Issac Mayer Wise is introducing reform Judaism to his congregation!

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006

Single sheet (large 8 x 12) neatly penned letter from S. BRUEL to Issac Leeser. Although lacking date and city from where sent, it is quite definitely Cincinnati, circa early 1850’s. Neatly penned, he writes: “In a private conversation with J. Abraham who is now [Hebrew word] of the Broadway [Hebrew word for ‘shul’] he assures me that he has heard both the Doctors declare that they are opposed to meet any convention. They admit the Orthodox have the majority but not the wisdom. Dr. Wise is urging his members to build a Temple, that seats are to be made and sold for a family. The gentlemen [will be allowed to attend] with their hair uncovered [no yarmulka’s] and many other improvements. B’d (board ?) will follow the same plan. The Doctor [Wise] is waiting to see the result of Lodge L. When he will carry out his plans. The roof of the Broadway [shul] requires a new roof and other costly improvements which must come from the wealthy; and they are the majority. It is time that some attempt should be made to check their unholy proceedings.” Bruel obviously an agent for Leeser’s Occident also discusses late shipments of that periodical and various subscribers who are either receiving or not receiving their usual issues on time (including himself) “…There are several persons here who have met this same disappointment.” He also inquires about sending in his own articles which he hopes Leeser will publish in the Occident although not mentioning it the subject he does write “I have reason to believe the subject [which he does not specify] will meet with your approval and induce you to afford them a space to print… have two more chapters on the same subject…” Light aging. Exc. +. Some tatters mostly along the extreme top edge of the wide upper margin and slightest trimming to the extreme left margin not affecting any writing

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