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London, 17th
November, 5607 (1846)
The Chamber of Elders
of the Portuguese Congregation has resolved that Sir Moses Montefiore
shall be invited to sit for his portrait, which is to be suspended in the
vestry-room of their Synagogue, in acknowledgment of the many and eminent
services which that distinguished baronet has rendered to the Jewish
cause.
A slight alteration
has been instituted in the manner of performing the Friday Evening’s
Service at the Great Synagogue, Dukes’ Place. The
לכו נרננה
being now repeated in alternate verses by the
חזן and
choir only, the congregation not joining in except in an under key. The
לכה דודי
is also left to them exclusively, instead of each verse being repeated by
the congregation as heretofore. These alterations, introduced at the
instance of the Chief Rabbi, for the improvement of the present manner of
conducting the public worship, which is often noisy and indecorous, and
thus deprived of its requisite solemnity, will no doubt be extended to
other portions of the service; it has already elicited manifestations. of
discontent from a few ultra conservative members of the Synagogue; but
they do not appear to have prevented the adoption of these slight
modifications, which were repeated on Friday evening last. This little
circumstance is watched with some interest, as affording an opportunity
for judging of the extent of the Chief Rabbi’s independence.
On Saturday, the 14th
inst., Dr. Adler delivered a discourse in English on the subject of
prayer. He defined in very suitable and tasteful language the nature and
object of prayer, as well as the most befitting manner and attitude for
its utterance, for both public and private worship. This sermon is
certainly the best which he has yet delivered in English, and, like most
of his former compositions, it was eloquent though unadorned, and
characterized by that piety and sincerity which give the true value to
eloquence. It is really remarkable that so short an acquaintance with the
language of our country, should enable Dr. Adder already to undertake to
preach in English. His choice of words, which is invariably extremely
happy, exhibits a knowledge acquired rather by study than mere intercourse
with native Englishmen. In pronunciation he appears still somewhat
defective; and another consequence of his preaching in an unfamiliar
language, is the frequent misplacing of the emphases, which very often are
thrown upon mere particles, and thus, a very odd effect is given to some
of his sentences, but time and experience will, no doubt remedy these
defects. His exertions in the cause of education are very earnest and
successful. You will judge from this, what hopes are entertained for the
spiritual advancement of our co-religionists in this country, which will
no doubt be early accomplished if our reverend chief shall but meet with
the encouragement and support which are due to his high position and to the
purity and value of his objects.
The Elders of the
Portuguese Congregation have in contemplation to revise their book of
laws, and, strange to say, that among the most anxious for this step, are
some of those individuals who were the most loud in condemning the
applications made by those members of the congregation who now comprise
the principal portion of the Burton Street Synagogue.
The Committee of the
Beth Holim Hospital, belonging to the Portuguese Congregation, announce
their intention to celebrate the centenary of their institution by a
public ball, to be given some time in January next. A very efficient staff
of stewards is in progress of organization, and the most brilliant success
may be anticipated.
The Sussex Hall
Committee contemplate celebrating the anniversary of the foundation of
their excellent institution by some public festivity; what its exact
nature will be is not yet decided upon. The essay and discussion class
connected with this institution is now holding its meetings every Sunday
evening, and it is a gratifying feature to observe the extensive concourse
of Jewish ladies and gentlemen of the most respectable and influential
class, who congregate every week in the large lecture theatre, to
encourage and to take part in the very creditable discussions which are
here carried on with great spirit and some talent. It is a great pity that
this excellent institution is not better supported, although I am happy to
say it is becoming better appreciated, and its merits are much more
extensively acknowledged than heretofore, though nevertheless its progress
is by far too slow considering the many manifest advantages it offers to
the Jewish as well as the general public. There is nothing else stirring
here of Jewish interest. |
