2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
penned title on original, beautifully written (in small, neat, easily read hand) on lengthy 4 page (8 x 13) SERMON believed to be penned in hand of the famous Philadelphia Rabbi SABATO MORAIS (1823-1897) a founder of conservative Judaism in U.S. and at the time leading the historic Mickve Israel Congr. Although unsigned it offers strong evidence it is by Morais (accompanied by copies of another manuscript written and signed by him) and will date circa 1850's-1860's (it was originally from an important Judaic collection assembled many years ago comprised of a wealth of documents written and owned by both Morais and Isaac Leeser). There is no doubting its age and genuineness. Clearly written in English with many words and phrases in Hebrew and numerous corrections, cross outs and marginal notes (also in English and/or Hebrew) throughout. Also some marginal penned notes in an entirely different handwriting (which clearly seem to that of Isaac Leeser) including a lengthy margin note in dual language Hebrew-English which unmistakably takes exception and contradicts a premise assumed in the sermon. The immediate opening remarks commence: "An extract from a lecture by W[most likely referring to Isaac Wise!] proceeding to view the beneficial consequences of the fear of the Lord. I must state that a thorough and pure faith is the next consequence of the fear of the Lord, a faith neither veiled and obscured by the dark fog of superstition and prejudice nor poisoned by heart wounding skepticisms…" (Appended with 3 marginal notes likely in the hand of Leeser.) Aging; some very light, fading damp stains (not obscuring any writing). It was Morais who assumed the pulpit of Congr. Micke Israel in 1851 upon the resignation of Leeser.
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