Subject: Slavery -- Religious aspects -- Judaism

Rare anti-slavery sermon delivered in Manchester, England, in 1861 by Rabbi Gustav Gottheil. Based on Isaiah xlii. 6, 7 and Leviticus xxxix. 43. This pamphlet is one of only three known copies in American libraries. The sermon attacks those who claimed slavery was sanctioned by Mosaic Law. Gottheil served as rabbi for the Manchester Congregation of British Jews from 1860-1873. He later served as Co-Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in New York City.

Pamphlet containing a sermon by Rev. M.J. Raphall, delivered before the Congregation Shearit Israel in Charleston, South Carolina on Shabbat Parah, Adar 18, 5610 (1850). Raphall urges Jews to patiently await the Messiah and denounces rabbis who refer to the United States as "Jerusalem." This is the first edition, not listed by Singerman, who catalogs four copies of the second edition. The sermon discusses the patience needed to await the arrival of the Messiah and criticizes rabbis who referred to the United States as Jerusalem. The pamphlet also includes biographical information on Rabbi Raphall, detailing his life, career, and publications. His prominent role in the Civil War-era debate on slavery, where he defended slavery's biblical justification, is also mentioned. This debate spurred significant controversy with other rabbis like David Einhorn vehemently opposing his stance.