2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
JULIUS ECKMAN (1805-1877) rabbi and scholar; led Beth Elohim congr. in Charleston, S.C. (following that in Mobile, Ala. and Richmond, Va. congr’s). TWO LETTERS ENTIRELY IN HIS HAND, EACH TO LEESER, FROM CHARLESTON (LETTER NO. 1) August 13, 5611 [1851] in easily read, tiny penned hand with autograph signature. Short note: “Allow me to tell you that by tomorrow or after tomorrow, Friday, you will receive a confirmation of what you had the goodness to publish of my humble efforts.” Following those words and his signature, the lower half of the letter much lengthier and adds postscript with more about the dates he is going to send written material to Leeser asking if he thinks worthwhile to “kindly spare some room” in the Occident for him and “You will oblige me candidly to let me know if I am not obtrusive in writing so copiously… but very tolerably on the subject, and thus but tolerated. I assure you I shall review your judgment with gratitude.” Exc. (LETTER NO. 2) November 7, 5611 [1851] seems at first to be written in an entirely different hand, consoling Leeser on his disappointment over his loss of the pulpit at Mickveh Israel in Phila. Exceptionally neat (not like his usual writing on letter No. 1); has fine autograph signature: “It was with deep regret that I learnt and learn that Israel is as ungrateful to their true teachers and prophets now as it was in the days of old. Whilst hypocrisy which calls yet [Hebrew phrase] is raised to the pinnacles of wealth and to honor, bordering on [?]. Your friends here, which you well know are numerous [and] regret deeply the loss of your congregation and your disappointment. Worthy Sir ! I beg to send you the following communications which may be worthy of a place in your esteemed Occident.” Following signature he adds six more lines in his former sloppier hand (as on letter no. 1 here): “I allow you or beg you if required to insert them with your editorial remarks... you may alter the phraseology if you think proper, and being written in haste to alter as to the same… as there can be no objection. If there should be any charges I will remit it by Mr. Hart.” It becomes obvious he wrote this 2nd letter in a slow, neat hand to offer commiseration to Leeser and then hurriedly added the postscript material in his usual hand. Condition of both letters exc. Eckman’s assumption of the pulpit in Charleston in 1851 was a disastrous move. An extreme conservative, he became enmeshed in an internecine squabble that eventually split the congregation. His views were disappointing and he frequently indulged in violent denunciation. He lasted but that one year of 1851, moving on to take over the congr. of San Francisco. Both letters
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