2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
A remarkable, lengthy 4 page (each blank on reverse) letter, very beautifully penned from New York 1858 to the editor of the Occident. Signed only with the bold initials "S.J." Large, fancy penned title on top margin first page "THE HAZAN" (leader of the congregation in prayer, etc.). The writer, obviously well versed in the use of the American idiom and with great command of the English language, protests in no uncertain terms an article on Judaism in prior issue of the Occident…going on at great length to point out the errors of the author's ways, including the fact that he ought to have his spectacles checked and rechecked ! "…As he is, by attempting to palm off such a statement…best known to himself, but it would very much puzzle any honest and straight- forward man to account why one rejoicing in such high sounding titles as he claimed for himself…should make such statements, when either silence or truth would have answered as well !" …continuing to belittle that same author. Some Hebrew words interposed throughout. He ends his diatribe, not letting Leeser off-the-hook either: "…but that the Editor should allow such statements to appear in his journal, when the slightest glance over them would at once have exhibited their falsity is truly a matter of astonishment…it matters but little how pleasant a theory may appear, once known that falsehood and not veracity is the means used, the whole however comely to the eye must fall and thus anyone under the garb of religion using falsehood and deceit renders himself an inglorious spectacle…" Light aging. Exc. Fascinating reading.
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