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Mr. Editor.—As I observe that descriptions of the
examinations which take place in the various religious schools of the
Union, are recorded in the pages of The Occident, I cannot allow the
recent exhibition of the Augusta Hebrew School, so well conducted, so
successful, and so creditable alike to teachers and pupils, to pass
without similar notice. This institution was formed anterior to the
establishment of the Hebrew Congregation, and from its inception to the
present time, the assiduous attention of the ladies of our faith has
been bestowed upon it. The success which has followed these laudable
efforts in behalf of religious education, was fully tested and as fully
verified during the late examination, which we design briefly to notice.
The school is small, the number of scholars varying between ten and
fifteen, but their attendance is more regular, and proficiency greater
than those of larger institutions. The exercises, on the anniversary
before alluded to, were opened by a beautiful and impressive prayer,
read by Miss S. A. Moise, the present superintendent. It was addressed,
and peculiarly applicable to the youth of our religion, containing
earnest exhortations to revere the only God, and strictly to obey his
commands. A short and appropriate psalm was then sung with much taste by
the children, aided by the voices of the teachers, and at its conclusion
the recitations commenced. The juvenile classes were questioned by Miss
Moise and Miss Rosina Hendricks, alternately, upon Pyke and Peixotto’s
catechisms, commandments, &c., and acquitted themselves in a manner
highly commendable. Then followed the senior classes, who were examined
at length in the Bible, Leeser’s Catechism, the creed, &c., in all of
which they appeared thoroughly versed. When we consider the short and
inadequate time which was allowed the scholars for preparation, the
knowledge they evinced of each and every subject brought before them,
reflects great praise on their instructors, and entitles the scholars
themselves to our loudest approbation. It is difficult to discriminate
where all were such proficients, and we shall leave them on an equality,
fearful or rendering a biassed judgment. To vary the monotony or mere
questions and answers, and to impart to the exercises a more agreeable
character, pieces were prepared for recitation, and spoken by the pupils
towards the close of the exhibition. The addresses were, in most cases,
selected from The Occident, and admirably suited to the age and
capacities of the speakers. We desire not to institute comparisons, and
are aware that we shall render ourselves obnoxious to the charge of
favouritism, by the opinion we are about to express. Justice, however,
compels us to state that Miss Rosalie C. Moise ranks first, to whom,
indeed, that position has been generally conceded. With like unanimity
George Rush, a bold and animated speaker, was placed second upon the
list of competitors, and we are disposed, cheerfully, to concur in the
general sentiment. Our attention was particularly attracted by the
youngest of the little group, whose sweet voice and graceful gesture
received the commendation of all. Miss Rosalie Moise recited “Hagar in
the Wilderness” with much feeling and eloquence. It is a pathetic and
beautiful poem from the prolific pen of Miss Grace Aguilar; and its
effect was heightened by the clear and well-modulated voice of the
youthful speaker. We could almost see the arid desert, the distressed
and forsaken Hagar, murmuring not for herself, but for the beloved boy
over whose suffering form she bends in silent agony. We could picture to
ourselves the sudden transition from sadness to joy, the beaming
gladness which lit up the mother’s eyes, as the pure and gushing stream,
which was to save her child, fell upon her delighted vision. After the
conclusion of the addresses, the premiums were awarded by Miss Moise.
They consisted of minable books adapted to the age of the pupil, and
containing inscriptions, neat and appropriate, to each. A prayer was
then offered up and the proceedings closed, giving universal
satisfaction to the numerous auditory.
Augusta, June, 13th, 1847. T. J. M.
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