Subject: Social life and customs

This is a revised American edition of Richard Watson's "A Biblical and Theological Dictionary," published by Lane & Scott in 1851. The dictionary provides explanations of the history, manners, and customs of the Jews, offering a comprehensive resource for understanding the biblical and theological context of Jewish life.

This volume contains the diary entries of Aaron Katz for the year 1914. Written in small cursive script, each day has a separate entry of approximately 15 lines, detailing Katz's daily life in Kingston, New York. The entries cover a wide range of topics, including family matters, business dealings (Katz was a junk dealer), local news, religious observances (Katz identifies as Reform Jewish), and reflections on community events. This diary provides a valuable glimpse into the life of a German-Jewish immigrant and his family in the early 20th century.

This volume is one of four diaries kept by Aaron Katz between 1913 and 1916. Written in small cursive script, each diary contains daily entries averaging about 15 lines. The entries detail Katz's personal life, family matters, business dealings (as a junk dealer specializing in metals), social interactions, religious observances (Reform Judaism), and news events. This volume covers the year 1915. Aaron Katz was born in Germany in 1860, immigrated to the United States in 1866, married Sophie in 1888, and had two sons, Albert and Felix. He resided at 250 Broadway, Kingston, NY.

This volume comprises one of four diaries kept by Aaron Katz between 1913 and 1916. Written in English, the diary details Katz's daily life in Kingston, New York, offering insights into his family, business as a junk dealer (specifically dealing in metals), social interactions, religious observances (Reform Judaism), and news events. Entries are made for each day of 1916, approximately 15 lines each in small cursive.

This is a program from a performance at Able's Opera House in Easton, Pennsylvania, on January 7, 1887. The main performance was 'Jephthah and His Daughter.' The program also includes numerous advertisements for local businesses. Isaac Goldberg (or Goldsmith) is listed on the program.

This manuscript autograph album belonged to Fannie H. Hirschfelder Bernheim, who was 18 years old when she compiled it around 1873. The album contains approximately 50 sentiments and signatures from friends and family, primarily from locations in California including Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Buenaventura, and Ventura. It also includes a drawing. The album provides a glimpse into the social life of a young woman in California in the 1870s. The album is approximately 6 1/2" x 8" and is in fair to good condition with some foxing.

Autograph letter signed by Rebecca Gratz to her sister Rachel Gratz, written in English on December 18-19, 1800. The letter discusses mutual friends, family, social activities, and expresses affection for Rachel and her children. It contains a tender passage comparing a younger sister to a deceased sister, Isabella. The three-page letter includes an autograph address panel on the verso. Accompanied by a typed transcription.

This is a commemorative banquet program from a dinner held on October 1, 1891, in honor of Jesse Seligman. The program, printed by Dempsey & Carroll in New York City, includes a hand-drawn watercolor illustration on the front and back covers, a multi-course menu (in French), and a record of speeches given by prominent figures in the New York Jewish community, including Jacob H. Schiff, Oscar S. Strauss, Myer S. Isaacs, Myer Sulzberger, and Julius Goldman. Rabbi Gustav Gottheil delivered the grace. The program is a unique artifact offering a glimpse into late 19th-century Jewish high society in New York City.

This pamphlet commemorates the dedication ceremonies of the Benoth Israel Sheltering Home, held at the Baldwin Place Synagogue in Boston on October 18, 1891. The 14-page pamphlet features an illustrated front cover depicting the building and attendees. The Sheltering Home is also documented in the 1899 American Jewish Yearbook and Sarna's *The Jews of Boston*. This is a first edition, originally issued in illustrated paper wrappers.

This book, "Crochets and Quavers: Or Revelations of an Opera Manager in America," by Max Maretzek, offers a personal account of the author's experiences managing opera companies in the United States during the mid-19th century. Published in New York around 1855, the book comprises 346 pages plus advertisements and details Maretzek's involvement with prominent opera houses and companies, including his contributions to the early development of opera in New York City. The book covers a wide range of topics, including music in New York in 1848, the Astor Place Opera House, opera quarrels, the Astor Place Riots, New York fashions, New York critics and criticism, fancy dress balls, Mozart's Don Giovanni, Mexico, opera and bull fights, and Mexican revolutions.

This 290-page handwritten journal documents the medical practice of Dr. Samuel Hazen in Euclid, Ohio, from 1852 to 1862. It meticulously records patient visits, services rendered (including house calls and medicine provision), and fees collected. While specific ailments are rarely detailed (except for tooth extractions), the journal offers valuable insights into the daily life of a 19th-century physician and the medical needs of his community, including some Jewish families. The book includes a table of contents listing patients' names. The detached cover and loose pages indicate significant physical deterioration, but the content remains legible.

This is the first edition of *El Universo Pintoresco: Historia y Descripción de sus Religiones, Costumes, Usos, etc.*, a book published in Mexico City in 1840. The book provides a pictorial and descriptive account of various cultures, their religions, customs, and traditions. While a second edition appeared in 1842, this first edition is not listed in OCLC.

Manuscript financial record pertaining to Gregory Thomsons & Co. and J. & B. Orne in Kilmarnock, Virginia, dated October 1, 1839. The document includes the signature of Nathan Levy, a customs officer and consul on St. Thomas (1818-1836), son of Baltimore patriot Benjamin Levy. Additional notes mention Levy's controversial relationship with a Black woman.

Manifest detailing the cargo (silk handkerchiefs) from Canton to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with duties, bonded by the Etting brothers on March 10, 1827. The document originates from Baltimore, Maryland.

This 288-page novel, "George Bailey: A Tale of New York Mercantile Life," was published by Harper & Brothers. The book tells the story of George Bailey and his experiences in the New York mercantile world. It was owned by Sidney Rosenfeld, who inscribed his name and the date July 22, 1881 inside the book.

This is the first edition of *Gotham and the Gothamites: A Medley*, a satirical poem by Samuel Benjamin Helbert Judah, published in New York City in 1823 by Solomon King. The work satirizes over one hundred prominent New York citizens and, considered defamatory at the time, led to Judah and King's arrest and indictment for libel. This copy includes the suppressed pages xxi-xxiv, which are absent from most copies. Judah was later pardoned and became an attorney.

This 1856 pamphlet details the legal and social fallout of Rufus W. Griswold's divorce from Charlotte Myers in 1852. The pamphlet recounts attempts to overturn the divorce, resulting in a widely publicized newspaper scandal. Griswold's statement addresses his relationship with Myers and other parties involved in the controversy. The pamphlet offers a glimpse into the social and legal dynamics surrounding divorce in mid-19th century Philadelphia.

This book, published in 1834 by the American Sunday-School Union, provides a depiction of Jewish customs and life in the context of missionary work. Written for a Christian audience, it likely aims to present Jewish traditions from a particular perspective, using wood block prints to illustrate scenes of Middle Eastern Jewish life. The book was written by the author of "Jane Scott" and "Only Son."

Printed invitation to a ball held in Lexington, Kentucky on November 16, 1824, in honor of General Andrew Jackson following his loss in the 1824 presidential election. The invitation lists prominent Lexington businessmen as managers, including Jewish merchant Benjamin Gratz. The ball was held at Mrs. Keen's Inn.

Handwritten invitation to a dinner party at the home of J. Weiner located at 866 North 7th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 24, 1880. The invitation was most likely sent to Mayer Sulzberger.

This book, published by the Jewish Publication Society of America (JPSA) around 1898, offers a comprehensive overview of Jewish life during the Middle Ages. The book's content delves into various aspects of Jewish society, culture, and religious practices during this historical period. Specific details regarding the book's exact content and scope are limited without further examination of the volume itself.

Letter written by C. C. Lerned to Horace Chase on November 27, 1885, from La Porte, Indiana. Lerned describes attending a ceremony and a subsequent party.

A four-page hand-written letter from Eleanor Joseph in Liverpool, England to Mrs. T. I. Tobias in New York, New York, dated May 22, 1823. Sent via the ship Robert Fulton, the letter conveys personal news, including congratulations on a new child and recovered health, as well as social updates and gossip. The letter is signed by Eleanor and includes a postscript from another woman signing as 'Cattebeilee'.

Letter dated May 24, 1890, from Ferdinand Levy, Deputy Collector at the New York City Custom House, to George Randorf in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter concerns baggage belonging to Benjamin Chercosky, detained in the Empire Warehouse Company's General Orders Stores after his arrival from Brazil on April 15th aboard the S.S. Advance. The letter is written on official letterhead.

A letter written on the letterhead of Wolff & Goldman, general merchants in Newport, Arkansas, dated December 16, 1883. J. C. Minor, a traveling salesman, writes to his friends Gray Carroll in Little Rock, Arkansas, explaining his inability to visit due to lack of funds. The letter includes commentary on the social scene in Newport.

Letter from Joseph Bloomingdale to Isaac Leeser inviting him to a ball on February 22, 1867. The letter features the embossed seal of a lodge with an oil derrick, indicating its founding in 1866. The letter was written from Franklin, New York, a boomtown located 10 miles from Titusville, where oil was first discovered approximately two years prior.

A letter written by Margaret C. Bullock to Mayer Sulzberger expressing regret over a missed visit and sending regards to Mrs. Sulzberger. The letter was written in Norfolk, England, around June 1880.

A one-page, stampless letter written on April 11, 1832, from Rachel Mordecai Lazarus of Wilmington, North Carolina, to Emma Mordecai of Richmond, Virginia. The letter details family events, daily life, social news, and mentions books they read. Rachel Mordecai Lazarus (1788-1838) was born in Goochland, Virginia, and her mother was the daughter of silversmith Myer Myer. Emma Mordecai (1812-1906), one of thirteen children, remained devoted to Judaism despite many family members converting to Christianity. She established a Sunday school for Jewish children and authored a textbook for Jewish youth.

Two-page letter addressed to Mayer Sulzberger, concerning a dinner invitation to the sender's home. The sender's identity is illegible. The letter is dated circa 1885.

This book, published in 1843, is a collection of letters written by Maria L. Childs detailing her travels and observations in New York. Childs's letters cover a range of topics, including her visit to a German synagogue in September 1841 (pp. 25-35), slavery, Native Americans, and daily life in the city. This is a first edition.

This is a dance program from February 22, 1884, for the M.P.C. (likely an abbreviation for a social club or organization) in Miami, Ohio. The program was printed by Joe M. Frank, a local merchant. The program lists the order of dances, music, and potentially other events scheduled for the evening. It provides a glimpse into social life in Miami, Ohio during the late 19th century.

This book by T. Moore discusses marriage customs and ceremonies, with a specific focus on Jewish traditions detailed on pages 32-38. Published by W. Borradaile in 1823, it offers insights into the diverse practices and beliefs surrounding marriage.

This 40-page leather-bound book, titled "Pacific Coast Diary," offers a glimpse into daily life in San Francisco during 1885. It includes a Jewish calendar, stagecoach fares, information on the best travel routes within the city, and details about San Francisco's tides. The diary combines practical travel information with cultural details, providing a unique record of the city at the time.

This 64-page pamphlet, published by N. Levy in Auburn, New York in 1888, is a collection of puzzles, conundrums, tricks, and fortune-telling games. It includes illustrations and some references to the American Civil War. The pamphlet also contains advertisements, including those for Levy's clothing store.

Receipt for drawback duties on goods, issued in Baltimore, Maryland on September 15, 1798. The receipt is signed by Jacob Sampson.

This pamphlet details the rules and procedures of the Mutual Benefit and Burial Society of New York City, adopted on November 23, 1864 (5625 in the Hebrew calendar). It covers guidelines for actions following the death of a member, including rituals of purification (Taharah) and mourning (Shiva), along with associated prayers. The text is primarily in English, with significant use of Hebrew terms and phrases. Published by The Jewish Messenger in 1865, this pamphlet provides a glimpse into the practices and organizational structure of a 19th-century Jewish mutual aid society in New York City.

This seating list documents the guest list for a dinner held on March 1, 1898, to celebrate the opening of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building. The list, compiled by Simon J. Block, details the seating arrangement for the event, including prominent Jewish guests such as Harry S. Kahn, A.B. Loeb, Oscar Loeb, and Walter C. Louchheim. The list is presented in a formal format, indicating the table assignments and the names of those invited.

One-page manuscript shipping record dated November 10, 1817, detailing the arrival of one bale of old clothes sent to the Providence, Rhode Island Custom House from the schooner Alert, Snow, Master, originating from London, England. The record is signed by Robt. Jackson, Jr., the portmaster at Providence. Recipient listed as Moses Wolf.

First edition of *South Songs*, a book of poetry dedicated to the women of Richmond and the Sisters of Mercy, written by Thomas Cooper De Leon and published by Blelock & Co. in New York City in 1866. The book contains 153 pages and measures 4.5" x 7".

This manuscript is a handwritten journal by Abraham L. Hirsh, a Philadelphia student in the 1870s. The journal contains personal reflections on various topics such as opinions, honesty, friendship, wealth, cruelty, and pleasure. A few pages are dedicated to parsing (grammatical analysis). Part of the book was later used as an accounting ledger by another individual. The journal offers a glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of a young person in 19th-century Philadelphia.

This is the first issue of Volume III of *The Association Bulletin*, a tri-monthly periodical published by the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA) of Philadelphia in January 1883. The bulletin likely contained news, announcements, and articles of interest to the members of the YMHA.

This 17-page pamphlet, published by Carey & Hart in Philadelphia in 1845, reprints caricatures from the British humor magazine *Punch*. The pamphlet includes six humorous illustrations and a four-page back section listing other books for sale by Carey & Hart. The content is likely satirical and reflects the popularity of *Punch* in America.

This book, published in 1879 by the Argonaut Publishing Company, serves as the first San Francisco social directory. It is a significant document of social history, containing a substantial section (pages 81-89) listing approximately 225 Jewish residents of San Francisco and Oakland, including their addresses and hours for social calls. The directory also features (pages 193-196) a roster of members of the Concordia, an elite Jewish social club, and lists five synagogues on page 271.

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.

This is a first edition, presentation copy of *The Italian Bride*, a play in five acts written by Samuel Yates Levy for the actress Eliza Logan. Published by John M. Cooper & Co. in Savannah in 1856, this uncommon work was published for private distribution. The copy is inscribed by the author to Alfred J. J. Blois. Samuel Yates Levy (1827-1888) was a Jewish author who later served as a Confederate officer during the American Civil War. Eliza Logan (daughter of Cornelius Logan, a comic actor and playwright) was a popular actress in the antebellum South.

This book is the Philadelphia Directory for 1811, compiled by J. Robinson. It lists the names, trades, and residences of the inhabitants of Philadelphia, Southwark, the Northern Liberties, and Kensington. The directory includes numerous entries for Jewish residents, detailing their occupations and places of residence. This resource offers a valuable snapshot of the demographics and commercial activities of Philadelphia's Jewish community in 1811.

This is the first American edition of Constantin-François de Chasseboeuf, comte de Volney's *Travels in Egypt and Syria*, originally published in London in 1787. This edition, printed by John Tiebout for K. Doyckince & Co., omits the maps and plates included in the original publication, resulting in an "inexpensive edition". The book details the natural and political state of Egypt and Syria, covering their productions, arts, manufactures, commerce, and observations on the manners, customs, and governments of the Turks and Arabs.

This scrapbook documents the wedding of Solomon Bloch and Belinda Mayer in Cleveland, Ohio in 1882. It contains the bride's photograph, congratulatory telegrams sent to the groom, and newspaper clippings related to the event. The scrapbook offers a glimpse into the social and personal lives of a Jewish couple in late 19th-century Cleveland.

A withdrawal form from a warehouse at the original port of importation, dated October 23, 1863. The form details the withdrawal of three casks of brandy. A handwritten Jewish star appears in the "Marks" column, suggesting the possibility of kosher wine. The form also features a motif of a sailing ship in port. The form was likely used in the process of releasing imported goods from customs.

This is the program for the Chanukah celebration held by the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA) in New York City on December 15, 1881. The program includes a libretto, advertisements, and information about the YMHA and other associated New York Jewish organizations. The program offers insights into the social and cultural life of the Jewish community in 19th-century New York, highlighting the YMHA's role in community life and the celebration of Hanukkah. The program is notable for its occasional use of Hebrew and its extensive details on the YMHA and related organizations.