Subject: Orthodox Judaism

A three-page handwritten letter from H. A. Henry in San Francisco to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, dated June 20, 1865. Written in English with some Hebrew words, the letter discusses book orders, settling accounts, the impact of Civil War food prices and high taxes on Henry's income, and current events in San Francisco, including the progress of Orthodox German Jews who separated from the Reform movement and the dwindling attendance at Reform Friday evening services. The letter also mentions Mr. Koshland of San Francisco, a Mr. Myers, and Rev. Mr. Isaac of New York. A few lines of text are missing.

A three-page letter dated March 1858, written by "S.J. the Hazan" to Isaac Leeser, criticizing an essay published in the *Occident and American Jewish Advocate*. The letter contains strong criticism of the essay's biblical interpretations and challenges Leeser's editorial decision to publish it. The letter provides insight into public debates among Orthodox Jews regarding biblical interpretations. The letter is written in English.

A letter dated September 18, 1855, from Abraham Hart, Parnas of Mikveh Israel Synagogue, to Rabbi Sabato Morais, also of Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hart responds to Morais's request for $300 for the poor, referencing an enclosed broadside resolution from the Mikveh Israel Board granting the funds. This letter provides insight into the process of charitable giving within the synagogue.

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.

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.

A five-page letter dated June 28, 1865, from Joseph Jacobsohn in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter details the takeover of the Congregation Schaarey Chased synagogue by German young men from the North, their establishment of a Reform temple, and the subsequent resignation of Rabbi Bernard Illowy. It provides a firsthand account of the development of the post-Civil War Reform movement in New Orleans and the conflict between Orthodox and Reform Judaism.

Four-page letter written by Reverend Moses N. Nathan to Reverend Isaac Leeser on January 9, 1853, from New Orleans, Louisiana. Nathan discusses his departure from his position at the K.K. Beni Israel Synagogue, his financial difficulties, and his relationship with Judah Touro. The letter provides insight into the challenges faced by Orthodox rabbis in mid-19th-century American congregations.

This 7.5" x 10" letter, written in German with an accompanying translation, was sent from Rabbi Bernard Illowy to Isaac Leeser around 1853. Illowy requests copies of past issues of *The Occident* and mentions Messrs. B. Abeles and Grunsfelder in relation to outstanding funds. The letter provides insight into the relationship between Illowy and Leeser, which later soured, and offers a glimpse into the Philadelphia Jewish community of the time. Rabbi Illowy arrived in America in 1852 as the first Orthodox Rabbi with a PhD. He held rabbinical positions in various cities, including Philadelphia, St. Louis, Syracuse, Baltimore, and New Orleans. A renowned scholar and speaker, he engaged in significant polemical exchanges with Reform leaders, his writings appearing in publications like *The Asmonean*, *The Israelite*, *The Jewish Messenger*, and *The Occident*.

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).

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.