2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Rabbi H. Lowenthal writes from Macon, Georgia, August 17, 5620 (1860) to Isaac Leeser "…of the position of my congregation as well as that of myself…the congregation of Israel in Macon have most unbecoming and unsuitable… place of worship I ever met with [describes decrepit state of the building and the long wait of at least an hour even to obtain lighting] then I must read off the prayers without spirit of devotion. …The dietary laws are not observed by the majority, yet send poultry to the [Hebrew word] to be killers ! The school that I opened with so much pride and vigor will soon be closed for want of patronage. I had an examination on Passover, held at the Synagogue and on Sunday and yet most of the parents of those children were absent. …In the Syn. I am [treated] extremely severe. My salary is never paid punctually nor in a becoming manner. Besides this, they lose several members who were the chief payers… others have joined yet declined payment…under these unpleasant circumstances what remains for me to do but seek a removal." Lowenthal offers detailed reasons for wanting to leave, including "…their uncharitable disposition and utter indifference [and] having been twice grossly insulted during divine service" and in his 6'th "…and last but not least [reason]…nothing good can accrue from Macon Israelites owing to their evil practices…unjewish !" Apologizes to Leeser for burdening him with all these complaints and that "....my heart and mind is full of good intentions…" Light aging, but exc. +.
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