2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
One and a half page (single sheet) penned letter to Isaac Leeser from RABBI H. A. HENRY (1800-1879) from San Francisco May 8, 1863. It was actually "page 5" of a lengthier letter by Henry (other 4 pages likely discarded by Leeser).THE UPPER HALF OF THIS PAGE is the concluding paragraph of that discarded letter and includes Henry's bold autograph signature. THE LOWER HALF OF PAGE 5 starts a complete second letter to Leeser with the reverse (page 6) of that sheet with completion of that second letter PLUS ANOTHER FULL SIGNATURE BY HENRY and his notation that it is sent to Leeser in Philadelphia on May 8, 1863. Henry writes of his low opinion of "THE GLEANER," the pioneer Jewish weekly of Rabbi Julius Eckmann of Congr. Emanu'el, San Francisco (first published 1856-1862 and merged with the 'Hebrew Observer' 1864): "Respecting THE GLEANER, …you are quite right in all respects. The people here supported it out of charity. He is nothing else but a respectable beggar. He is always complaining he has nothing to eat. I wish you would wrap his knuckles, it would do him good. I will give you my views as before. He did not relish the article exposing his wrongs. He complained bitterly about it. He takes money from our Benevolent Society for teaching the poor religion as he says, he cannot afford to do it for nothing, and now rides on horseback everyday through San Francisco. Keeping a horse costs money in California. This is the way people take charity. That man never enters a synagogue throughout the year [and continues to castigate Eckmann interspersing with a few Hebrew words]." Also discusses lack of success selling the "Occident" for Leeser as: "…times are hard now and people are not willing to subscribe. The 'Messenger' [the anti-reform N.Y. Jewish Weekly] cannot find sales here [nor can] the 'Jewish Record' it is not read and the 'Israelite' [Isaac Wise's periodical] is a non-entity here. I do really hope you will succeed with your Occident. It is the only readable Jewish publication in the Union, but the people are not readers…still, I will try. I would suggest, if you think it fit, to publish my name here as your agent. …I want no pay, if I can do anything out of friendship I will, with pleasure." Ends with Hebrew words and fine signature. At the time he wrote this, Henry was rabbi of Congr. Shearith Israel in San Francisco. Accompanied with a number of photostats of bio sketches of Henry and Eckmann and info about the "Gleaner." A unique behind-the-scenes look at a somewhat impious rivalry. Exc.+ condition.
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