Dismayed and appalled with the state of affairs of his religion in America.

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

Neatly penned in a small, but easily readable hand, lengthy 8 page (8 x 10) letter by Canadian Jew George Barnard from Sherbrooke, Canada East, 12 Feb., 5609 [1849] (tiny village east of Montreal and just north of Vermont border) to Leeser. Thanks him for sending Occident: “its contents show the lamentable state of disunion upon matters [about] religion amongst Israelites in America and sufficiently exhibit the impracticability of your inserting my [letter]. …In the absence of explanation I can only infer your views from the course of proceedings. Had the Occident contained an indication [for me] to proceed addressing your readers this letter would have enclosed my subscription…but since seeking your assistance is, or ought to be solely [for] spiritual mandates…I must learn in some way if possible to what extent your goodwill towards my business may be counted upon. [Writes that only if Leeser inserts his letters in the journal will he then be able to learn his views and Leeser’s opinion of him. He evidently was wronged by some religious ritual or law and is asking for a ‘formal application to a Beth Din [a tribunal in N.Y.’] as I reported it to you leads me to expect little from any body of men who may be actuated by a dread of compromising their character for wisdom. [Describes who hereported his problem to and was hoping to have it investigated]…I must not fail if the venerable in Israel come together…for the selection of a suitable committee [to fairly consider the matter]…you would do me a great kindness if you would be instrumental in relieving the anxieties of a mind that seeks to ascertain its duties…[please] forward by every means…my honest aim to bring the teachings of this extraordinary state of mind fully before the Jewish public…[even] my wife and children are suffering for want of attention which is their due and which I cannot give them [because] of the distraction…I must either become an active, humble servant of Israel or, obtain some satisfaction that will authorize the withdrawal of my attention from the subject [am desperate to learn the judgment of others] on these uncommon views…[I would even be able] to reverse my views while those who censure are inconsiderate in their examination [and much more in that same articulate, yet complex outline of his situation]…I appeal to you for your knowledge as a spiritual teacher and your heart as my brother man in regard to my private position as a religious individual. …I am an Israelite in faith, if I know what it is to be an Israelite…mainly to live under a perfect sense of accountability to God [and more in that vein]…Shall I take my family to a Christian church to hear that belief in absurdity is the vital condition of happiness…shall we cultivate ignorance and avoid any established form of worship…or shall I crave admission from a Jewish congregation to join in prayer for the advent of a Messiah…shall I enter such a congregation on condition of allegiance to all the existing laws and customs when I do not intend to obey them…you once wrote me the story of Shaman and Hillel and one who had become a Jew with the condition of being made High Priest. The case is no parallel to mine. I desire no distinction…nor power. I have lived 40 years without at any time being led by political ambition or religious zeal. True heroes are those who, keeping within their means, devoutly apply themselves to the common duties of life [and more personal philosophy in that same manner and style]…I must hasten to bring matters to a crisis…will you not help me ?...Let it be decided whether I may lawfully undertake to act in this good cause in conjunction with the chosen servants of the most high. If you say that I am not a Jew, let me ask, was Abraham other than I am ? …Let the Jew stand a free man in his own country in the brawling nations will let fall their weapons in astonishment and acknowledge in their hearts the truth of revelation and turn from the errors of their ways.” (He waxes prosaic about gentiles associating with Jews…and even digressing about opposing cultures of the ‘refined white and the barbarous Negro or Indian,’ making curious comparisons…following that with some observations on the intermixture of the sexes and intermarriage !).” It clearly seems the fellow was wronged, misunderstood and this unbelievably lengthy and somewhat convoluted reply to Leeser attempts to justify whatever deed or misdeed that was perpetrated. Quite likely a study of the Occident for those proceeding and following months will bring the situation to light. Does make intriguing reading. Just normal aging; exc.

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