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On
Sunday, the 4th August, 1844, corresponding with the 19th
Ab, 5604, an examination of the pupils belonging to the Sunday school
“Shanare Limud,” took place at the vestry room, Synagogue buildings,
on which occasion all the pupils, Superintendent, Secretary, and
teachers were present, as well as the following parents and
grand-parents:—Mrs. Sarah Lobo, senior, Mrs. M. C. D’Azevedo, Mrs.
Sarah N. Carvalho, Mrs. Raphael Lindo, Mrs. Isaac Lobo, Mr. M. C.
D’Azevedo, and Mr. S. E. Daniels.
The
Superintendant, Mrs. Finzi, examined the first class, and by her
request, Mr. Azevedo examined the second, Mr. Daniels the third, and
Mrs. Isaac Lobo the fourth class; the pupils were questioned on the different branches of their instructions, the Bible, Daily
Prayer book, Leeser’s and Cahen’s (translated) Catechisms, Pyke’s
Scriptural Questions, and Peixotto’s Elementary Introduction to the
Scriptures, to which they all readily replied, and gave general
satisfaction; they afterwards chaunted several hymns and En Kelohanoo;
Mrs. Finzi then addressed the children as follows:
“As
this, our first examination, has ended, and I trust satisfactorily to
your dear parents and our friends, I think it necessary I should make a
few remarks, which I hope will tend to your future benefit. Although
unusual, at quarterly examinations, to bestow premiums on the deserving,
we have thought fit to do so in this instance, with the sincere hope
that it will promote a farther and greater desire for emulation in your
young hearts; these gifts are but trifling proofs of merit meeting with
its reward; how much more may you expect in after-life, when you
reflect, and feel that you have religiously and industriously fulfilled
those duties pointed out to you by our Lawgiver and your parents; by
adhering strictly to the tenets of our blessed religion, and the command
of your elders, you will not err, for we are told in our holy
Scriptures, “each seed produceth fruit after its kind;” so shall you
all by diligently cultivating the seeds of obedience to God and your
parents ultimately reap the fruit of peace and happiness here, and
eternal bliss hereafter. I
feel pleasure in saying, your kind teachers and myself are much
gratified in perceiving the improvement you have made, and our best
exertions will be used by patience and attention to give you farther
instruction. There have been indulgences granted which I am called upon
to state must cease, and which is, that no child shall be allowed to
leave the room, or move about the school, except permission is asked. I
am aware we shall at first find it difficult to keep the youngest quiet;
but we must conquer them, for if we do not train them to obedience now,
we shall have cause to regret it.—I shall feel farther gratified in
hearing from yourselves, whether you have benefitted, and if you do not
feel happier in being wiser and more learned in our religion than you
were four months ago.—I will not detain you longer than to say, you
have all my best wishes for your improvement; may God bless you, and
continue to crown our undertaking with success.”
Mrs.
Finzi having concluded, she distributed prizes to all according to their
merits; the children appeared pleased, and the parents highly delighted
with the improvement, and complimented the several teachers,
Superintendant, and Secretary for the care they had bestowed on the
children, so that in the short space of time that the institution had
been established (say five months) they were able to reply correctly to
the various questions put to them.
Sophia Daniels, Secretary.
Vestry
Room, Barbadoes, August 4th. 1844. |
