2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Quite a heated (and lengthy 3 page) letter in which Wise takes Leeser to task for an article that appeared "…in the April number of the Occident I found an article by one who adopts [Hebrew word] for his name but it is indeed the first time that I see 'Truth' contradicting itself, a fictitious truth is the meanest of all the phantoms of the modern time. Permit me, sir to state some words against that article. The highly learned 'Truth' expounds [he then quotes from that article]. I suppose in my humble opinion it is the very problem of a Jewish journal to represent the present history of our people as much as accessible, all other articles are a mere edition to attire the pamphlet, or a history of Hebrew literature of the day…the ruling spirit of the age. Truth will find the motto of the Occident corresponding with my views about journalism if he merely considers that old Latin proverb [quotes Latin]." Rev. Wise then goes into a lengthy dissertation, if not diatribe on the subject and his displeasure with the article, interspersing many Hebrew words. Neatly penned entirely in Wise's hand. He writes at great length his reasons for disputing the article containing quotations from biblical sources, to castigating the writer at considerable length: "his views are clearly those of a Chasid, or with English words of a Jewish Methodist as they have been masterly described by Dr. Lilienthal; ignorance, arrogance and hypocracy mixed up with a good portion of superstition and prejudice are all the attributes of the majority of the so-called Chasidim in Poland and Russia…" He even brings in the government: "we shall petition the Congress at Washington to call Truth to the censorship for the American Jewish press." One can almost see the spittle ejecting from his mouth were he to be uttering these words rather then writing them ! He continues: "a Jewish journal publishing [such] articles against Judaism based all together upon one error, the Editor published them to awaken the sleeping scholars of the Western hemisphere and…Oh pity !" (and more…and more). He ends "You may please insert this in the next number of the Occident, but if you cannot, you may please send it back to me for I am sure that during a space of two months other people will address that so-called 'Truth.' I should have signed my name 'Justice' but I am truly your friend…" Many Hebrew words throughout. Wise signs it only with his very familiar, fancy scrolled, large initial "W." A light and fading large water stain on the first sheet (both sides), but not obscuring any writing and all is easily read. Page 2 has some tatters along the margins and a very light, minor, small water stain. Some slight trimming to the blank margins only, not omitting any wording. Reverse of the letter is cover with the address and postmark. Fascinating, important piece of American Judaica. Although undated it is likely circa 1850's, may possibly even have been from Albany, New York prior to Wise's move to Cincinnati.
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