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Mr. Editor,
It may probably prove interesting to many of your
readers, to learn that the Israelites of Richmond have been aroused
from their slumber, and are now awakened to the glorious cause of
education. In order to raise a fund for that object, it was suggested
that a ball might be gotten up, which, if properly managed, would meet
with great success. As the idea was rather a novel one here, it was
countenanced by some and discouraged by others; when at length, to
obtain an expression of the popular will, it was deemed expedient to
hold a meeting of the gentlemen of our congregation. (You may readily
imagine that all the ladies were in favour of the
project.) The gentlemen met at the time appointed, and it was
decided that we should have the ball, and commenced to “set it a
rolling.” At a subsequent meeting a board of managers was formed,
committees appointed, &c. &c. The number of tickets was limited to one
hundred, at five dollars each. But a few days had elapsed ere a
sufficient number of subscribers was obtained to guarantee the
undertaking. Finding that many of our Gentile friends had cheerfully
subscribed, and were willing to render us any assistance that might be
needed, and, in fact, likely to out number those of our own persuasion,
as an act of courtesy, as well as extending the hand of fellowship
towards them, it was determined to solicit their aid in the management.
The names of several very influential gentlemen were added, and they
cheerfully acquiesced. The Israelites of Richmond are under many
obligations to them, for the zeal manifested in endeavouring to carry
out our designs. We are further indebted to our Gentile neighbours for
several donations received in aid of the fund.
The 10th of February was the time set apart, and
the City Hotel (recently erected by Mr. Benjamin Davis) was the place
selected for this prime movement in the cause of Education. The rumour
soon spread abroad that a grand Jewish Ball was to take place, and it
being something new in this section of the country, all expected
something “rich and extra.” It was therefore necessary, in the first
place, to use every precaution to render the whole affair as select
as practicable. Consequently the managers did not give the matter any
more publicity than selecting the subscribers from among their own
sphere of acquaintances, and by issuing a large number of
complimentary invitations to the most respectable ladies of this city
that came under our notice, without regard to sect or creed.
The managers deeming it a duty incumbent on them to
express their sentiments in regard to the superintendent of the Sunday
School, to whom we are deeply indebted for her zealous and untiring
efforts in rearing to perfection that valuable branch of education, they
unanimously passed the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Board, for themselves and the
Congregation Beth Shalome, of this City, tender their consideration and
thanks to Miss Emma Mordecai, the Superintendent of the Hebrew Sunday
School, for the disinterested and untiring perseverance evinced by her
in sustaining the school and the cause of religious education, with an
earnest solicitation to honour with her presence, the “Hebrew School
Fund Ball,” which will take place on Wednesday, the 10th of February,
1847, at the City Hotel; and that a copy of said resolution, with a
private invitation, be forwarded to her.
Every preparation was made on the part of the
management to render the entertainment one of the most agreeable, and it
is with pleasure to announce that the result was beyond all
expectations; not the least trivial incident occurred to mar the
enjoyment of the evening. The sociability that existed on the occasion
was highly creditable to all who participated. There was no distinction
observed, as is often the case in large assemblages or this kind. Great
credit is therefore due to the managers, for using such very necessary
precaution in the issue of their tickets.
An invitation was extended to the Mayor and the
Press of the City, and several persons at a distance, and it gives me
pleasure to, state that the opinion of the press has been exceedingly
kind and favourable. From this enterprise, a fund of upwards of two
hundred dollars was realized. It is anticipated that the next annual
ball will meet with at least the same encouragement.
E.*
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