2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
Entirely in Leeser's hand (signed in full twice!), exceptionally long, seven page letter Nov. 4, 5596 (1836) from Philadelphia addressed at top of page 1: "To the Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Hirschel…Grand Rabbi of the Polish and German Jews in London." Leeser opens: "The eminent station which you occupy has made your name familiarly known among us, and the fame which attached to you as an able expounder of the holy law with which we are blessed naturally makes you conspicuous to us, even who are separated from your residence by the distance which the great sea interposes. In this country there is no one who is authorized to give an opinion in contested or uncertain points of law and we are therefore compelled upon any emergency which arises to decide for ourselves as best we can, or to ask an opinion of one another, and as our books for reference are but few and our knowledge [is not] as extensive as it should be. …I resolved to place before you several questions for your decision and beg you most earnestly to favor me with your reply at earliest…that we may have a certain and authentic opinion to go upon in the case hereafter to be enumerated." Leeser describes himself as having been a native of Germany and immigrating to this country in 5584 (1824) when he was but 17 years old, adding short bio sketch of himself with Hebrew words interposed. Mentions his earlier engagement in business before taking up rabbinic career and writes that it is just 5 years since he served the Portuguese congregation in Philadelphia: "…I can hardly say that I was sufficiently qualified, but owing to their being but few in this country capable at all for this station…the people here called me away from Richmond…" and relating further his lack of qualifications and: "…During the whole time of my being in office constant occurrences have taken place which demanded decisions more complicated…then my information was able to afford. But…in city of N.Y. a man of sterling information in connection to my family, Israel B. Kursheedt, also known to you by reputation, occasionally helped me. But, as he is not authorized in the regular way to give decisions…and his opinions are liable to objection. I now ask you to assist your brethren in America with your advice and counsel…in all likelihood I am a perfect stranger and doubt whether even my name has ever reached your ears before…allow me to lay a case before you which is recently occurred here and which has caused considerable excitement…" Leeser then explains at length the peculiar circumstances concerning Reuben Etting of Baltimore that began 35 years earlier; had fathered three sons, all of whom were left UNCIRCUMCISED…the youngest, later on his own volition having himself circumcised…the other two remaining "as is." It seems one of those boys married the daughter of a highly respected important Jewish merchant who had no idea of the "original" condition of the man his daughter married, creating quite a dilemma. Details are recounted at length with many Hebrew words interspersed. Seems one of the fathers went on a long voyage to China and the son died while he was away; the quandary: whether burial would be allowed in a Jewish cemetery. Leeser outlines the problem at great depth and: "…Understand me well, venerable Rabbi, that on no account would I have presumed to give an opinion if there were anybody else here to whom I could have applied for advice…and therefore I was compelled to act as I have done, although by so doing I have offended those that said the child ought not to have been buried at all…" and much more. Leeser then enumerates seven specific questions he wishes answered, revealing the great complication impending: "In case you answer this, be kind enough also to quote the authorities if there are any, to which we may refer for future decisions that we may not be compelled to encroach again upon your valuable time. I forgot to mention that Reuben Etting has, besides the four sons already mentioned, a fifth whom he gave regular [Hebrew word] and so it would appear that he may have been prevented in the other instances by a fear, however idle, of an accident, which he believed to have occurred in his eldest son. The whole family was much distressed at my absence from the burial." OVERSTAYING HIS LEAVE, LEESER TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE LIBERTY HE HAS ALREADY TAKEN, BY IMPOSING ON THE GOOD NATURE OF THE BRITISH RABBI AND CONTINUES FOR THREE MORE LENGTHY PAGES! He persists: "AND having ventured this far, permit me to ask you a few other questions" …which he does prodigiously, interspersing Hebrew words among the enumerated questions concerning mixed marriages and their offspring; also concerns how mixed marriages should be handled and their descendants from generation to generation, offering variations and examples of potential consequences and asking "…for your candid decision and sincere reflection" on such situations that appear to be peculiar to American Jews. Exhausting that subject he writes: "…at present I cannot think of more cases concerning this point, but be kind enough to write out, if you can do it without too much trouble, all the laws relating to this important consideration…I hope you will undertake to satisfy us in this country…I ASSURE YOU THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST A THIRD OF ALL THE AMERICAN FAMILIES INTERESTED IN IT. I refer especially to those here in Philadelphia. There are also a number in New York and elsewhere similarly situated." He even seeks counsel on the matter of those families in which the daughters wish to be married in the morning instead of the afternoon and problems created… as well as matters involving the quality of water and the actual manufacture of the basins used for the ritual bath ! PREVAILING FURTHER UPON THE ASSUMED PATIENCE AND GOOD NATURE OF THE GRAND RABBI, Leeser in his concluding page opens: "I should like to ask your opinion upon many other points from time to time if you would permit me to address you occasionally, which I trust you will grant me. I assure you that you shall never need blame yourself for the favour granted. If you can conveniently do it, please make your reply in English that it may be extensively circulated. Answer this if you can by the earliest packet, since not I alone, but many other persons are anxious for your opinion"…then launching into a series of other questions about opinions on various new books on the Portuguese Hebrew service and books about same recently published; Leeser's desires to have undertaken of such service and: "…Having been thus myself prevented…from accomplishing my design, am glad to see it undertaken by one who is fully capable to do it justice" with comments on the new prayer work and asking the rabbi to compliment the author. Leeser ends letter with apology "…I am afraid I have detained you too long particularly by matters not relevant to my inquiries. If so I beg you to excuse me…" Signs with fine, bold autograph signature as well. The back blank sheet he merely mentions "my address is" and again signs his name and his Philadelphia address. Undoubtedly one of the most important…if not the singly most important and certainly lengthiest letter ever to surface written by this foremost American rabbi and editor and ardent opponent of Reform. Just some normal light aging, but exc. All easily readable. A remarkable piece of American Judaica…and a most important insight into Judaic practices in America as well as Leeser's method of approaching many thorny subjects and decisions…
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