Letter from Jacob Friedman to

Location(s): Philadelphia
Format: Letter. 3 page(s) on 3 sheet(s).
Type: Letter
Language(s): English
Physical Characteristics: Unlined Paper; Manuscript
Is Part Of: Arnold and Deanne Kaplan Isaac Leeser Collection; http://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124370244
content: Hebrew very good (Jacob Friedman) Undated
God's blessing upon the exalted man, whose name is of praise and glory etc.
Writing is burdensome, as heavy as a load of stone, for worry about one's livelihood destroys a man's intellect. I cannot, therefore, write in polished style, and have decided to act more quickly and pen my letter rapidly, so that he who runs may read.
Sir, from the moment God gave me understanding and put me on my feet to do business and gain a livelihood for my family, I left no door unopened in order to fulfill the command, "Of the labor of thy hands if thou eat.....", as every man should. But God led me to make up my mind to come to America, last New Moon of Ab. But I lost everything, for my money was spent on travel expense, since I came here ten souls in all; my wife and eight children (long life to them). With the little that was left me, and I also sold

some silver articles and clothes, and went with a bit of goods in my back, owing the gentiles. But a man who does not want to violate Sabbaths and holidays, nor to eat forbidden foods, and, in addition to that, I am hampered in speech, cannot earn a livelihood for his family, es-pecially since one bread must be divided into eight parts.
Hence I am compelled to take off the mask of shame. Compulsion does not degrade. Now I have nothing where-with to buy goods, nor to support my family, and the rent is too much for me. And I know that many of the people of the town, whoever has some secret desire, came to you and reveal their secrets to you, and you are the public representative. Many of the town's poor run to you and stretch forth their hands to seek aid, and you are God's representative. Therefore I too come with my request and petition. Maybe, maybe you can be of help to me

and spread your hands over your my humble servant, for you are a redeemer. Give me some good advice accompanied by action, that may be able to support my family. To be sure my intention was to learn the cigar-making, but with on what can my family live while I am learning, for a minimum of expense is for me a great deal. Indeed, the Hazar Mr. Frankel pro-mised to do something for me, but he has long been silent.
I hope you will not refuse me. Then God will send a blessing upon your house and repay you double, and add to your years in good health. Amen
Hear my voice, for it is the voice of Jacob crying bitterly
Jacob Friedman
A thousand thanks. For I have heard that you printed my name to advertise that I am a "Mohel."

“Letter from Jacob Friedman to”, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 20, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/65408