2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
GERSHOM KURSHEEDT (1815-1862). Lengthy, large 3 page penned (8x10) letter in his hand with fine signature from New Orleans, April 12, 5609 [1849] to Leeser: “Since my last letter the congregation agreed to have a temporary place of worship opened. Rev. DeSilva officiated on first days of Pesach and will continue. …[Thus] my first proposition was adopted. I note your remark about Gutheim. You are in error in thinking that you had previously answered my inquiries. Like myself you have been forgetful and not sufficiently explicit several times. I have always made full allowances for your inadvertence and knowing what I have recently undergone you ought to do the same for me. …With regard to the Organ, you did the thing just as I wanted it, neither too much or too little. You will please have the [Hebrew word] made to screw into the ceiling of the Ark, between the cornice and the doors…please procure a Shophar and also a Hanuca [sic] lamp. Regarding the number of bells for the Sepharim, please get seven sets…have two made plainer if there is difference in cost…I asked my old friend Mr. Touro if he approved of the advice, to which he answered that I must take the blame or correct everything. As to the convention, I spoke of it to every Jew I met with and the German congregation has already acted as I wanted mine to do, but some of my wiseacres preferred taking two weeks to consider it…I shall insist on sending a delegate and I think when I talk to them [at the] opening of the meeting there will be little further hesitancy. …The Hebrew Benevolent Ass’n at annual meeting elected me President. They require someone to take the lead again…to set things straight, to draft a constitution and by-laws fit for the gov’t of such a society…I know there was great dissatisfaction and fear that the society might be dissolved, I accepted the office which I held for the first two years of its existence. …The duties are severe and take up a great deal of time…I have had two very disagreeable questions to decide and act upon in my congregation…will communicate and ask your opinion on my judgment and acts; be so kind to inform me how L. A. Levy, Jr. who married Isabella Levy of N.Y. is affected by his legal, though illegal marriage. He is a Levite and I presume his marriage is not recognized by us in calling him to ‘Sephar’ in ‘Shule.’ Yet, if we do not go behind the curtain, he has a regular ‘Ketuba.’ His offspring I know we regard as ‘Momsereim.’ He is a very good man but I will act according to the Law, to the letter.” On fourth page (which also acts as cover with address and his postmark) Kursheedt adds two postscripts: “my worthy friend Mr. Touro received your letter and acknowledges the draft [and] desires me to forward his best respects to you…shall see you in June…will write at length on the subject of securing a lecturer for the congregation.” Normal aging. Exc. Kursheedt, in cooperation with Sir Moses Montefiore built the Touro Alms houses in Jerusalem and engaged in other philanthropic work.
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