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Newport, Rhode Island,—The Synagogue at this
place, after having been closed for near fifty
years, all the Israelites having removed from there,
was reopened during the month of August, about
thirty Jews from various quarters having met there
during the bathing <<366>>season. The first week
prayers were read by gentlemen from New York whose
ancestors lie buried there; on two other Sabbaths,
at least, Mr. Ellis Lyons of Boston officiated,
having been sent for that purpose. The Rev. Dr. Raphall preached regularly in his usual impressive
and accepted manner.—We may as well state in this
connexion that the Synagogue, and the street where
it is situated, as also the burying ground, are kept
in elegant order, from the proceeds of a legacy by
the late Abraham Touro, now amounting to about
fifteen thousand dollars, and the liberality of the
well-known Judah Touro of New Orleans. We need not
add more.
Albany.—It is with deep mortification that we
have to announce that on the first day of Rosh
Hashanah the Synagogue Beth-El at Albany, of which
Dr. Wise is Rabbi, was closed by the sheriff of the
county in consequence of an altercation among the
contending parties. It is of no use too into the
particulars of a proceeding where both sides must
have been to blame in carrying their quarrel into
the house of God. Besides, the particulars which
have reached us are too confused to give us a clear
insight into the merits of the case; wherefore we
abstain from forming any judgment, especially as the
matter is to be made the subject of a legal
investigation. We however learn from a friend of Dr.
Wise, that after the Synagogue had been closed a
large crowd of members and strangers repaired to the
Rabbi’s house, where worship was held and a sermon
delivered, if we understand our correspondent
correctly. There appears no probability of a reunion
of the parties; and in truth if they cannot
harmonise they had better be separate.
Charleston. Shearith Israel Congregation.—At
the last election the following officers were
chosen: S. Hart, President ; Isaiah Moses, Abr.
Tobias, Nathan Nathans, and E. Sommers, Trustees,
and S. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer. We have
to thank the members sincerely for the kind
resolutions sent to us as adopted lately; they are
entirely too flattering to appear at present in our
pages; but they may be assured that, situated as we
are, the expression of public confidence in our
public services is the most soothing missive which
could possibly reach us. We shall not forget their
kindness.
New Orleans.—We forgot in our last to
announce the election of officers of the Portuguese
congregation at New Orleans. The board now consists
of G. Kursheedt, President; George Jonas,
Vice-President; A. T. Ezekiel, Treasurer; E.
Sampson, Benjamin Florance, Judah David, and J. E.
Esdra, Trustees.—We deem it also our duty to
acknowledge the receipt of a very pretty snuff-box,
presented to us by <<367>>the Lafayette
Congregation, Shaaray Tefillah, and a handsome gold
pencil by the German Kahal of New Orleans, Shaaray
Chessed of N. O. It is not from any vanity that we
state this in our Magazine, but as a sincere
acknowledgment that we are not indifferent to the
appreciation of our character by various public
bodies. The world is not altogether ungrateful.
Whilst thus making our acknowledgements, we must
also announce that a number of boys belonging to our
late congregation presented us, on the eve of Rosh
Hashanah, with a heavy silver inkstand; and we can
assure them that in using this “Token of Affection,”
we shall esteem it as an earnest that we shall not
always be forgotten by them when they reach men’s
estate.
Chicago, Illinois.—This congregation of
Israelites existing for several years already, as we
have informed our readers, we see have made an
appeal through the columns of the Asmonean for aid
to enable them to erect a suitable place of worship.
We have always advocated the laudable enterprise of
our brothers to provide themselves suitable places
of worship where none exist, or where the space is
not sufficient to accommodate the worshippers. We
trust, therefore, that the appeal of our Chicago
friends may not be in vain, an that before long a
house of God may grace that extensive City of the
Lakes, and that thence much peace and prosperity may
spread over those who resort thither to pray.
St. Thomas.—We regret to learn that since Mr.
Nathans’ departure the religious affairs of the
Israelites of St. Thomas had sadly depreciated; but
it is hoped that a regular minister may soon be
appointed, especially since the attention of the
Danish government has been directed towards the
spiritual destitution of' the congregation. We also
learn that the worldly circumstances of the people
have recovered considerably since the depression
experienced about two years ago; and that hence it
will be easier for them now than then to support a
worthy personage as their spiritual guide. We
therefore hope that conciliation and unison may draw
those interested into council, to appoint one at
their head who can faithfully lead them in the way
they should walk.
Europe.—But little worth recording has
reached us of late from the old world.—Austria seems
determined to carry out in good faith the
equalization of all its citizens; but it will take a
long time to break down ancient prejudices—In
Hungary a portion of the war tax levied on the Jews
lastyear is to be devoted to the establishment of a
high school for training, we think, of ministers, so
that some good may spring from this act.—In Sardinia
the Israelites have been fully
eman-<<368>>cipated.—In Sweden prejudice dies slowly
away, and if anything, is again on the increase.—In
Prussia it is said that several marriages between
Jews and Christians have bee solemnized, in a few of
which the parties retained their own religion each,
whilst in others the wives joined the Synagogue, as
the law against conversions is entirely abolished
under the new order of things.—Russia continues its
oppression, levying a tax on Jewish books, whether
imported from abroad or printed at home. It is also
said that the only printing office is soon to be
closed, and thus the Jewish press will entirely
cease in the dominion of the Czar. —The widow of N.
M. Rothschild died in London on the 5th of
September. She was reported to be a lady of great
benevolence.—It is curious to observe that whilst
light progresses slowly in most parts of Europe, a
new series of miracles is alleged to have been
witnessed in Italy and elsewhere of late. Images of
Mary have, as in ancient days, given signs of
consciousness, so the silly crowd is made to
believe, and of course pilgrimages are made to these
wonderful bits of carving and sculpture, and
presents are poured into the laps of the priests who
preside over these false sanctuaries. The
enlightened Pope too, Pio Nono, who, but a
few months back, was hailed as the greatest
reformer of the age, praises the ecclesiastics for
showing such ardent devotion to an inanimate figure
by encircling its head with a diadem. And this is
Catholicism of the nineteenth century, and Jews are
asked to adopt it with all its absurdities, and
falsehoods, and deceptions! and we are told that we
can learn lessons of wisdom from the spirit of the
age. But this same spirit is a strange chameleon,
infidel in one part, and credulous in the other;
rejecting here all that cannot be comprehended by
the senses, and believing there ridiculous legends
which a schoolboy could hardly credit.—Is it not
better for us to learn Judaism of Jews only, and to
refer to nothing but to the law and the testimony
whenever any doctrine is to be discussed?—As a
parallel to the Popish game of deception, we beg our
readers to refer to the spread of Mormonism, both
here and in England. If ever there was a barefaced
impostor it was Joseph Smith, the founder of this
new religion; if all that is said is not false, the
grossest crimes are, or at least were, practised by
the leaders of the sect, not excepting even the
prophet himself. Then weigh well the fact that so
much enthusiasm, as the deluded and deceived
converts display, is almost unheard of; they settle
in one place, and are cast forth; again they
assemble, and “build a city and a tower” in Nauvoo,
which both are to be famous in story; again
expelled, they divide into various branches, and a
large portion penetrate the trackless, salty desert,
scarcely ever trodden by the foot of
<<369>>civilized man, and though contending with
sickness, and death, and want, they lay the
foundation for a new empire almost in the heart of
the wilderness, naming themselves all the time as
“latter day saints,” the true elect of the Lord. And
their ranks, too, swell by emigrants from Old
England; one hundred thousand souls, if we are told
correctly, have already come hither in search of the
true Zion; and all this growth of a new faith is the
work of scarcely twenty years, and those are not
arrived at man’s estate who witnessed its birth. We
cannot now dilate on this subject; but have our
readers ever reflected on it? It is something
strange, stranger than fiction.—We learn that the
letter delivery, which was lately suspended in
England on Sunday, has, after a very brief space,
been again resumed. The Sunday is not the Sabbath,
let men try what they will.
Died at Sullivan’s Island, on Saturday morning,
August 24th, Mr. Hyam Cohen, in the 62d year
of his age.
“The days of our life are three-score years and ten,
and if, by reason of strength, they be four-score
years, yet is that strength labour and sorrow; for
it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
Although the deceased laboured, for a protracted
season, under the agonies of a direful malady, yet
quick and unexpected was the summons of the angel of
death, that snatched from its long-tenanted abode
the soul of this virtuous man, and plumed it for its
heavenly flight.
Apparently free from earthly care, and insensible to
suffering, he sunk into a sound, sweet repose, which
was the unfortunate harbinger of death. None who
gazed upon the unruffled features of his
countenance, in which were visibly shadowed the
influences of balmy sleep—none who observed the ease
and comfort in which he reclined, ever dreamed of
the inroad that was working its way into the heart
of the domestic circle.
But, alas! it was speedily, yet sorely,
perceived that his was the sleep of
eternity, and that the flower of vitality was to
be crushed in the sigh that gently heaved from his
dying breast. How trying then the affliction, how
unassuageable the sorrow, how immeasurably painful
the occurence, when the “silver chord” is so
suddenly snapped asunder, sensibility itself becomes
instinct, and the unwavering devotion of a
<<370>>wife, lavished and reciprocated in life, to
be now wasted over the silent tomb of him
who lies insensible of her effeminate grief.
But a longing family, fondly-attached kindred,
zealous and sincere friends, all unite in paying
homage to his memory, an desire to weave a garland
over his mortal remains as a slight token of
affectionate regard.
For in life he was no less kind and tender than
social and condescending. In him those charming
qualities of “head and heart” were blended in
one harmonious whole, which, imparting tone and
dignity to his virtuous and manly actions, commanded
the unceasing admiration and undying respect of his
numerous associates. Integrity of purpose was his
fixed aim, the attainment of truth the goal of his
aspirations, and these, triumphantly achieved and
centered in him, shed a lustre over his many
excellent qualities. Benevolence, an upright, comely
deportment, candour, amiability, and an admirable
share of general, well-directed information, were
the attributes of his untarnished character, and
the effectual means of securing and retaining his
popularity. Steadfast in the beautiful, hallowed
faith of the Jewish religion, he energetically
espoused and advocated its principles, and this,
affording him consolation amid the intensity of
advanced sufferings, caused his dying hour to be
unattended with those agonies which too often hurry
their victims from this terrestial abode.
How beautiful the thought that his spirit, as it
strove to attain its destined haven, caught up and
mingled in the sanctity of the Sabbath. A devoted
household band are merged in grief; an affectionate
family deplore his removal, and this is but a faint
tribute to his peaceful ashes at the shrine of
departed worth.
Winnsboro, S. C., Sept. 5, 1850.
To the Jewish Public in America, England, and the
West Indies.
In
taking leave of my office as minister of the
Portuguese congregation of Philadelphia, I can
assure all Israelites that I quit it without a stain
resting on my name, either as man, Jew, or minister,
for, notwithstanding the unmerited persecution
<<371>>which certain parties have exercised towards
me, they have never been able to allege—a single
charge of moral unfitness, or against my entire
capacity to do justice to the various
functions which all along, were either demanded or
expected from me. The day, no doubt, will come when
the people, now misled by those who hate me
without cause, will see in its true light the
acts of these demagogues, and then “remember me,” to
borrow a Bible phrase, “what I have done, and what
has been decreed concerning me,” at a time when it
will be too late to heal the causeless breach which
has been brought about between me and the
congregation, by men who are of no service to
Judaism, or the progress of our religion. But it is
not my intention to utter laments about what is
passed, and therefore beyond recalling, unless an
entire change takes place in the conduct of public
affairs in the Philadelphia Kahal Mikve Israel of
which there appears now not the slightest
probability. Nevertheless I am not tired of serving
the good old cause of Israel and Israel’s faith, and
am still ready to propagate the light and truth, so
far as it is in my power.
It
is, however, that incumbent on me to tell the public
frankly that having but few of the goods of this
world, as the result of my labours continued for
near the quarter of a century, I am compelled to
adopt a pursuit which will insure me, under
Providence, a decent livelihood. Hitherto the
Occident has barely paid the expenses of
publication; hence, if it is to be continued when my
time is to be my capital, I must have more extensive
support. Besides this I should be pleased to
establish a weekly paper as announced in the
Advertiser, so that, if both works succeed, I may be
able to maintain myself respectably in working for
Jews and in behalf of Judaism. I trust that the
friends of religion are sufficiently numerous to
insure the existence of works, the sole tendency of
which is to diffuse religious knowledge among the
people, and to defend, when necessary, the cause of
Israel against assaults, let them come from what
quarter they may. I fear, however, that there is too
much apathy existing among us to forward my views;
nevertheless I deem it my duty to make the
announcement of my readiness to continue at my post
as a <<372>>writer. Therefore I ask all the friends
of legitimate progress to endeavour to canvass their
acquaintances, and to let me know without delay
whether they can succeed in this or not. I am
willing to wait till next March, when the eighth
volume of this magazine expires, when, should I be
spared, I must make up my mind definitely to engage
in something active, since entire idleness neither
suits my disposition, nor the state of my worldly
means.
I
propose issuing:—
-
The Occident, a monthly periodical, at three
dollars per annum. The character of my work is too
well known to require any exposition of its nature
and scope.
- The Jewish Advocate, a weekly paper
containing shorter and lighter articles than the
monthly, together with a variety of interesting
matter not absolutely connected with Judaism, the
intention being to furnish an entertaining family
journal. The price of this also will be three
dollars per annum. It will not be undertaken unless
one thousand subscribers at least are secured. The
Occident and Advocate will be sent to one address at
five dollars, if paid in advance.
- A New Edition Of The Form Of Prayers For
Portuguese Jews, in six volumes, at the reduced
price of two dollars per volume on common, and two
dollars and fifty cents on fine paper. Should
two-hundred and fifty copies be ordered the work
will be undertaken; in which case, also, those
desiring it bound very cheap, will have an
opportunity of obtaining the whole, bound in a plain
but substantial style, at fourteen dollars. But
finer bindings will also be furnished at a
proportionate advance.
- A New Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
Having already accomplished nearly one-third of the
whole, I should bepleased to be enabled to issue a
complete revised version in the form of a family
Bible. The price, unbound, is not to exceed five
dollars. The work will be undertaken if five hundred
subscribers are secured.
Isaac Leeser.
Philadelphia, September 19th, Tishry 13th, 5611. |
