2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Neatly penned three page letter from Kingston, Feb. 16, 1847 to Lesser from E. Pyke of that Jewish community who writes of the increasing number of subscribers he acquired for the periodical and that the local Rabbi, A. Mendez "…he is now [Hebrew word] of Montego Bay" is already a subscriber. Writes of various matters about sale of Leeser's books and business accounts handled and asks: "…do me a favor. Write me my marriage certificate and also get from Mr. Israel the copy of my [child's] birth as it is a requisite. I need it as it is both the Law of the land and of the synagogue. …I have five apprentices, the last one was found this morning" and talks of acquiring others. "…The English and German Free School will be amalgamated with the Beth [ ? ] on Sunday next to be called the Hebrew National School" and more about such matters. The last page has lengthy listing of names of various new Jewish subscribers acquired throughout the island, separated by location from Kingston, Spanish Town, Black River, Buff Bay, Falmouth, Montego Bay and other smaller communities. Back page acts as cover with address and postmarks. Normal aging. Exc. Interesting to note that Jews on Jamaica were emancipated in 1831 and by 1849 a sixth of the members of the entire colonial assembly were Jews including the speaker of the House.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.