2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
The three Jewish congregations of Cincinnati talk about joining together ! Superbly informative, lengthy 2½ page letter (large 8 x 12) from that city January 8, 1849 to Isaac Leeser. Very neatly penned in a small, very readable hand by H. A. Lindo about "…steps taken here for bringing the proposed union under…the three congregations of this city. The trustees deemed it advisable to have separate meetings. At meeting held by congregation of the New Synagogue was decided to send a delegate…to the meeting suggested by Dr. Wise and yourself…. I submitted certain resolutions…to recognize not the utility alone but, under exciting circumstances, the absolute necessity for such a Union. …Resolutions referred to a committee of seven, myself being one…we met…and though I did not see any necessity for it, as I considered we were competent ourselves to judge whether to recommend sending a delegate or not, I was over-ruled and committee decided to ascertain Dr. Rice's his sentiments…[that] delayed presenting the report to the congregation…the eventual result I will not venture to predict. …[Further] discussions confirmed that the object of meeting proposed by Dr. Wise and yourself was imperfectly understood. I [tried] but with little success to explain it was merely to assemble together laymen and ministers to consider the actual state of the Jewish community in this country and to suggest measures for remedying what might be unsatisfactory…and to promote the spiritual and temporal well-being of the whole body. Some express fears that the union once formed [and that] the guidance of faithless shepherds would work much mischief. You [know how] innovations are held by many. Dr. Wise's [warning] '…if we do not stimulate all the congregations to establish good schools and institute a reform in their synagogues our modern Jewish principals…[etc.]' was much discussed. I…wish [Dr. Wise] had not put it forth [so strongly] but am persuaded he meant nothing should be attempted contrary to Laws and Customs that the word 'REFORM' has acquired another portentous meaning…In short, so many and conflicting were the sentiments and opinions at the meeting of the congregation and the committee, as decided me on acceding to Alexander Kursheedt's and other friends' wish…[to advise openly] through your OCCIDENT [and further ideas on the subject and I'm sending you information] on the Union of Congregations of Israelites in the United States…" and more, advising Leeser that he undoubtedly will receive many other communications about same and suggestions for informing readers of his periodical. Back page acts as postal cover. Exc. +. Superb insight into the beginnings of the reform movement.
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