The congregation was faced with a dilemma.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005

Exceptional beautifully penned two page letter in the hand of and signed by Benjamin W. Cohen to Isaac Leeser. From New Orleans Jan. 9, 1846 with large neatly lettered phrase in Hebrew across top margin. He opens: “I trust that the purport of my letter will be sufficient excuse for intruding on your valuable time. …I am the secretary of the Congregation ‘Shanari Chased’. I joined thinking I might be of service to them after the division made by the few Portugese members. A case of peculiar interest is now before the congr. and I wish your opinion and instructions [about]…a gentleman, Alexander Phillips, married according to Christian rites a Christian woman. He has a large family by this Christian wife; his sons have not been made Hebrews; neither has his sons or daughters been Christened or Baptized; I believe they have all been brought up to believe themselves Jews. A daughter of Phillips and the Christian woman has lately been engaged to be married to an Israelite (Mr. Haber) and the parties wish the marriage to be solemnized in this Congregation. I am of the opinion that the girl must go through regular and complete forms requisite to make a [Hebrew word] and such was the unanimous opinion of the Israelites in this place. I am sorry to say that I think money has induced these people to alter their opinion; they have also told me that a person who may say is [Hebrew word] in Baltimore has decided that as the lady is of an Hebrew father and that she has never been baptized, etc., it is not necessary for her to go through the forms to make her a [Hebrew word]…I beg of you to give me the particulars of what has to be done. This is a matter in which all Israel is concerned; for if we do not keep a sharp lookout, we will become so intermixed with strangers that it must cause great confusion in our ranks.” Back sheet acts as cover with address to Leeser and postal surcharge. Exc. +

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