Subject: Religious life

Volume 1 of Bereishith, a Hebrew text with manuscript annotations. This book contains a family tree and Tikun Sophrim corrections. It belonged to Jacob I. Cohen, whose signature appears on folios 49, 50, 75, and 77, with further manuscript entries about his family on the free rear endpapers. The book was printed in Amsterdam circa 1760 and is from the library of Jacob I. Cohen, described by Max Whiteman as "one of the most important early US libraries to survive". Cohen (1744-1823) immigrated to the US in 1773, settling initially in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, then living intermittently in Richmond, Virginia (1781-1799) and Philadelphia. He was a founding member of Beth Shalom in Richmond and president of Mikveh Israel (1810-1811) in Philadelphia. He was a Revolutionary War veteran and conducted business dealings with notable figures like James Madison and Daniel Boone. In Richmond, he partnered with Isaiah Isacks (Isaacs) in merchandising, real estate, and slave trading.

Cabinet photograph of a religious Jewish man, approximately 60 years of age. The photograph was taken by M. Yogg of 162 Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. Date is unknown.

This book, published in 1909, contains two distinct parts bound together. The first section, "Children's Services Arranged for Each Week of the Month," provides liturgical materials for children's religious services throughout the year. The second section, "A Brief Manual Regarding Jewish Faith and Life," offers a concise overview of Jewish beliefs and practices. Both sections were authored by Rabbi Rudolph Grossman, and the book was likely used as a resource in a religious school setting, as indicated by the cover inscription, "Religious School Temple Rodeph Shalom."

This 13-page pamphlet, published in 1868, is an appeal to the Israelites of New York City regarding Sabbath observance. Issued by an executive committee representing various synagogues in New York, it is presented in German with some Hebrew. The pamphlet shows slight damage to its contemporary wrappers.

This pamphlet, printed in Mexico City on October 19, 1666, outlines the procedures for investigating and interrogating prospective Franciscan missionaries in New Spain (colonial Mexico). Authored by Hernando de la Rua (Comisario General) and Francisco Calderón (Secretario General), it details the rigorous process of vetting candidates, including inquiries into their moral character, financial status, ancestry (excluding those of Jewish, Muslim, or heretical descent), and more. The pamphlet reveals the strict standards and concerns of the Franciscan order in colonial Mexico regarding the selection of its members. The pamphlet is signed by Francisco Calderón.

This book is the first English edition of a textbook on Jewish religious instruction for children. Translated from the German of J. Joholson by Isaac Leeser, it was published in Philadelphia in 1830. Leeser, then reader of the Portuguese Congregation Mikveh Israel, self-published the work after failing to find a local publisher. The book is dedicated to Leeser's uncle, Zalma Rehnie, of Richmond, Virginia.

This is an invitation to the celebration of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Goldsmith, held at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Goldsmith, 284 West 34th Street, New York City, on April 27, 1862. Addresses were to be delivered by Rev. Raphael and Rev. S. M. Isaacs.

This book, published in 1898, features illustrations by Katherine M. Cohen, daughter of Henry Cohen, a prominent figure in the Philadelphia Jewish community. The illustrations depict scenes and sentiments associated with the Jewish Sabbath and the Kiddush ceremony. The book offers a visual and textual representation of Jewish domestic life at the turn of the 20th century.

This book, published around 1853, tells the narrative of Leila Ada, a Jewish girl who converted to Christianity. Her decision is presented as a rejection of the Talmud's fables and the constraints of rabbinical authority. The novel likely explores themes of religious conversion, Jewish identity, and the tension between traditional religious practice and personal belief.

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 two-page letter written by Henry Myers, secretary of the United Hebrew Congregation of St. Louis, Missouri, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 6, 1849. The letter details the significant growth of the congregation, noting attendance at High Holidays and praising their new Hazzan, Nathan Davidson. This letter was subsequently published in *The Occident* (Vol. VII, No. 9, Kislev 5610, December 1849).

This four and a half page letter (7.5" x 10") was written by Israel De Horta (?) on March 12, 1853, in Mobile, Alabama, and addressed to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. The letter includes a handwritten copy of a report from the Mobile Daily Observer (March 12, 1853) on the consecration of Congregation Sha'arai Shomayim's new synagogue building, along with commentary on seating arrangements, the cost of carpeting, and the religious school. De Horta explains that he did not send internal affairs to Robert Lyon at the Asmonea, only sending the article from the Mobile Daily Observer, believing Leeser would have sufficient information for the public. The letter concludes with a request for books and a list of 30 religious school children by age. A note in cursive Hebrew is also present. The letter is written on notes for the minutes on the consecration of the new building, suggesting De Horta sent relevant pages from his copybook before adding the letter itself. The letter provides details about the growth and development of the Congregation Sha'arai Shomayim in Mobile, Alabama, mentioning its previous location and its first rabbi, Benjamin da Silva.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Broadside certificate issued to Rebecca Gratz on October 27, 1845, granting her a lifetime seat (#14, upstairs) at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia. The certificate was issued following renovations to the synagogue. Signed by Abraham Hart.

A reprint of a proclamation issued by Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, declaring March 27, 1863, as a day of prayer. The reprint appeared in the New York Herald on April 4, 1863. The original proclamation was reprinted from the Richmond Enquirer on February 28, 1863. The proclamation is notable for its nondenominational nature.

This pamphlet comprises the preface pages to an unknown book dedicated to the Rabbis of the Amsterdam Synagogue. Written in a tongue-in-cheek style, the dedication suggests the main book might be "The Translator of the Letters Juives." The preface is printed on 18th-century laid paper and likely dates from around 1780, based on the style and paper used. The authors or dedicators are listed as Aaron Monceca, Jacob Brito, and Isaac Onis. The name Haagse Snoge is also associated with this pamphlet.

This broadside is a program for a special prayer service held at the Neveh Shalom Synagogue in Paramaribo, Suriname, on Wednesday, July 1, 1863, to commemorate the emancipation of slaves. The program is bilingual, featuring both Dutch and Hebrew. It details the order of service and likely includes prayers and readings relevant to the occasion.

This 20-page book, authored by C.A. Goodrich, a non-Jew, provides a description of Jewish religious ceremonies and customs. Published circa 1836, the book includes detailed illustrations. The book offers a non-Jewish perspective on Jewish religious practices.

This 11-page book, from the library of Rabbi Dr. David de Sola Pool, records the proposed changes to the liturgy of New Orleans' Portuguese Congregation Nefutzot Yehudah (Dispersed of Judah) in 1875. It details the motions supporting the revisions and the counterarguments presented by Rabbi Joseph Hayim Mendes Chumaceiro, who opposed the changes. The Congregation Nefutzot Yehudah merged with Congregation Shaarei Chesed in 1881 to form the present-day Touro Synagogue of New Orleans.

This 1861 edition of Richardson's Almanac includes a full-page feature dedicated to the Jewish calendar and the two Richmond synagogues. It provides times for commencing the Sabbath. The synagogues' founding dates, 1791 and 1841, are also noted.

This is an 1852 edition of Richardson's Almanac. The almanac features a full-page spread dedicated to the two Richmond, Virginia synagogues, including their founding dates (1791 and 1841) and times for commencing the Sabbath. The almanac also includes a Jewish calendar. Published in Richmond, Virginia.

This 71-page book contains the ritual of the Independent Order Free Sons of Israel. Written by Rev. Dr. Rudolph Grossman, it was published in New York in 1890. The book is bound in contemporary boards.

This is a printed sermon delivered by Rabbi Jacob Lopes da Fonseca at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Curaçao in 1780. The sermon, in Portuguese and Hebrew, was given in honor of David Morales. Jacob Lopes da Fonseca (1736-1815) was the first rabbi born in the Americas, having studied at the Eits Haim Seminary in Amsterdam before returning to Curaçao in 1764 to serve as chief rabbi for 52 years.

This rare 1864 edition of "Tefilot Yisrael" is a Hebrew-German prayer book published by the Frank'sche Buchdruckerei und Buchhandlung in New York. It contains a unique second part titled "Tehinot Benot Yisrael" (Supplications for the Daughters of Israel), a section of prayers specifically for women. This edition is unrecorded in OCLC and not listed in Sharona Wachs's "American Jewish Liturgies." It represents a significant contribution to the history of American Jewish liturgy, particularly for its inclusion of women's prayers.

This book, published by Bloch & Co. in Cincinnati in 1866, contains the Divine Service for the Day of Atonement used by American Israelites. The book includes 307 pages of liturgical text, plus an additional 55 pages of supplementary material. The book contains inscriptions from previous owners on the flyleaf.

This book, "The Glory of Israel; or, Letters to Jewish Children," is a work of Jewish children's literature published in 1843. While the author's full name is unknown, it was written by someone with the initials 'ASSU'. The book aims to instill religious and moral values in young Jewish readers through a series of letters. The content likely focuses on Jewish history, traditions, and ethical teachings, presented in an accessible manner for children. Further details about the specific content and structure of the letters are unavailable without a deeper analysis of the book itself.

This book, published by the Christian Publication Company around 1855, offers a surprisingly detailed look at Jewish customs and traditions of the time. While produced from a Christian perspective, it provides valuable insight into the daily lives and practices of Jewish communities in the mid-19th century.

Two letters dated 1862 from Jeanette Elkus to her uncle, Isaac Leeser. Written in ungrammatical English, the letters express gratitude, love, and allude to divine goodness. One letter, measuring 8 x 10 inches, includes Hebrew/Yiddish on half of the second page. The letters detail the family's well-being in Denekamp, Holland, and mention a devastating storm in nearby Enschede. This correspondence represents part of the only known surviving group of family letters to Isaac Leeser from Europe, as he reportedly requested the destruction of his personal letters. These letters are from the personal papers of Isaac Leeser.