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Philadelphia.—The Ninth Annual Examination of the
Hebrew Sunday School of this city took place on Sunday the 14th instant,
at the Synagogue in Cherry Street, the usual place. The number of
scholars in attendance was very large, more so, we should judge, than on
any former occasion. The exercises were, as formerly, commenced with
reading a section from Scripture, a portion of Deuteronomy, followed by
prayers from the minister, superintendent, and children, when the
following report was read, in which the superintendent states both a
gratifying amount of progress, and calls on those capable of aiding in
the good work as teachers to come forward to labour in a cause where
success is easily attainable with moderate exertions.
“On the ninth Examination of the Hebrew Sunday
School, the Superintendent feels authorized to express her conviction of
the importance of its influence on the religious and moral condition of
the rising generation. Hundreds of young Israelites are here brought
together from various parts of the community, from foreign countries,
from families in different stations of life, all engaged in the same
holy pursuit, all listening to the Scriptures, and imbibing knowledge of
the laws and duties of Jewish life, and lifting up their feeble voices
in praise and prayer to the common Father of all, thus preparing in due
season for the warfare of life.
“An Israelite, who begins by honouring his
religious privileges, who feels that among the various opinions of his
fellow-men, on this important subject, he has the highest, even divine
authority for his belief, may go on steadily, his eye and his heart
fixed on the Rock of Ages, and meet arguments and objections of mortal
men, without fear and without reproach. The Superintendent most
earnestly solicits aid from the young ladies of the several
congregations, as teachers in the school. There are many very small
pupils crowded into classes, without the means of receiving competent
instruction, who might do credit to a kind teacher for the first
elements of tuition; and, in some cases, this may be the only means
afforded them of learning what may be of vital importance to their
future lives. Such a consideration, it is hoped, will induce intelligent
and pious ladies, not yet engaged in the school, to hasten and support
the good work. Does not the wisest of men bid us to ‘Train up a child in
the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it?’”
After the reading of the report, it was given out
that donations for the funds of the school would be received, and the
persons present proved that they duly appreciated the benefits resulting
from the institution, and contributed about ninety dollars, more than
will probably be required for the current expenses of the year, as the
congregation, Mikve Israel, pay the hire for the room where the school
is kept. To show the economy with which about one hundred and fifty
children are instructed during the period of one year, we are enabled to
state that the expenses during the last twelve months were only about
thirty-eight dollars, independently of room-hire, and this includes
outlays of every kind.—As regards the present examination, it passed off
extremely satisfactorily, though we have again to regret, as last year,
the absence of more advanced scholars. After the examination, several of
the children recited either original or select articles, and, among
others, three female scholars recited a dialogue on the book of Esther,
by Mr. David N. Carvalho, of this city, which excited, deservedly,
considerable interest. When the exercises were closed, the premiums were
distributed to the deserving scholars; and we felt gratified to observe
that the books thus distributed were nearly all the works issued by the
Jewish Publication Society. We hope to see the school progress in
usefulness, and that many blessings may attend its founders and
teachers, and that finally it may lead to the organization of
educational establishments on a larger scale.
Maryland.—Most of our southern readers must know,
though it may be news to those residing in places where domestic slavery
is unknown, that persons of colour are not permitted to give evidence
against whites. It was therefore to be expected that the same law should
obtain in Maryland. We speak not of the humanity of such an enactment,
but merely of its existence. It is also, no doubt, known to many, that
it is only about twenty years since the Jews of Maryland were placed
upon an equality with other citizens, by the constitution of the State
being amended to that effect by the required concurrent action of two
successive Legislatures in the premises. Thus the matter rested for
several years, till it was observed that, as regards the evidence of
coloured persons, there existed yet an odious distinction between Jews
and Christians; for “there was an old law of 1717, in regard to the
testimony of Indians, negroes, &c., to the effect that their testimony
should not be received in any court of record, or before a magistrate,
&c. &c., in any case in which a Christian white person was concerned;”
and though it is not remembered that such evidence was ever allowed
against one not of the Christian religion, it was deemed proper to
appeal to the Legislature to have the law removed from the statutebook.
Our friend Dr. Cohen, who will excuse us for bringing his name before
the public, therefore applied to Dr. Williams, the President of the
Senate, and the Hon. John P. Kennedy, Speaker of the House, to take
charge of the business; and it is scarcely necessary to remark, that
while we write this, there is perfect equality in this regard too
between Jew and Christian in Maryland. We append Mr. Kennedy’s letter to
Dr. Cohen, and a copy of the bill, which will speak for themselves; and
we are sure that our readers will thank Mr. K. for the truly liberal
sentiments in which he expresses himself.—By some mistake, by the by,
the letter of Dr. Cohen, enclosing the bill, &c., came only to hand
after our March number was printed off: but it is still in time, and
will serve, though late, as a matter of pleasing record for future
reference.
Annapolis, February 4, 1847.
My dear Sir:—The bill relating to the Law of
Evidence, which passed the Legislature a few days ago, was reported by
the Committee on the Judiciary at my instance. The object is to remove
all discrimination between different religious sects, as regards the
application of the Law of Evidence. I believe this was the only case in
the present law of Maryland in which a discrimination was recognised.
That being now obliterated, our statute book is purged of an
odious and offensive distinction, and now truly leaves, in the spirit of
the constitution, and of the present age, every man the right to worship
God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
I send you enclosed a copy of the act.
Yours, truly,
J. P. Kennedy.
Dr. Joshua I. Cohen.
An Act relating to the Law of Evidence.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of
Maryland, That the distinction made by the second section of the act
passed in the year seventeen hundred and seventeen, chapter thirteen,
between persons professing the Christian religion, and those not
professing the same, be hereby removed, and that no negro or mulatto
slave, or free Indian, native of this or the neighbouring States, be
admitted and received as good and valid evidence, in law, in any matter
or thing whatsoever, that may hereafter be depending before any court of
record, or before any magistrate within this State, wherein any white
person is concerned.
[Note from the webmaster: We don't normally include commentary on
the primary documents included on this site, but the preceding article
simply shocked us. To object to a minor discrimination in a law which is
in and of itself totally discriminatory, boggles the mind, that someone
could understand the injustice of religious discrimination, and yet
totally fail to recognize the monstrous injustice of racism.]
The Jewish Miscellany, No. 6, is now ready, and
will be forwarded to all the members of the Publication Society. We
hope, for the sake of the cause, that all will continue their
subscriptions, and seek to gain others to support an institution which
promises so much good.
Easton.—We learn from our friend, Dr. A. B. Arnold,
that the congregation in Easton is progressing, by several Jews
settling there, and in a prosperous condition.
Mobile.—The same gratifying intelligence has been
communicated from Mobile, and we trust to hear the same from all our
brethren throughout the land.
Augusta.—The congregation of this place worship at
present in a building fitted up for them by Mr. Isaac Henry, for
temporary use, till they can erect a proper house of worship. This
commendable liberality deserves an honourable mention, and we hope that
it may meet the reward which ever attaches itself to good deeds.
Montego Bay, Jamaica.—The Rev. Abm. P. Mendes,
recently elected as minister of Montego Bay, has entered upon his
duties, and gives general satisfaction, and hopes are entertained that
the differences lately prevailing there will be healed under his
administration.
Kingston, Jamaica.—One of our correspondents at
Kingston writes us under date of February 16th, that on the following
Sunday, (21st,) the English and German free School was to be amalgamated
with the Beth Limmud school of the Portuguese congregation, under the
name of the Hebrew National School. We are pleased to record this fact,
as it proves that Israelites belonging to different Synagogues, in which
the difference at last is but nominal, are anxious to unite their
efforts to produce by combined efforts, that which is beyond their reach
if conducted singly. May the example spread, and find many
congregations ready to imitate it; for only then can we look for
permanent and useful improvement in education, which is evidently so
necessary among us.
St. Thomas.—We regret not to be able as yet to
report the final adoption of a code of laws for the government of the
congregation of St. Thomas. We have received a concurrent account of the
difficulties existing there, but we forbear giving the particulars, as
they can lead to no good result, and their publication would only lead
farther to excite the resentment of the minority, though they are but a
fifth of the entire body. Let us trust, that as the former rulers of the
Synagogue are now reinstated, through the action of the government,
that they will earnestly endeavour to heal the breach, and that thus all
may soon be brought again to attend as brethren at the house of God. Mr.
Aaron Wolff, the former president, is again at his old post.
Venezuela.—The offices of our religion were lately
celebrated at Caraccas and Barcelona, by our correspondent, Mr. Simmond,
of St. Thomas. He performed the marriage ceremony at place, and
introduced in the covenant of Abraham, a young Israelite at the latter.
May our brethren there increase so that such occurrences may cease to be
matters of special news. We have stated also before this that the
government had given the Jews a burying-place at Caraccas; the
congregation, also, at Coro is still in progress. There are also Jews
at Angostura, on the Orinoco, and Porto Cabello, and perhaps elsewhere,
as there appears to be liberty of conscience for them in New Granada and
Venzuela.
Cincinnati.—At the regular annual meeting of the
members of the Hebrew Institute, the following were elected officers for
the ensuing year:—J. Jonas, President; S. Bernheim, Vice-President; P.
Moses, Treasurer; Lewis Abraham, Secretary; Reverend J. K. Gutheim,
Principal.
This institution, which has now been in successful
operation one year, held its annual examination on Sunday, 20th
February, and the progress made by the pupils in their various studies,
gave great satisfaction. From the various reports read on the occasion,
it appears that there are seventy-one scholars in daily attendance,
twenty-nine of whom are taught gratis. In the Hebrew language, the
pupils gave evidence of the sound and admirable method pursued by Mr.
Gutheim, one class being able to translate correctly thirty-six chapters
of the Bible, besides many portions of the daily prayers, and also being
conversant with all the elementary rules of grammar; the junior classes
also evinced much improvement. In all the English branches of education,
the advancement is encouraging.
At the conclusion of the exercises, the children
chaunted a Hebrew Psalm, and fourteen prizes were then presented to the
most deserving pupils.
The Institute enters its next year with cheering
prospects, which, if fulfilled, will make it, without doubt, one of the
most valuable Jewish institutions in the United States.
Relief For The Indigent Sick At Cincinnati.—It
having been made known to the various Jewish societies, that the poor of
our nation frequently suffer for want of medical attention, the fact was
introduced to the members, and it was resolved by The Hebrew Ladies’
Benevolent Society, The German Hebrew Ladies’ Benevolent Society, The
Hebrew Benevolent Society, The Hebrew Beneficent Society, The Holy
Congregation of Israel, and The Holy Congregation of Jeshurun, each to
contribute towards a fund for granting a medical attendant, who shall
visit the poor gratis. Each of the above bodies elected delegates, who
organized by electing J. Jonas, President; Heinsiemer, Vice-President;
J. Goodhart, Treasurer; A. Harris, Secretary; and on motion to engage a
doctor, Dr. Bettmann was unanimously chosen. A committee was also
appointed, whose duty is to visit the sick and order the attendance of
the doctor, if necessary.
Laws and Regulations for all the Synagogues in
the British Empire.—The above code of laws, issued by the Rev. Chief
Rabbi, was the subject of discussion at a Vestry Meeting of the Great
Synagogue, Duke’s Place, where all the Laws were adopted with the
exception of law 34, Sect. 4, in reference to precedence; and a clause
in law 39, Sect. 5, in reference to the fine of 2l. for
non-solemnization of marriage in the Synagogue. At a Meeting of the
Committee of the New Synagogue, the laws were, after much opposition,
referred to a Sub-Committee. The Hambro’ Synagogue has not yet come to
any decision on the subject. We defer all comment to a future number.—Jewish
Chronicle. (Mentioned also by our own correspondent.)
Rome, Dec. 21st. The Deutsche Allgemeine
Zeitung contains the following communication: “A new proof has been
added to the many latterly given of Pope Pius IX.’s philanthropy and of
his little regard to confessional barriers in cases that demand a speedy
relief. The Jews, who live on the lowest banks of the Tiber, and who
have lately suffered so much from the inundation of that river, have
been permitted three days ago, by a gracious decree of the Pope, to
remove from their quarter (the Ghetto, the iron gates of which are
usually locked every evening), and to reside so long in any part of
Christian Rome until the waters of the Tiber should have left their
houses, and those be perfectly habitable.”
Ought we to laugh of to weep, when such decrees,
whereby the Jews are permitted to escape the danger of being drowned,
are proclaimed as generous actions, or when it is yet necessary to
proclaim them as such?—Ed. A. Z. des Jud. |
