2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Although this very beautifully penned letter to Isaac Leeser from “Charleston 21 May, 1843” is incomplete and lacking final page and signature, there is sufficient reportage within it to whet the appetite of any diligent researcher and collector. Consists of pages 1, 2 and 5 and 6 of the letter with the back sheet being the cover with address to Leeser in Philadelphia. The writer, obviously Jewish and specifically mentioning being a member of that congregation, commences: “Knowing the deep interest you manifest in everything appertaining to our people I have selected this opportunity of giving you an outline of the causes which lend to the present excitement in our Congregation. While I deeply deplore the circumstances…I cannot but believe that the final result will be beneficial…showing to the world that if a few zealous and perhaps well-meaning men rashly break down the essentials which support our Holy Religion there are those…who will cling to it more closely the greater the attempts to innovate and reform it. You cannot reform the Jewish Religion. It is an absurdity. There are but two religions taught in the Bible, Judaism and Christianity. If you break down the fences which support the former and which were built up by an Almighty arm you must necessarily enter upon Christian ground. Every unbiased and reflecting mind will acknowledge this a just conclusion. But I shant tire your patience…but will relate the unhappy events which have just transpired. …About 70 Yechidim / voters of our congregation [of which] there are 18 or 20 Ultra Reformers…satisfied with the present service and the balance willing to go back to our old mode of service…fearing further changes…on the first day of Passover Rev. G. Poznanski delivered an English discourse commemorative of the day and at the close spoke of the useless observance of the second day [and more about his actions]…this caused great excitement and dissatisfaction 8 or 9 persons walked out of the synagogue…the matter was talked of incessantly and discontent prevailed to an alarming extent. The Trustees met [and action condemning] the action of Poznanski was made and carried at the board…while in session the letter from Poznanski received regretting the excitement produced…” Pages 3 and 4 lacking…then continuing on page 5 and 6 with further details of actions and secret meetings and refusals to take certain actions because of it…call for a public meeting…petitions that were made to alter the constitution…proposals made by “I. N. Cardoza, the Editor” at the meeting and resolutions that were made to elect new trustees (with names) and argumentation that took place at the meetings pro and con especially, between Tobias and Cardoza. Page 6 ends: “this was argued at great length, some among them determined to trample on the Constitution and return to Anarchy and nullification.” Lightest aging. Exc. Significant insight into the actions that transpired in breaking up congregation Beth Elohim and the ascendancy of Ultra Reform Judaism. Exc. condition.
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