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To
the Editor of the Occident,
Some
time ago I read, with delight, in the Occident, an article to establish
a Jewish colony in the United States; and, although I cannot agree with
the writer on the expediency of the plan in all its details still there
are many feasible points which might prove beneficial to those of our
brethren who labour under civil disabilities in Europe. At some future
period, I intend to discuss this matter more fully, and am of opinion
some plan could be formed for the amelioration of the condition of our
disfranchised brethren in aristocratic and despotic countries of the old
world, in particular Russia and the petty governments of Germany, where
bigotry sways its sceptre. But, Mr. Editor, “Charity commences at
home,” is an old adage; and before I, as an humble individual, would
exercise my efforts in aiding in the formation of a Jewish colony, my
exertions must first be exercised in the establishment of Hebrew Public
schools, where our children can be educated in accordance with our
faith, without being compelled to listen to the reading and expounding
of other religious tenets. Let me not be misunderstood in using the word
compulsion; there exists so much liberality in the public school
system, that no child, contrary to the wishes of its parents, is forced
to recite from the New Testament; but you will agree with me, that our
children, in particular those of a very tender age, imbibe a
considerable portion of the tenets of the Christian faith. Let us,
therefore, try and establish schools under our own personal and
spiritual guidance, till the children arrive at such an age that they
could be bound out to learn the arts and trades, instead of educating
our youths to follow mercantile pursuits.
I
feel confident that every Israelite would willingly contribute liberally
towards the establishment of a seminary, where, independent of the usual
instruction imparted in our public schools, they could be taught the
holy tongue, and where the tenets of our blessed religion would be
properly inculcated by teachers of our own faith.
To
procure the necessary funds for such an institution, would be the first
consideration. I think there would be no difficulty in obtaining
voluntary contributions to so noble a cause, and a small tax on each
Israelite, would amount to
a sufficient sum to commence operations.
I
am aware that the word tax is an ominous one; but where is the
Israelite in this free and blessed country, who does not cheerfully pay
any taxes imposed on us as citizens, whenever the good of the
Commonwealth requires it? And shall we, as Israelites, not as willingly
pay a contribution which tends solely to our benefit here, and the
aggrandizement of the faith of our forefathers, and, above all, our
eternal salvation hereafter?
Should
this hasty sketch meet with your approval, and the approbation of your
subscribers, I will, at some future period, enlarge on the subject.
Philo.
Philadelphia,
11th October, 1844.
NOTE
BY THE EDITOR.—We regret that Philo has sent in the above without his
name; but as the subject-matter is one which has long since occupied our
earnest thoughts, we give it to our readers on our own responsibility,
without, as is usual with us, demanding previously the author’s name,
who, however, will oblige us by calling in person, at all events by
continuing the discussion he has commenced, in the pages of the
Occident. The position which we hold brings us daily in contact with
Israelites from every part of America and many countries of Europe, and
this intercourse has satisfied us, that it is education, in its
most liberal sense, which must be looked to, in order to sustain our
religious system. But education must not be merely one of elegance and
accomplishment; for this will not make our men and women Jews in feeling
and practice; but it must, to be useful, entwine itself round the soul
of our brethren and sisters, to induce them to lead a consistent
religious life, even in the midst of temptations and difficulties.
Wherever we have heard of conversions they have been owing to one of
three causes; first, interest; second, ignorance; and third, improper
education. If now we understand our correspondent, he wishes to see our
children Jewish in conduct and in feeling; and hence we beg him, when he
continues his discussion, not to lose sight of this important
consideration, and to urge upon our brethren the necessity of so
training our youth, that neither of the above reasons may induce them to
quit our blessed faith for the communion with any other people.
We
will merely add, that we should be delighted could we see all our
interests call forth public discussion; for by this means only can that
apathy be overcome which now weighs down our energies. Hence we are
always glad when a new correspondent claims our pages, to lay his
thoughts before our brethren; and we therefore also invite all to come
forward and and use the Occident as the common vehicle of information
provided for American Israelites. Should we succeed in this we shall
have gained an important point by the establishment of our monthly. |
