2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
He continues: "Whether the cause was my want of capacity for moral unfitness or simply from the want of proper patronage and support [I am not certain]. That portion of the Jewish public who feel any interest in the matter will judge [me]…of course the greatest part are unfavorable to me; the unfortunate are always at fault. I have never at any time during the two years of my probation had more then 16 pupils; never during the first 6 months more then 7, and those of all ages from child of 7 through a boy of 12." Describes more of his attempts to keep the school going and organized, the pupils and assistant teachers and that they were impracticable. "The incapacity of some, the indolence and obstinacy of others were serious obstacles, but I bore up against all discouragement. Even though my school was supplied with capable teachers in Hebrew, German, Music, Latin, French, Algebra…and English, thus affording at least the ground work of a system of useful and practical education" describing the single pupil that he could "point to with any pride." He regrets that he is in arrears of paying his bills to Leeser and others, mentioning members who are still supporting him in his efforts of becoming "…a commission merchant…in which I flatter myself with hopes of immediate success and expect to encounter many difficulties [which I expect to overcome with patience and courage]…" apologizes for not informing Leeser of other happenings in the Jewish community and with members of his family. Mentions visit to the Jewish cemetery where "…have been struck by the narrow and confined appearance of the burial place of one of the richest and most numerous congregations of this great metropolis…seems like a desecration of the remains of the dead to huddle them together in such a spot surrounded as it is and overlooked by houses that resemble barracks, teeming as they do [with people] that swarm upon the outskirts of a large city. Can you not in your next edition suggest the idea of a general Jewish cemetery located upon Long Island and guarded by State charter perpetually against desecration by any possible change [with more suggestions for that burial ground]…why cannot we as Jews avail ourselves of the general improvements of the age in which we live ? Light aging. Small; few very light ink stains are minor and do not obscure any writing. Exc.
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