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Philadelphia.—The old German congregation of this
city lately purchased a building formerly used as a meeting place of a
rationalist community; which, composed of persons of various sects, fell
into that state of decrepitude, which all such associations usually fall
into. The necessary alterations to adapt it to a Synagogue have already
been commenced, and it is expected that it will be solemnly dedicated o
the service of the God of Israel, the only Source of wisdom and
knowledge, by the approaching holidays. The German congregation of this
city, is the oldest of that denomination in America; having been in
existence about forty-three years; and this is the first time that it
has possessed a structure of its own, having hitherto worshipped in
hired rooms, temporarily fitted up as Synagogues.—We tell the
Conversionists Judaism progresses in America!
New York.—Dr. Lilienthal is making great efforts to
establish education among the Synagogues under his charge. He has just
introduced a more comprehensive system of elementary schools, but we
have not as yet been informed of the details. He expects to hold the
first semi-annual examination on the middle days of next Tabernacle
feast.—During our recent visit we also learnt that several gentlemen
contemplate the issue of a Jewish weekly paper, under the charge of
Judge Noah, and Mr. Robert Lyon. Individually (we repeat what we stated
in conversation), we have no objection that such a paper should appear,
as, if anything, it would probably increase our circulation: but, as
concerns the projectors, we are almost sure it would result in a
pecuniary loss, greater or smaller, according to the outlay they may
incur. There is as yet no reading Jewish public of a great extent in
America; from Christians but little support can be expected; and the
German Jews who are here will hardly encourage any publication, even in
their own language. Our friends may take our word for it, as we have
sufficient experience of the extent of support realised, to speak with
more certainty than they can, of the prospects of any Jewish publication
under present circumstances. Ten years hence it will be different.—We
were also sorry to hear that the Talmud Torah school has ceased to
exist, for the want of funds. This is not what one could of right expect
of the famed liberality of the Israelites of New York. Education among
us is still not enough regarded; we mean especially, training in
religion under Jewish teachers; the want of it must certainly be felt
more and more every day; and time will then work the remedy, much
better than all premature appeals.
Rochester, N.Y.—The Rev. S. M. Isaacs informs us
that he has been called on to prepare a constitution and by-laws for a
new congregation about to be organized at the above city.
Buffalo, N.Y.—A congregation is also assembling at
this great town of Western New York. There are already twenty-four
families, and they have a person officiating as Hazan and Shochet.
Syracuse, N.Y.—There are at this place fifty
families, and have a Synagogue of their own. Their Hazan is the Rev. Mr.
Gutman, who also gives instruction in Hebrew.
Albany. The choir in the Synagogue is organized
upon the plan of Mr. Sulzer, of Vienna, and assists at public worship on
the Sabbath, when the stores are generally closed, and the Synagogue is
well attended. Dr. Wise’s school consists of seventy-six scholars,
twenty-four of which belong to the Bible class, and the school fees for
ten scholars is paid by the Education Society.
New Orleans. Mr. Judah Touro, of New Orleans, has
presented to the congregation Nefuzote Yehudah, as a Synagogue, a
handsome church edifice, formerly used by the Episcopalians; and he is
going to defray himself the expenses for necessary alterations and
repairs. This act of liberality is the more commendable, as the
venerable donor acted altogether upon his own impulse, without the
solicitation of those benefited by his benevolence.
Montreal. By request of the congregation Shearith
Israel of Montreal, we lay before our readers this month the sermon of
the Rev. Abraham De Sola, the youthful minister of that congregation.
Mr. De Sola, we believe, is scarcely more than twenty-one years old, and
we are sure that the general opinion will agree with that of his own
immediate constituents, in assigning to it a considerable share of
merit. We are authorized to say, that he gives much satisfaction to his
congregation. He has lately been the instrument of forming a “Hebrew
Philanthropic Society,” of which M.J. Hays, Esq., is president, and Rev.
A. De Sola secretary and treasurer; the meeting for organizing the
society was attended by nearly all professing Jews of Montreal. The
annual subscription is three dollars. Mr. De Sola has also established a
choir, and improved the decorum in the Synagogue.
Prussia and Rome. We hear occasionally reports that
some measures of amelioration of our suffering state is contemplated in
several European countries, particularly Prussia and Rome. It will be
time enough to lay particulars before our readers when anything of real
importance has been fully enacted by the respective law-making powers;
our space is too limited to give currency to mere rumour. This much our
readers may depend on, that it requires a great deal of time to work the
smallest change, and to obtain the least concession in Europe; and then
there is so much to be done before we can be placed upon a civil and
political equality, that the little favours of which we occasionally
hear so much, are but like a single draft of water to a thirsty man.
Prejudice dies slowly, and the Christians in many parts of Europe still
imagine that Jews could become injurious to the state.
Palestine Relief Fund. We have been put in
possession of a receipt of Rabbi Hirsch Lehren, and Messrs. J. B.
Rubens, Abraham A. Prins, and Meyer Lehren, acknowledging the receipt of
a bill for 25l, 6s. 9d. sterling, from the
committee of the Holy Land at New York, consisting of Messrs. Sol. I.
Isaacs, I. B. Kursheedt, and Simon Abrahams, on account of the extra
collection instituted for the relief of the poor of Palestine, in their
state of destitution, caused by the dearth of breadstuffs existing for
some time past. The amount collected was $120 50, and was contributed in
sums from $2 to $10, by twenty-three contributors. We have also been
favoured with the sight of a circular emanating from Rabbis Hayim
Abraham Gagin, Myer Menachem Danon, Isaac Parchi, Hayim Moshe Pisanti,
Samuel ben David Magar, dated at Jerusalem on Monday the 16th of Tebeth
last, in which they complain of the state of famine in which the country
is placed, and that they had proclaimed that day as a public fast, on
account of the drought which had continued already forty days, in the
midst of the rainy season. They also say that eighteen hundred persons
are supported by public charity, and that there are many besides who
suffer in private the evils of straitened circumstances, because of
their unwillingness to make their sorrows publicly known. They therefore
appeal to all Israelites to send donations to Mr. H. Lehren, and
associates, of Amsterdam, who they say, have solemnly and faithfully
distributed the funds sent out from various quarters for the relief of
Palestine. Still in the midst of all this suffering there is an evidence
of progress; they have eighteen schools and a printing-office; and we
were lately presented by Mr. A. Loewe of New York with a copy of the
celebrated Chissuck Emunah printed there, which, with the circular just
named, is well printed. We may recur to the subject hereafter. |
