2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Although the basic facts often mentioned in histories of that congregation and ministers involved, it is doubtful that the many details behind-the-scenes are known. This rare, lengthy 6 page neatly penned document (large 8x12) details the blow-by-blow, machinations that ensued to cause their long-time Rabbi Gustavus Poznaski to hand in his resignation, in 1850 and be replaced by Rabbi Julius Eckman who lasted but one year and was requested to resign by the board in 1851. The document is written by a member of the committee of congregation Beth Elohim and sent to Isaac Leeser to present the viewpoint of the breakaway group seeking Eckman’s withdrawal. Opens with heading: “THE CONGREGATION BETH ELOHIM OF CHARLESTON…the attention of the Jewish public being directed to the movement of this Congregation, We beg leave to lay before them a statistical and comprehensive sketch of the part and passing events which have agitated and are now agitating this body.” Interesting to note that there are small sections of minor passages that are crossed out or overwritten (in same hand that penned the document) and in a few instances were altered by Leeser himself by substituting other words or phrases. At top of page 1 in Leeser’s noticeable and identifiable small hand he has written directions for the style of typeface he wishes the report to be set for his “Occident !” The opening paragraphs clearly indicate the general nature of the reasons for dissension, their complaints against both rabbis and the actions taken: “At the period when the Rev. G. Posnanski was elected Hazan of the [congr.] it was one of the most Orthodox, religious and charitable in the U.S. [After a trial period] the congr. in consideration of his ardent zeal in the cause of our holy religion, his piety and conformation to all the laws both Mosaic and Rabbinical, elected him for life. As soon as this event took place a course diametrically opposite was immediately pursued by Mr. Posnanski, which was the cause of the disastrous outbreak in 1841, when 40 of the most conscientious and strictly Conservative members were compelled to withdraw, among whom were the founders of the congregation, and to leave in the power of its rulers not only that sacred Edifice which was identified with many Holy associations but were denied any participation in the management of the [congregation] fund…[Posnanski] by his arbitrary and anti-Jewish conduct caused another dissention in Israel, depriving the aged supporters of the congr…of a place of worship and also the privileges of Sepulture…” Report goes on to detail chapter and verse how the congr. broke up with only 40 members remaining of Charleston’s major Jewish group which then “…divided into two parties, whom we shall call, for the sake of distinction, Radical and Conservative. Their present minister Julius Eckman was elected 11 months ago, Mr. Posnanski having resigned [describing background for Eckman’s learning] he was elected contrary to his expectations…being entirely opposed to the principles [of his predecessor].” Report outlines background of “the two opposite extremes” of the congregation and how they originated, Eckman being diametrically the opposite in belief than Posnanski. “…Eckman kept silent until Yom Kippur when Mr. P. was called to take part in the sacred functions of that day…which Eckman, as an honest man, could not consent to and privately demonstrated with Mr. P. On the great crime of profanation. Mr. P. replied that not only did he not believe the Yom Kippur prayers, but he detested them [ !! ] whereupon Eckman denounced him not only as an infidel, but inimically disposed to the very institution of Judaism and refused to take any part in the service of that day. Personal friends of Mr. P. immediately arrayed themselves in open hostilities against Dr. Eckman [those later words in Leeser’s hand] and have waged them until presently.” …The foregoing is but a sampling of the style and tenor of this insightful, intriguing account of that drama and at times ugly episode in the history of that important congregation. All of it, of course, makes fascinating reading and for the student or historian it contains the real meat for deeper investigation and exploitation. An occasional word in large Hebrew letters is interposed. The concluding paragraph reports: “the Posnanski party finding themselves reduced in the last 10 years from over 100 voting members to only 18, and destruction approaching from exposure of their leader by Dr. Eckman, determined by a last resort, they being in the majority of the Board of Trustees to transmit a petition…with the request that Dr. Eckman should resign. This petition signed by 18 members was accordingly sent in and a resolution passed by a vote of 4 to 3 that Dr. Eckman should comply with the wishes of the petition…” Although the document is unsigned and obviously written by a member of the dissenting faction, it states in its final words that the documents for the new congregation were “signed by 15 members.” Normal aging; exc. and better. Very rare inside look at the intrigue and influences shaping the diversification that ultimately defined the various branches of American Judaism.
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