2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
An engrossing, beautifully penned lengthy 3 page letter from New York Sept. 23, 1849 from businessman A. Kohn to Isaac Leeser, editor of the Occident. Having a beautiful command of the English language and obviously having great knowledge and pride in his Judaism, he severely criticizes his fellow Jews especially: "…The younger generation from 18-30 mostly think themselves philosophers, everyone thinks himself a great man, what do we care about religion; be a gentlemen, make money, and mockery at those who hold fast to our holy law; most of them ashamed to own themselves Jews…here you have a picture of the fathers of our next generation to come. Our rich men, our men of capital. What are they doing for the cause of Religion ? They give a $100 or so to build a new synagogue another $100 towards benevolent purposes and here is the end of it. What will Judaism be in 50 years in this great republic…if the indifference of our rich men towards our holy law and the unintelligence of the masses of the Jews is not aroused ? Have we no other duty to perform towards our almighty Father but to pray in the synagogue, pay a few dollars for maintaining the congregation and charitable society and then leave the whole system to itself. …Is the reform of our service in the synagogue all we can do to transmit our holy law to generations to come ? Is it not necessary to impress each and everyone that the great gift of our heavenly Father should be strictly kept ? Shall we not have a Union of all congregations of the U.S. to contribute all for the erection of a Jewish university and seat of learning to educate ministers, teachers and readers ? Should we not have a Jewish hospital in the city of New York ? …Could we not have Sabbath school societies in every congregation in the land as well as the Methodists ?"…and more similar suggestions. A few words in Hebrew are interposed throughout. He signs letter and gives his businesses addresses in both Chicago and New York. Back sheet acts as cover with address to Leeser and postmarks. Normal light aging. There is some overall light fading only, but all writing is clear and easily readable.
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