbi Judah Middleman Regarding Kashrut, New York, 1862Broadside: Responsum from Rabbi Joseph Saul Nathanson to Rabbi Judah Middleman Regarding Kashrut, New York, 1862

A Hebrew broadside printed in New York City in 1862. It features a responsum from Rabbi Joseph Saul Nathanson of Lvov (Lemberg) to Rabbi Judah Yudel Middleman of New York concerning Kashrut matters, specifically addressing a dispute over the draining of blood from cattle before slaughter. The broadside includes decorative printed borders and is addressed to Rabbi Middleman at 70 Mott Street, New York.

Israel VindicatedIsrael Vindicated

This 1823 London reprint of an 1820 New York edition presents a refutation of anti-Jewish sentiments and an investigation of the American Society for Ameliorating the Condition of the Jews. Written in the form of 32 letters between 'Nathan Joseph' and 'Jacob Isaacs,' it critiques the Society's missionary aims and addresses the discrepancy between US federal law and state laws concerning religious equality. Authored by George Houston, assisted by Abraham Collins, it's a significant early Jewish polemic against missionary efforts.

Jacob Mordecai Notebooks, circa 1810-1820: Theological PolemicsJacob Mordecai Notebooks, circa 1810-1820: Theological Polemics

Two manuscript notebooks containing theological polemics written by Jacob Mordecai (1762-1838), a prominent American Jew. The notebooks, spanning approximately 156 pages, present Mordecai's arguments defending Judaism against Christianity. They include personal reflections, letters to Christians, and biblical passages used as proof texts. The content offers insight into the thought processes of a significant American Jewish figure in the early 19th century. The notebooks were purchased from the Harry Rinker collection of manuscripts. The first notebook is numbered page 1-81. The second notebook is numbered pages 81-156 (page 81 may be a repetition). The notebooks are undated but likely predate 1820 based on the topical relevance of the content in relation to the writings of Joseph Priestly. The material is written in English and Hebrew. The notebooks are held at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, MS 56, Codex 035.1, v. 1 & v. 2.

Letter Concerning Rabbi Isaac Wise's SermonsLetter Concerning Rabbi Isaac Wise's Sermons

An unsigned letter, possibly from a congregant, offering insightful commentary on Rabbi Isaac Wise's sermons and articles published in Isaac Leeser's *The Occident*. Written in English with interspersed Hebrew phrases, the letter discusses Wise's interpretation of biblical texts and his views on religious practice in America, including the use of organs in synagogues. The letter is dated circa 1850 and may have been sent to Isaac Leeser. The handwriting is unique and does not match other examples in the Pennsylvania portion of this collection.

Letter from A. I. H. Bernal in Louisville to Rev. Leeser in Philadelphia, March 8, 1859Letter from A. I. H. Bernal in Louisville to Rev. Leeser in Philadelphia, March 8, 1859

This full 8" x 12" page letter, dated March 8, 1859, was written by A. I. H. Bernal in Louisville to Rev. Leeser in Philadelphia. It details the difficulties Bernal faced running the Sabbath School due to interference from Gerstle (likely A. Gerstle, a lay leader at K. K. Adas Israel). Bernal, the teacher at Congregation K. K. Adas Israel in Louisville, mentions sending a catechism with underlined passages objected to by Gerstle, but approved by the moderator, B. H. Gotthelf. Bernal also notes that only one father and son observed the Sabbath out of 15 confirmed the previous year.

Letter from A.S.D. to Isaac Leeser Regarding Collections in Albany and Hudson, New York, circa 1849Letter from A.S.D. to Isaac Leeser Regarding Collections in Albany and Hudson, New York, circa 1849

This letter, written circa January 1, 1849, from A.S.D. to Isaac Leeser, discusses collections from various individuals. It mentions Moses Schloss and Mr. Finkel in Albany, Mr. Jordan in Hudson, New York, and Mr. Beckel. The writer also notes that Mr. Wysinger is in prison due to a badly managed bankruptcy, resulting in an inability to collect anything. The letter's geographic context is Albany, New York.

Letter from B. M. Emanuel to Isaac Leeser, May 14, 1857Letter from B. M. Emanuel to Isaac Leeser, May 14, 1857

A one and a half page handwritten letter from B. M. Emanuel in Claiborne, Alabama, dated May 14, 1857, to Isaac Leeser. Emanuel apologizes for not paying for a Hebrew book and a subscription, citing financial difficulties. He mentions writing to the Chief Rabbi for leniency and plans to collect outstanding Occident subscriptions. The letter's back sheet serves as an addressed cover with a Claiborne, Alabama postmark and a 'Paid 10' notation. The postmark is noted as rare, valued at $175 in the late 1990s. The letter offers insight into Emanuel's financial struggles and his role in the community.

Letter from D. Stein to Isaac Leeser Regarding Bible Subscriptions, Wheeling, WV, July 17, 1854Letter from D. Stein to Isaac Leeser Regarding Bible Subscriptions, Wheeling, WV, July 17, 1854

A one-page letter written by D. Stein of Wheeling, West Virginia, to Isaac Leeser on July 17, 1854. The letter discusses issues with subscriptions for Bibles, specifically mentioning Messrs. Heyman & Block's refusal to accept their copies due to a misunderstanding about the type of Bible. Stein expresses regret about their actions and notes that this is not for publication. The letter also mentions the collection of over $300 by the Israelites of Wheeling and includes a copy of their meeting minutes.

Letter from David Judah to Isaac Leeser, Baltimore, Maryland, April 6, 1830Letter from David Judah to Isaac Leeser, Baltimore, Maryland, April 6, 1830

One-page letter dated April 6, 1830, from David Judah in Richmond, Virginia, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Judah offers advice to Leeser regarding the publication of Leeser's book, "Instructions in the Mosaic Religion," expressing concern about its potential impact on Leeser's career and suggesting a change in publication format.

Letter from David Judah to Isaac Leeser, June 25, 1829Letter from David Judah to Isaac Leeser, June 25, 1829

This one and one-half page letter, dated June 25, 1829, was written by David Judah in Richmond, Virginia, to Isaac Leeser in Baltimore, Maryland. Judah expresses reservations about the draft of Leeser's first book, "Instructions in the Mosaic Religion," offering strong suggestions for improvement before publication. The letter highlights Judah's concern for Leeser's reputation and provides insightful advice on the writing process, emphasizing the importance of thorough revision and seeking feedback from competent individuals. The letter also provides context to the relationship between the two men and is part of a larger collection spanning 1826-1831 and 1848-1849. Additional information includes a reference to the Richmond Enquirer (VA) dated July 5, 1822, containing an advertisement for a Jewish-owned business with David Judah listed as a principal. David Judah is also identified as an auctioneer who dealt in slaves.

Letter from Gershom Kursheedt to Isaac Leeser, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 3, 1853Letter from Gershom Kursheedt to Isaac Leeser, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 3, 1853

Three-page letter written by Gershom Kursheedt in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 3, 1853, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses Kursheedt's concerns regarding Leeser's confrontational nature and his objections to elements of Dr. Wise's Reform Judaism. Kursheedt advises Leeser to direct criticism towards enemies rather than friends. The correspondence highlights the relationship between two men who would later become executors of Judah Touro's estate. Kursheedt was the publisher of the *New Orleans Commercial Times* and a communal leader.

Letter from Henry Illowy to Isaac Leeser, August 21, 1865Letter from Henry Illowy to Isaac Leeser, August 21, 1865

Two-page letter written by Henry Illowy in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 21, 1865. Illowy discusses his father's departure as rabbi in New Orleans and includes a commentary on the unsuccessful candidacy of Mr. Wechsler for the ministerial position.

Letter from Isabella Meyerfeld to Isaac Leeser, San Francisco, October 31, 1862Letter from Isabella Meyerfeld to Isaac Leeser, San Francisco, October 31, 1862

Two-page letter written by Isabella Meyerfeld in San Francisco on October 31, 1862, to Isaac Leeser. Meyerfeld expresses personal goodwill, discusses her family's health and happiness, mentions attending synagogue with her prayer book, and refers to Rev. E. Hohna. She also mentions her nephew's upcoming Bar Mitzvah. The letter provides insight into Jewish life in 19th-century San Francisco.

Letter from Isidor Bush to Isaac Leeser, St. Louis, Missouri, December 8, 1853Letter from Isidor Bush to Isaac Leeser, St. Louis, Missouri, December 8, 1853

A one-page letter written by Isidor Bush of St. Louis, Missouri, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1853. Bush expresses his views on the state of Judaism, criticizes Leeser's views, and discusses the unification of two congregations in St. Louis into a new congregation, B'Ne-El. He also includes a request for funds for advertisements and circulars for the new temple.

Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Sabato Morais Regarding Hebrew Union College and a National Union of Congregations, May 8, 1878Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Sabato Morais Regarding Hebrew Union College and a National Union of Congregations, May 8, 1878

Two-page letter written on May 8, 1878, by Jacob Ezekiel, Secretary of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Rabbi Sabato Morais of Mikveh Israel Congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter concerns efforts to establish a national union of congregations, with Mikveh Israel's refusal to join. Ezekiel requests Morais' continued participation in the upcoming annual student examinations in June, despite Mikveh Israel's decision. The letter is written on official Hebrew Union College stationery and enclosed in an official envelope.

Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Sabato Morais Regarding the Hebrew Union College, April 1, 1878Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Sabato Morais Regarding the Hebrew Union College, April 1, 1878

Two-page letter dated April 1, 1878, from Jacob Ezekiel, Secretary of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Rabbi Sabato Morais of Mikveh Israel Congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses plans for a preparatory school for the Hebrew Union College in Philadelphia and the effort to establish a National Union of Congregations. The letter is written on Ezekiel & Co. stationery.

Letter from Jacob Grumbaum to Isaac Leeser, San Francisco, June 17, 1864Letter from Jacob Grumbaum to Isaac Leeser, San Francisco, June 17, 1864

One-page letter written by Jacob Grumbaum to Rabbi Isaac Leeser on June 17, 1864, from San Francisco, California. Written on stationery from H. Cohn & Co., Importers of Clothing, 413 & 415 Sacramento Street. Grumbaum discusses an article in *The Gleaner* and references the I.O.B.B. (Independent Order of B'nai B'rith). He also requests that Leeser discontinue the subscription of *The Occident* for Mr. Herrmann Grumbaum, who is now a resident of New York City.

Letter from Jacob Rodrigues Peynado to Isaac Leeser, August 15, 1849Letter from Jacob Rodrigues Peynado to Isaac Leeser, August 15, 1849

Autograph letter from Jacob Rodrigues Peynado of Hackney, London, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated August 15, 1849. Peynado, a contributor to *The Occident*, discusses the pedagogical error of forbidding children from reading the New Testament, arguing that it leaves Jewish youth unprepared to defend their faith against Christian inquiries. He proposes that Jews should instead teach the New Testament critically.

Letter from Joseph Abraham to Isaac Leeser, Cincinnati, Ohio, September 5, 1865Letter from Joseph Abraham to Isaac Leeser, Cincinnati, Ohio, September 5, 1865

Three-page letter written by Joseph Abraham in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 5, 1865, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Abraham discusses the recent dedication of a "progressive Jewish Temple" in Cincinnati and criticizes Reform Judaism, expressing concern about the rejection of traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. He describes himself as "marked" by Reformers for his outspoken opposition.

Letter from Joseph Jacobsohn to an Unknown Recipient Regarding Rabbi Illowy's Edict on Circumcision, October 24, 1864Letter from Joseph Jacobsohn to an Unknown Recipient Regarding Rabbi Illowy's Edict on Circumcision, October 24, 1864

This letter, written on the embossed stationery of Shaarai Chesed Synagogue in New Orleans, is authored by Joseph Jacobsohn. Dated October 24, 1864, it discusses Rabbi Bernard Illowy's edict prohibiting the circumcision of children with Christian mothers. The letter, written in a mix of English and Hebrew, may be missing its final page. While unsigned, the handwriting is consistent with other known samples of Jacobsohn's writing. The letter's content relates to a controversy surrounding Rabbi Illowy and Isaac Leeser. Rabbi Illowy, a prominent Orthodox rabbi in the United States, had a falling out with Leeser over theological differences. This letter provides valuable insight into the internal discussions within the American Jewish community during this time. The letter's geographic context is New Orleans, Louisiana.

Letter from Joshua I. Cohen to Isaac Leeser, September 10, 1848Letter from Joshua I. Cohen to Isaac Leeser, September 10, 1848

Two-page letter written by Joshua I. Cohen to Isaac Leeser from Baltimore on September 10, 1848 (5608). The letter discusses Hebrew subjects of mutual interest, referencing a previous letter (HCA catalog No. 765, September 21, 2006). Cohen's writing, described as small and untidy, includes some Hebrew words. He mentions a woman whose character he discusses, and invites Leeser to visit the new synagogue in Baltimore upon its consecration. The verso acts as a cover sheet with Leeser's address. The letter also includes biographical information about the Cohen family of Baltimore, tracing their origins from Bavaria to their prominence in the Baltimore Jewish community and municipal life starting in the early 19th century.

Letter from Morris J. Raphall to Isaac Leeser, March 16, 1854Letter from Morris J. Raphall to Isaac Leeser, March 16, 1854

Two-page letter from Morris J. Raphall (1798-1868) to Isaac Leeser, dated March 16, 1854. Written from New York City, the letter discusses Raphall's translation for publication in *The Occident*, his use of "you" vs. "thou," and his decision to postpone including material about Judah Touro (who died January 13, 1854). Raphall also requests a proof before publication.

Letter from Moses Mendes Sollas to Isaac Leeser, Kingston, Jamaica, March 6, 1866Letter from Moses Mendes Sollas to Isaac Leeser, Kingston, Jamaica, March 6, 1866

A two-page letter written by Moses Mendes Sollas of Kingston, Jamaica to Isaac Leeser in New York, New York on March 6, 1866. Sollas reflects on his life as a Jew in a predominantly Christian community, his relationship with Leeser as a spiritual mentor, and shares family news, including the marriage of his daughter and the engagement of two others. He also introduces a young friend, Mr. Lewin, seeking Leeser's assistance.

Letter from Moses Montefiore to Sabato Morais, June 3, 1864Letter from Moses Montefiore to Sabato Morais, June 3, 1864

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.

Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser, Kingston, Jamaica, September 4, 1863Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser, Kingston, Jamaica, September 4, 1863

Six-page letter written by Rabbi Moses N. Nathan in Kingston, Jamaica, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 4, 1863. The letter discusses the Civil War, the state of Jewish communities in New Orleans and Cincinnati, Nathan's pulpit in St. Thomas, and the need for a Jewish boarding school in Britain. It also details the declining state of the Judah Touro Synagogue in New Orleans.

Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, May 1, 1866Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, May 1, 1866

Four-page letter written by Reverend Moses N. Nathan on May 1, 1866, from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nathan discusses the status of religious services, the health of his assistant, the progress of Leeser's plans for a college in Philadelphia, the government's indecision regarding public worship, unfilled positions in Southern congregations, and the effects of aging.

Letter from Rabbi A. L. Mayer to Isaac Leeser Regarding the National Commercial College, Syracuse, New York, 1864Letter from Rabbi A. L. Mayer to Isaac Leeser Regarding the National Commercial College, Syracuse, New York, 1864

Two-page letter written by Rabbi A. L. Mayer of Syracuse, New York, to Isaac Leeser on September 23, 1864. Mayer, formerly of Easton, Pennsylvania, discusses his involvement with the National Commercial College as a professor and requests Leeser to place advertisements for the college in the Occident. The letter includes details about the college's curriculum, faculty, and student body. The second page contains the advertisement itself, also available in German with an English translation. The letter sheds light on Mayer's activities after leaving his rabbinical position and offers a glimpse into the commercial education landscape of mid-19th century Syracuse.

Letter from Rabbi Benjamin Jacob Katz to Isaac Leeser, Dulmen, Germany, August 27, 1822Letter from Rabbi Benjamin Jacob Katz to Isaac Leeser, Dulmen, Germany, August 27, 1822

A one-page letter written in Yiddish (with an English salutation) by Rabbi Benjamin Jacob Katz of Dulmen, Germany, to Isaac Leeser in Münster, Germany, dated August 27, 1822. This letter, written when Leeser was sixteen, is the only known surviving document from Leeser's formative years in Europe. It was found among his papers in America and is accompanied by a (tattered) English translation (likely from the 1930s or 1940s). The letter discusses Leeser's purchase of a testament, mentions plans to visit "Ulenbrutz" on Sunday, and includes greetings from the children at the Hebrew school (Cheder). The letter's back sheet serves as a cover and is addressed in German and English to "I. Leeser" in Münster, with a postal signature and postage price from Dulmen.

Letter from Raphael J. De Cordova to Sabato Morais, July 6, 1860Letter from Raphael J. De Cordova to Sabato Morais, July 6, 1860

Two-page letter written by Raphael J. De Cordova in New York, New York, to Rabbi Sabato Morais in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 6, 1860. De Cordova seeks Morais's advice on transitioning his public lectures from humorous to serious topics focusing on the condition of Jews in civilized countries, specifically requesting input on the situation of Jews in Italy.

Letter from S. Kuttnauer to Isaac Leeser, Baltimore, May 13, 1867Letter from S. Kuttnauer to Isaac Leeser, Baltimore, May 13, 1867

A single-sheet letter (both sides) written in German with some Hebrew and English words, from S. Kuttnauer in Baltimore, dated May 13, 1867. Addressed in English, the letter is likely to Isaac Leeser. Kuttnauer describes his recent arrival from Frankfurt, Germany, and his unsuccessful attempts to secure a position as Cantor and teacher at a Baltimore congregation. He seeks Leeser's assistance in finding suitable employment, highlighting his 30 years of experience and excellent references. The letter includes a later English translation. Found among the papers of Isaac Leeser.

Letter from S.M. Daurt in Curaçao to Isaac Leeser, October 26, 1848Letter from S.M. Daurt in Curaçao to Isaac Leeser, October 26, 1848

Two-page letter from S.M. Daurt in Curaçao to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated October 26, 1848. Daurt discusses community news and expresses concerns about the size of books published by Leeser, suggesting they be made smaller for easier handling, particularly by young girls. He also mentions complaints about Leeser's agent in New York City.

Letter from Susan R. Eckard to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Consecration of a New Synagogue in Philadelphia, March 24, 1849Letter from Susan R. Eckard to Isaac Leeser Regarding the Consecration of a New Synagogue in Philadelphia, March 24, 1849

Single-page handwritten letter from Susan R. Eckard of Philadelphia to Isaac Leeser, dated March 24, 1849. Eckard requests tickets for herself and friends to attend the dedication of a new synagogue building (the Polish Congregation of Beth Israel) in Philadelphia on March 29, 1849. She expresses admiration for Grace Aguilar and anticipates a future of greater understanding between Christians and Jews. The letter's back sheet serves as a cover with Leeser's address.

Letter from W. M. Engles to Isaac Leeser Regarding American Agricultural Mission near Jaffa, Philadelphia, June 25, 1854Letter from W. M. Engles to Isaac Leeser Regarding American Agricultural Mission near Jaffa, Philadelphia, June 25, 1854

A letter written by William Morrison Engles to Isaac Leeser on June 25, 1854, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Engles forwards letters concerning the American agricultural mission near Jaffa, including one from the son of Rabbi Jechiel Cohen to his father, who was on a fundraising mission in the United States. The letter is noteworthy for addressing Leeser as "Rabbi Leeser," and for its context within the larger story of 19th-century Jewish communities in Eretz Israel facing poverty and missionary efforts.

Letter transmitting the Constitution of the Reformed Society of Israelites, Charleston, South Carolina, May 17, 1825Letter transmitting the Constitution of the Reformed Society of Israelites, Charleston, South Carolina, May 17, 1825

Printed broadside letter dated May 17, 1825, transmitting the Constitution of the Reformed Society of Israelites. The letter was sent from Jacob Cohen in Baltimore, Maryland to Charleston, South Carolina. It includes the printed signatures of Isaac Harby, D.M. Carvalho, Abraham Moise, E.P. Cohen, and Isaac N. Cardozo, as the Corresponding Committee. This is considered an important document in the early history of Reform Judaism in America.

Letters of Certain Jews to Monsieur Voltaire: Containing an Apology for Their Own People and for the Old Testament; 3rd American Edition, 1848Letters of Certain Jews to Monsieur Voltaire: Containing an Apology for Their Own People and for the Old Testament; 3rd American Edition, 1848

Third American edition of "Letters of Certain Jews to Monsieur Voltaire," published in Cincinnati in 1848. This work, originally authored by Antoine Guenee and translated by Philip Lefanu, purports to be a response from Jews to Voltaire's criticisms of Judaism and the Old Testament. The book includes a note from J. Jonas, President of the Holy Congregation of the Children of Israel in Cincinnati. The original work, while presented as a Jewish defense, is largely considered a Christian apologetic against Deism.

Manuscript Copy Book Concerning Post-Mortem Examinations in Jewish Law, 1856Manuscript Copy Book Concerning Post-Mortem Examinations in Jewish Law, 1856

Manuscript copy book containing letters and commentary debating the permissibility of post-mortem examinations according to Jewish law. The letters, primarily from April 1856, include correspondence from various individuals, notably a letter from Chief Rabbi Nathan Adler of London and rebuttals from American scholars. The copy book also includes six pages of commentary not derived from the copied letters. The cover features a pasted title from the *Occident*, June 1856. The internal first page is dated June 17, 1886, and signed by Dr. M. Mielziner (Professor, Hebrew Union College); however, the majority of the book is in a different hand and ink. The book includes a letter from T.J. Sexias of Jew's Hospital in NYC (April 7, 1856), Rabbi Illowy of St. Louis (April 6, 1856), and an unsigned rebuttal to Chief Rabbi Adler. A two-column clipping from the 1896 *Israelite* by Dr. M. Mielziner is pasted on the final page. The book may have been compiled by Isaac Leeser, possibly in preparation for publication in the *Occident*.

Manuscript on Messianic Prophecy by Isaac LeeserManuscript on Messianic Prophecy by Isaac Leeser

A three-page manuscript (plus a few lines on a fourth page) on 8" x 10" paper, possibly in the hand of Isaac Leeser. The manuscript explores the prophecy of the Messiah, citing various sources including Leeser's own book (Vol. 1, pg 131). Dated circa early 1850, it reflects Leeser's engagement with the contemporary controversy with Wise regarding the denial of the Messiah prophecy. The authorship is not conclusively determined but is strongly suggested by its content and discovery among other Leeser papers. The manuscript has been reviewed by Dr. Arthur Kiron (Schottenstein-Jesselson Curator of Judaica Collections) and Bruce Nielsen (Judaica Public Services Librarian and Archivist) at the Katz Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

Manuscript on the Translation of Exodus 3:14: 'I Will Be What I Will Be'Manuscript on the Translation of Exodus 3:14: 'I Will Be What I Will Be'

Manuscript on an 8" x 10" page, plus a sentence on the verso, concerning the translation of Exodus 3:14 ("I will be what I will be"). Dated circa 1850, this manuscript is central to a controversy surrounding Isaac Leeser's translation. The text presents four translations from the Septuagint, Vulgate, De Wette, Van Els, Allioli, and Dr. Philipson, followed by explanations drawing on sources including Philo. Found with Isaac Leeser's papers, the authorship is uncertain, but it might have been a communication from Rev. G. Poznanski of Beth Elohim to Leeser regarding their differing interpretations. The controversy is further documented in a four-page letter (Collection 20-1037) from Simha Hirsch to Leeser, dated November 4, 1850.

Manuscript Translation of a Letter by Dr. Aaron Gunzburg to Isaac Leeser, 1846Manuscript Translation of a Letter by Dr. Aaron Gunzburg to Isaac Leeser, 1846

Manuscript translation, in the hand of Isaac Leeser, of a letter written by Dr. Aaron Gunzburg from Prague, Austrian Empire (present-day Czech Republic), dated 1846. The letter discusses the acceptance of proselytes. This 10" x 8" page contains the translation on both sides. The collection also includes a fragment of a subsequent letter from Gunzburg to Leeser dated November 2, 1855. The manuscript was found with other Leeser papers and verified by Dr. Arthur Kiron and Bruce Nielsen at the Katz Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

New Year's Prayer Book, Vol. II: Day of Atonement Service, Second Edition; Inscribed to Arthur HendricksNew Year's Prayer Book, Vol. II: Day of Atonement Service, Second Edition; Inscribed to Arthur Hendricks

Second edition of Isaac Leeser's New Year's Prayer Book, Volume II, specifically the Day of Atonement Service. Published in 1856, this volume holds significance due to its inscription to Arthur Hendricks on January 26th, 1864, for his Bar Mitzvah, by his mother, Rachel Nathan Hendricks. The inscription connects the book to the prominent Hendricks family, known for their philanthropy, as described by Maxwell Whiteman. The book highlights Isaac Leeser's commentary on the American Sephardic community.

Sermon Draft by Isaac Leeser (circa 1840)Sermon Draft by Isaac Leeser (circa 1840)

A draft of a sermon preamble in the hand of Isaac Leeser. The fragment measures 7.5" x 12" and begins, "Up to thee thou star of life, do we raise our eyes when we inquire after thy way" and ends "With this let us consider today." This document was reviewed and verified at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies of the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Arthur Kiron and Bruce Nielsen. Circa 1840.

The Sanatory Institutions of the Hebrews: Part IThe Sanatory Institutions of the Hebrews: Part I

This extremely rare softbound booklet, published in Montreal in 1861 by John Lovell, explores the laws of Kashrut as detailed in the Bible and Rabbinical writings, relating them to modern sanitary regulations. Authored by Rabbi Abraham de Sola, this treatise is a significant piece of mid-19th-century Jewish American scholarship. WorldCat lists only one copy in Canada, and Singerman lists none. This work represents the first time an American religious leader connected Kashrut laws to a contemporary context. No evidence suggests a Part II was ever published. The booklet is described as being of exceptional rarity.

What is Judaism? Or, A Few Words to the JewsWhat is Judaism? Or, A Few Words to the Jews

This book, published by D. Appleton in 1870, is an early essay on Reformed Judaism. It offers insights into the religious thought and practices of the Reform movement in the late 19th century. The author, Raphael D'C Lewin, presents his perspective on the key tenets and evolution of Judaism within the context of Reform Judaism.

Zeitung des Judenthums: Article on Isaac Leeser, January 31, 1839Zeitung des Judenthums: Article on Isaac Leeser, January 31, 1839

Newspaper clipping from the *Zeitung des Judenthums*, published in Leipzig, Germany on January 31, 1839. The clipping features an article about Isaac Leeser, a prominent rabbi from Philadelphia. The article highlights Leeser's reputation and mentions some of his publications, comparing him to Moses Mendelssohn. The article emphasizes Leeser's adherence to orthodox doctrines.