2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Jewish member of the Charleston, S.C. community writes “To editor of the Occident” to correct an injustice in an article they published about that charity drive. Although anonymously written and signed only “AN ISRAELITE” he demonstrates his ire at the community and Occident. Undated, but decidedly circa 1850’s. Boldly penned (often phonetically misspelled) it consists of three large 8 x 12 lengthy pages (each blank on reverse) and commences: “Injustice to our Christian brethren allow me to correct an error which your printer committed in the publication of my last letter. I am made to say that our Christian brethren were solicited to subscribe to the fund raised for the benefit of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the fact being that they were UNSOLICITED, otherwise we here were sanguine that they would willingly and readily respond to the call to an extent [of] $1,500. There are many of us who would hesitate to call for outside pecuniary aid when our means of prosperity made it unnecessary. This city made excellent provisions for the relief of our poor during this trying season. …Unfortunately a [complaint] has been made against the re-election of the retiring president [of the congregation] solely based on his over zeal in enforcing and carrying out the laws of the Institution. This is injustice under the present position of the Society which is virtually a new one…mainly accomplished through his [inaction]…I trust the coming election in Feb. these petty mischievous jealousies, unfortunately too proverbial among our dispersed…will be assuaged and that the old president will be allowed to inaugurate his new [ role ]. …Do not deem these comments beyond the purpose intended, usefulness. Hebrew Sunday School is at present the ruling attraction of the day. Rich and poor vie with each other in seeking admission of their children…number enrolled close to 200. This is the true spirit and intent of Orthodox Judaism…Indeed, I write without prejudice or bias and only the sentiments of many free conformers and thinkers…some present reform congregations outstrip both their views and desires and seek that their children shall know (however little they may be inclined to follow) the religious and moral laws…of our fathers. …The senior boys in the school already form a formidable choir in the Portuguese Synag…I pray that this [newly named] institution will prove but a ‘New Broom’…and brush away the cobwebs which neglect engendered around our sacred faith. …Such agitations as your [Occident] create…The Sewing Society which I mentioned in my first letter celebrated its first anniversary. …Members met to rejoice with a good supper and dance [he describes the charitable work and gifts to the poor of that sewing society]…The Hebrew Young Mens’ Literary Society just presented Dr. A. B. Arnold with a piece of plate [for] his able services…given at a meeting of members and eloquently acknowledging [his work].” Normal aging. Few slightest tatters along the bottom edge of blank margin only.
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