Subject: Rabbis -- Correspondence

Autograph letter signed from Isaac Mayer Wise to Isaac Leeser, dated April 15, 1850. Written in English and Hebrew, the letter discusses a congregational dispute, Wise's support from his Albany congregation, and an article in the New York Herald about the Damascus Blood Libel. The letter includes an integral address panel. Folio.

Three-page draft letter written by Rabbi Sabato Morais to the Sunday Dispatch, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, supporting an article in the Israelite advocating for reform in Jewish dogma. The letter, dated circa 1855, reflects the transition to "American Modern Orthodoxy" and Morais's significant role in shaping American Judaism.

Four-page letter written by A. Englander of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia on October 20, 1860. The letter details Dr. Elkan Cohn's inaugural sermons, discusses internal congregational debates, notes the growth of Jewish communities in California, and includes a postscript mentioning Isaac Wise. The letter provides valuable insight into the early history of Congregation Emanu-El and the development of Reform Judaism in San Francisco.

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.

A one and one-quarter page letter written circa 1855 by A. I. H. Bernal in Louisville, Kentucky, detailing Rabbi Isaac Wise's visit to the city. Bernal, the teacher at Congregation K. K. Adas Israel, describes the inroads of Reform Judaism and the challenges faced by the congregation, including internal conflicts with a faction referred to as "Gerstle." The letter highlights tensions between traditional and reform Jewish practices, financial difficulties, and the challenges of maintaining a Sabbath school in the face of competition and changing religious attitudes.

Four-page letter written by Abraham Cohen Labatt of San Francisco, California, to Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 16, 1854. Labatt details the growth of San Francisco's Jewish community, its need for a rabbi, and the fundraising efforts for a new synagogue building. The letter provides valuable insight into the early development of Jewish life in San Francisco.

A four-page printed letter dated August 10, 1850, from Abraham de Sola, Rabbi of the Portuguese and Spanish Congregation of Montreal, to the members of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia. De Sola seeks the position of rabbi, recently vacated by Isaac Leeser, and includes numerous testimonials. The letter is a broadside.

A five-page letter written in German by Rabbi Bernard Henry Gotthelf of Louisville, Kentucky, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 1850. The letter details Gotthelf's experiences and observations about his congregation, including the size of the student body at the local school (80-100 students), the religious observance of the community (many stores closed on Sabbath), and the composition of the congregational board. A full English translation is included.

This letter, dated August 26, 1851, was written by D. Lilienthal to Isaac Leeser from New York, New York. Lilienthal asks Leeser to help secure a teaching position for Dr. Zimmerman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, referencing Leeser's previous assistance to Dr. Schwess. The letter highlights the network of support within the Jewish community at the time.

A one and one-third page letter written by Daniel Wolff to Isaac Leeser from New Orleans, Louisiana on February 6, 1850. Wolff discusses the formation of a Jewish Benevolent Society in New Orleans and the appointment of Reverend M. N. Nathan as minister of the Hebrew Portuguese Congregation in New Orleans.

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 regarding book business, dated July 3, 1848, in Baltimore, Maryland. This letter is part of a larger correspondence spanning several years, with a notable gap between 1831 and 1848. The letter sheds light on the business dealings and relationship between the two men.

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 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.

Two-page letter written by G & J Seiling Co. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dated May 28, 1857. Addressed to Rabbi Isaac Leeser, the letter proposes the company's services to paint the new Beth El Emeth Synagogue in Philadelphia. The letter highlights the company's credentials and experience. The letter contains several misspellings. Annotation notes that Rabbi Leeser 'wore many hats'.

A three-page letter written by Gershom Kursheedt to Isaac Leeser from New Orleans on March 20, 1848. Kursheedt discusses the construction of a new synagogue, his involvement in Judaic affairs, his interactions with Judah Touro, and his fundraising efforts for the Occident and prayer books. He also expresses his high regard for Leeser and shares personal anecdotes. The letter includes a postmark and is signed boldly 'GERSHOM K.'

Seven-page letter from Rabbi Henry A. Henry to Isaac Leeser, dated January 10, 1855, from New York, New York. Henry accuses Leeser of a personal vendetta, including unfounded attacks on Henry's reputation and livelihood since his arrival in America. The letter also alleges that Leeser withheld valid rebuttals from publication.

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 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.

Two-page letter (in German with translation) from I. M. Mayer in Cincinnati, Ohio to Isaac Leeser, dated June 1, 1851. Mayer discusses his position as chief teacher and preacher at Congregation Bene Israel, requests a subscription, and offers an article for publication in Leeser's journal.

Autograph letter signed by Isaac Leeser to D. M. Daurt, written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 23, 1850, and discussing personal attacks against Leeser. The letter also mentions Curaçao.

A two-page letter written by Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to David Judah in Baltimore, Maryland on May 9, 1830. The letter discusses Leeser's dissatisfaction with his congregants in Philadelphia, his financial difficulties, and his relationship with Judah.

A one-page letter in German from Isidor Bush to Isaac Leeser, dated June 15, 1849. Bush discusses his withdrawal from publishing *Israel's Herald*, a short-lived Jewish weekly, in favor of Leeser's publications and inquires about collaborating on a Hebrew catalogue and acquiring German type for printing. The letter reflects the close relationship between key figures in the development of American Jewish publishing in the 19th century.

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.

Autograph letter signed by J. Mendelsohn to Sabato Morais, written in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 5, 1880, and addressed to Morais in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter expresses a New Year's greeting.

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.

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.

One-page letter from M. Kursheedt in New Orleans, Louisiana, dated November 9, 1849, to Isaac Leeser. Kursheedt submits a list of newly elected officers and trustees of Congregation Sherith Israel. A separate note mentions Isaac Leeser's recommendation of Rev. H. A. Henry, who accepted a position in Cincinnati. The letter hints at the beginning of a conflict between Leeser and Henry.

Two-page letter (one page both sides) written by M. Myers in Kingston, Jamaica to Reverend Isaac Leeser on January 4, 1863. The letter expresses lament over personal attacks on Leeser and also comments on Reverend De Sola, Rabbi I. M. Isaacs, and Mr. Piza of St. Thomas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A six-page letter written by Reverend Moses N. Nathan from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa April 1865. The letter discusses Nathan's wife's illness, a Rabbinic debate with Leeser concerning Bar Mitzvah training, and the challenges of navigating Reform Jewish ideas in St. Thomas and Curaçao.

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.

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.

One-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 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.

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*.

Four-page letter from Rabbi Julius Lewin of B'nai Zion Congregation in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated August 7, 1866. The letter discusses conversion policy and congregational matters.

One-page letter dated September 17, 1850, from Robert Lyon, publisher of The Asmonean, in New York City to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. The letter discusses an editorial in The Occident that attacked Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise and his Albany congregation, and Lyon seeks Leeser's help in absolving him of responsibility for the editorial. The letter quotes verbatim from the editorial.

Two-page letter written by Robert Lyon in New York to Rev. Sabato Morais, rabbi of Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, on October 26, 1858. Lyon requests literary assistance from Morais. Lyon was a publisher of the *Asmonian* and editor of the *Mercantile Journal*.

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 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.

A four-page letter written by Solomon Nunes Carvalho from Charleston, South Carolina to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 29, 1852. The letter details a public dispute between Leeser and Reverend Solomon Jacobs concerning a sermon published in the Occident, and offers strategic advice to Leeser on how to respond.

A three-page letter written by Solomon Nunes Carvalho on May 26, 1852, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Carvalho details public disputes within the Shearit Israel congregation concerning the role of Reverend Ellis Lyons and the excommunication of Dr. E. (possibly Eckman). The letter offers insight into internal conflicts and personalities within the Shearit Israel congregation and the unusual use of excommunication in American Jewish communities at that time.

Two-page letter written by Solomon Soher from Shougalo, Mississippi, on May 26, 1857, responding to a loan request from Isaac Leeser. Soher declines the request due to his age and health, and the small Jewish community in Shougalo. He also discusses his subscription to the Occident magazine.

A three-page letter from T. Levin to Isaac Leeser, dated October 7, 1852, providing an update on the progress of Congregation Chevra Cheneses Shalom in Syracuse, New York, one month after its consecration by Leeser. The letter details the success of the High Holidays services, the election of Isaac H. Bronner as president, and the efforts to retain Rev. H. A. Henry as minister. The letter also reflects the growing Reform movement within the congregation by 1861.

A one and a half page letter written in German from W. Frohlichstein, Secretary of Congregation Dorshey Zedek in Mobile, Alabama, to Isaac Leeser on February 3, 1856. The letter transmits the minutes of the congregation's meeting, lists elected officers, and details the presentation of gifts to Rev. J. Epstein. The letter provides insight into the early history of the congregation and its relationship with the broader Jewish community.

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.