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Rev. I. Leeser: Dear Sir,—Having ho doubt that you will be pleased
to learn of the visit of our much-esteemed friend
and co-religionist, Rev. Dr. Raphall, to our city, I
have to state that he arrived here on Sabbath
morning, the 16th, having been detained, by the
inclemency of the weather, 24 hours longer on board
the steamer than is usual between Willmington<<49>>
and our city. He took lodgings at the Pavilion
Hotel, but has, during his stay, been mostly the
guest of our friend Mr. Samuel Hart, Sen., the
President of the orthodox congregation.
On the day after his arrival, he was waited upon by
a committee of gentlemen appointed by the
above-named congregation, and welcomed by its
president. I enclose you a copy of the address, and
the Rev. Dr.'s reply,
which, if you think of sufficient interest, you will
publish, which I have no doubt you will, for the
friends of the Dr. on the other side of the Atlantic
; it will show how the Israelites in Charleston
appreciate the services of their brethren who devote
their ability in the cause of Israel.
The doctor has been kindly received by his brethren
and others. All who have made his acquaintance have
been extremely pleased with his urbanity.
At a general meeting of the Congregation Shearith
Israel held, on the 3d of Feb., 1850, at the
Synagogue, the President, Mr. Samuel Hart, Sen.,
stated that he convened the members for the purpose
of informing them that he had received the
unexpected, though pleasing intelligence of the
intention of the Rev. Dr. Raphall to visit our city;
that the reputation for piety, learning, and
eloquence of the Rev. Dr. entitle him to
distinguished respect from this Congregation.
Whereupon the following resolution was proposed and
unanimously adopted. Resolved,
That a committee of five members be appointed to
wait on the Rev. Dr. Raphall upon his arrival here,
and to welcome him in behalf of this Congregation,
and to request him to deliver a discourse in our
Synagogue at such time as it may suit his
convenience. The following named
gentlemen were selected. Rev. J. Rosenfeldt, Abm.
Tobias, Esq., Jacob Cohen, Esq., Isaiah Moses, Esq.,
and on. motion, the President was requested to act
as chairman of the committee.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
S. VALENTINE,
Secretary. THE PRESIDENT'S
ADDRESS.
Rev. Dr. Raphall; Respected Sir—It is no
ordinary occurrence which has induced the
Congregation "Shearith Israel," over
which I have the honour to preside, to step out of
the "even tenor of its way," on learning your
intention of visiting our city, to appoint my
colleagues and self a committee<<50>>
to wait upon you on your arrival here, and thus
formally to welcome you to our ancient city of
Charleston. It is a fitting occasion to say to you, that in thus
welcoming you to our "Hearts and Homes," we are
sensible of the services you have done to the cause
of Israel's God and his chosen people, in the land
of your former sojourn. For upwards of twenty years
your name has been familiar to myself, and I have
rib doubt to my colleagues, as one of Israel's most
able sons. We know you as once the erudite editor of
the "Hebrew Review," as the truly pious divine, and
most gifted lecturer, whose energy and perseverance,
combined with zeal and convincing eloquence, have
accomplished more to elevate the character of our
brethren in England, and to place them upon the
platform of equal rights with other denominations,
than any Israelite of the present day. You have, sir, done for the British Jews, what Sir
Moses Montefiore partially accomplished for our
persecuted brethren in the East. You have by your
writings caused their oppressors to think and to
reflect, and to cast away from their minds a portion
of those dark and ancient 'prejudices, which have
for so many centuries deprived. the Israelite of his
political and social rights. We therefore hail with delight your presence amongst
us, that we may all have the opportunity of showing
our appreciation of your services, and benefit by
your presence, in listening to your learning and
eloquence in portraying the beauties of our ancient
and sacred literature. I trust, dear sir, that your temporary sojourn with
us may prove as agreeable to yourself, as I am
satisfied it will be beneficial to us. And in
conclusion, allow me to add, sir, that I should be
doing injustice to my own feelings, did I not
acknowledge the gratification I derive from the
opportunity this occasion affords me, in telling you
of the many pleasant hours spent in the perusal of
the "Hebrew Review," during its short career under
your editorial guidance. Limited as the American
Hebrew's education is in the sacred language of his
forefathers, we would hail with delight anything
emanating from such able authority, and I hope, as
you have consented to become a resident of the
United States, that your duties and time will not be
so completely occupied, but that we shall again
behold the " Review" resume its beneficial and
highly important office of guide, instructer, and
friend—to teach our youth, to direct our manhood,
and to comfort our old age. I again bid you a most
hearty welcome.
<<51>> Dr. Raphall's Reply
Mr. President and Gentlemen:—I receive with
heartfelt thanks and gratification the expression of
your good feelings towards me, and your kindly
welcome amongst you. It is true that Providence in
its wisdom has permitted that our people should long
have suffered from the calumnies which interested
falsehood invented, which fanaticism cherished, and
prejudice believed. It is also true that in England,
we alone of all religious denominations labour under
political disqualifications to which, in this free
and happy country, you are strangers. But He who
saith to the raging sea, “Thus far shalt thou come,
and no farther," has also set limits to the power of
prejudice, and assigned
bounds to the pestiferous influence of fanaticism.
And as He in his pleasure sometimes works with the
weakest instruments; it became my fate on more than
one occasion (with tongue and pen) to confront and
silence our calumniators, and to assist in removing
prejudices which the spirit of the age cannot
defend. I am happy to say my labours in. this good
cause have not been altogether unsuccessful, and I
thank my God for having aided me thus far in his
mercy. But if you, gentlemen, and your congregation,
consider my visit to your city as no ordinary
occurrence, what must be my feelings when, on coming
amongst you, I find that my humble efforts in a
different quarter of the globe, have gained for me
your esteem, your approbation, your friendship, and
that though thousands of miles distant from the land
I have hitherto lived and laboured in, my life and
labours are more than fully appreciated ? It is
indeed a happy moment of my life, and is the
strongest proof that the holy band of brotherhood
which entwines all Israel is a reality, and that its
cause is alike sacred to all its professors. Mr.
President, I, am gratified by your mention of the "Hebrew Review," and though I am too young in this
country to speak positively as to what I can do, yet
I may, without hesitation, aver, that if God spares
my life and health, I will cheerfully devote my time
to the service of my people. And if in any way,
or at any time, I can become useful to the Hebrews
of Charleston, or contribute to their spiritual,
moral, or social welfare, I shall deem it alike a
duty and a privilege so to do. With these remarks
permit me to repeat my thanks. |
