One-half page autograph letter, initialed J.C., from Chicago, Illinois, dated June 24th, 1857, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. The writer requests that the dedication of the new Kehilah Anshe Mayrif cemetery in Chicago, along with a related German news clipping from the *Deborah*, be included in Leeser's *Occident*. This letter is notable due to the rarity of early Jewish correspondence from Chicago, given losses from the Great Chicago Fire.
Subject: Judaism -- United States -- History -- 19th century
No additional authority information available for Judaism -- United States -- History -- 19th century.
A letter written by A. L. Mayer to Isaac Leeser on December 23, 1864, from Syracuse, New York. The letter, written in German with an English translation, discusses Mayer's new position leading the Syracuse congregation and current disputes within the community. Mayer had recently assumed the leadership after serving in Easton, Pennsylvania.
A one-page letter dated September 21, 1862, from Abraham Hart to Rabbi Sabato Morais of Mikveh Israel Congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hart requests Morais to include a prayer for the Union in all services on Saturdays and holidays, as per a resolution of the congregation. The letter's envelope is addressed to Morais at 545 North 6th Street, Philadelphia. This letter provides insight into the dynamics of the Jewish community in Philadelphia during the Civil War and the interaction between congregants and religious leaders.
A two-page letter written in German from B. Wurmser in Boston, Massachusetts to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1848. The letter discusses the election of officers for the first congregation in Boston (established 1844), the proposed introduction of a three-year cycle in religious observance, the progress of a religious school, and the activities of the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society.
Letter written by David Judah to Isaac Leeser on April 12, 1849, concerning family matters. The letter was written from Baltimore, Maryland, and addressed to Leeser in either Philadelphia or New York. This letter is part of a larger collection of correspondence spanning several years, with a notable gap between 1831 and 1848.
Letter from David Judah in Baltimore, Maryland to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 20, 1848. The letter concerns travel arrangements and family matters. This correspondence is part of a larger collection spanning several years, with a notable gap between 1831 and 1848. Judah's involvement in the slave trade is also noted in secondary sources.
Letter written by Rabbi Henry Morais Sabato (1823-1897) to J. H. & S. Riker, attorneys in New York City, on July 27, 1872. The letter discusses the purchase of buildings and mentions E. Judah. Morais' address is listed as 217 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A two-page letter written by Isaac Leeser to his uncle, Zalma Rehine, on April 10, 1835. Leeser details his anxiety awaiting a position with Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia and the letter was sent care of Judah Block in Baltimore, Maryland. This letter is one of approximately 15 letters written by Zalma Rehine to Isaac Leeser and seven written in response.
A two-and-a-half-page letter written by Isaac Leeser to his uncle, Zalma Rehine, on January 5, 1836. From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Leeser vividly describes his duties as Hazan at Mikveh Israel. The letter was sent to Rehine in care of Judah Block in Baltimore, Maryland.
Three-page letter written by Isaac Leeser to his uncle, Zalma Rehine, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 27, 1837. Leeser expresses concern over the blame placed on Jews for the Panic of 1837, discusses business failures in New Orleans, and mentions sending copies of his discourses through David Judah with thanks to Philip Cohen of Baltimore for his support.
A one-and-a-half-page letter written by Rabbi Julius Eckman of Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia on May 13, 1851. Eckman responds to an article accusing him of inconsistency, defending his faith and principles. The letter includes a two-and-a-quarter-page handwritten response by Isaac Leeser, intended for typesetting in *The Occident*. This letter provides insight into the controversies surrounding Eckman's rabbinical career and his later role as a Western pioneer.
A three-page letter written by L. Carr from Columbia, South Carolina, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 1867. The letter describes the efforts to revive Orthodox Judaism in Columbia following the Civil War, including details about fundraising, the establishment of a temple and Sunday school, and a visit from Leeser himself. It provides insights into the challenges faced by the Jewish community in the South during Reconstruction.
Letter from Rabbi A. L. Mayer to Isaac Leeser, December 23, 1864One-page letter written in German with Hebrew insertions from Rabbi A. L. Mayer to Isaac Leeser, dated December 23, 1864. Mayer, newly appointed to lead the Jewish congregation in Syracuse, New York, discusses his position, the competition for rabbis in growing American Jewish communities, and a controversial article by a Mr. Sonner. He mentions his previous position in Easton, Pennsylvania, and a job offer from Baltimore's Fells Point congregation. The letter also includes a postscript about his new residence and furnishings in Syracuse. An English translation accompanies the original German text.
A one-page letter written by S. Valentine, Secretary of the Shearith Israel Congregation in Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 6, 1854. Valentine discusses the conflict between Orthodox and Reform Jews in Charleston, noting the ridicule faced by Orthodox congregations but highlighting the flourishing state of Shearith Israel. He encloses the proceedings of the congregation (not included in this archival item).
Letter written by Rabbi Sabato Morais to J. H. & S. Riker, attorneys in New York City, on July 9, 1870, concerning the purchase of buildings. Morais' address is listed as 217 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses matters related to E. Judah.
Four-page letter written by Solomon Nunes Carvalho on April 20, 1852, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Rabbi Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses internal conflicts and controversies within the Charleston Jewish community, mentioning individuals such as Henry Phillips, Rabbi Ellis Lyons, and Dr. Raphael. It offers insight into the dynamics of Reformed Judaism in Charleston during this period.
Letter dated April 23, 1854, from the Board of Managers of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia to A. Hart, instructing him to call a special meeting to overturn a vote of censure against Isaac Leeser and to express appreciation for his past services. This letter reflects the complex relationship between Leeser and the congregation, marked by earlier disagreements and a subsequent reconciliation.
Two-page letter, dated February 5, 1868. The first page contains a letter from W. H. Williams to Reverend Sabato Morais, proposing a resolution from Maimonides College expressing grief over the death of Isaac Leeser. The reverse side features a rewritten, more elaborate expression of grief by Morais, intended for publication by Maimonides College. This letter is significant for its connection to the founding of Maimonides College, the first rabbinical seminary in America, established in 1867.
One-page letter from Zalma Rehine to Isaac Leeser, dated August 3, 1831, written from Baltimore, Maryland. Rehine describes his illness, inquires about Leeser's health, and suggests Leeser visit him in Baltimore for recuperation.
One-page letter written by Zalma Rehine from Baltimore, Maryland to Isaac Leeser on November 13, 1835. The letter discusses an Etting wedding, Philip Cohen's positive reaction to one of Leeser's discourses, and other personal and communal matters.
This letter, dated September 8, 1829, is a brief communication from Isaac Leeser to the Elections Committee of the Congregation Mikdash Israel (K.K.M.I.) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In it, the young Leeser formally accepts his election as Hazan (cantor) of the congregation. He expresses awareness of the responsibilities of the position and his potential shortcomings but vows to diligently fulfill his duties. Leeser's acceptance marks a significant moment in the early development of American Judaism, foreshadowing his later influence on the religious landscape.
Italian passport issued to Sabato Morais on June 22, 1854. Morais was born in Livorno, Italy in 1823 and resided in London at the time of issuance. The passport features elaborate printing and is handwritten in part. This document is part of a larger collection relating to the life and career of Sabato Morais, a significant figure in American Judaism.
Silver Pitcher Presented to Rabbi Samuel M. Isaacs, 1860Silver pitcher presented to Rabbi Samuel Myer Isaacs by the Board of Delegates of American Israelites in 1860 as a token of esteem for his devotion to the Jewish people. The inscription notes the presentation and highlights Isaacs' leadership role in the formation of the Board in 1859, a pivotal moment in the national organization of American Jewry. The pitcher is an icon piece from the earliest beginnings of a national consolidation of Jewish organizations.