2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
This important, lengthy, neatly penned (in a small hand, but easily read) letter by D. Salomon to Isaac Leeser from Mobile, Jan. 4, 1846 describes the "CONSECRATION FOR SYNAGOGUE IN MOBILE" (he heads that section of his letter with that bold titling): "It affords me peculiar gratification to announce to you the success which has attended our effort in this city in the establishment of a congregation and place of worship. On Friday 27 Kislev, 26'th Dec. we opened for the first time the new building…for our own use. It was originally used by the Episcopalians for whom it passed into the hand of the Unitarians and upon the disorganization of that society [to] the Universalists. That sect having purchased another building the congregation concluded to leave. For simplicity we have fitted it up in a style of simplicity and neatness which will accord it a place amongst the most costly of our synagogues in this country. The design we have had in view was beauty and taste without ostentation or gaudy display of architecture. The work therefore is plain, yet neat and all the appointments being so complete even to the covering of the entire floor…that strikes every beholder with admiration. The opening services were under the direction of Mr. DaSilva, formerly of N.Y. who had been appointed as reader to the congregation…a majority of our members are unacquainted with the Portuguese mode of reading. The ceremonies were very simple and included little more then the ordinary service for the eve of the Sabbath with the addition of a discourse delivered by Col. D. Salomon. [The fellow who actually wrote this letter]…his remarks were received with great satisfaction…general feeling of interest is manifested…by all our co-religionists in the city"…and much more about the new congregation and that he is going to bring Leeser's publication of the new bible before the congregation so that "…we shall be able to do something for you." Writes of other matters both personal and organization wise. Light aging. Few tiny very short tears on extreme edge of the blank margin, not affecting any wording. Exc. Important account and fine American Judaica.
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