Letter from Benjamin W. Cohen to Isaac Leeser;January 09, 1846

Title: Letter from Benjamin W. Cohen to Isaac Leeser;January 09, 1846
Author: Benjamin W. Cohen
Contributor: Isaac Leeser
Date Created: 9 January 1846
Location(s): New Orleans; Philadelphia
Format: Letter. 3 page(s) on 4 sheet(s).
Type: Letter
Language(s): English
Has Format: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3pk07n5w/manifest.json
Link to Colenda: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3pk07n5w
Physical Characteristics: Unlined Paper; Wax Seal; Manuscript
Is Part Of: The Jesselson Family Collection of Isaac Leeser Material
content: New Orleans Jany 9th 1846
Hebrew
Revd Sir,I trust that the purport of my letter will be a sufficient excuse for thus intruding on your valuable time. You are aware that I am the Secretary of the Congregation “Shanarai Chased”, which congregation I have but lately joined; I did so thinking that I might perhaps be of service to them, after the division made, by the fen-Portuguese Members.
A case of peculiar interest is now before the Congregations and I wish your opinion and instructions on the subject. It is as follows.
A gentleman—a very old and long inhabitant of this City, (Mr Alexander Phillips) married according to Christian rites, a Christian woman; he has a large family by this Christian wife; his sons have not been made Hebrews; neither has his sons or daughters been christened or baptized; and I do believe that they have all been brought up to believe themselves Jews & Jewesses. A daughter of this gentlemen and Christian woman has lately been engaged to be married to an Israelite (Mr Haber) and the parties wish the marriage to be solemnized in this Congregation, I am of the opinion, and have so stated, that the girl must go through the regular and complete forms, requisite to make a Hebrew, and such was the unanimous opinion of most of the Israelites in this place. I am sorry to say that I think money has induced these people to alter their opinion; they have also told me that a

a person whom they say is Hebrew in Baltimore, has decided, that as the lady is of an Hebrew father, and, in consideration that she has never been baptized &c; it is not necessary for her to go through the forms to make her a Hebrew.
Not knowing the gentleman of Baltimore, I respectfully beg of you to give me the particulars (plain) of what has to be done. For this is a matter in which all Israel is concerned; for if we do not keep a sharp look out, we will become so intermixed with strangers, that it must cause great confusion in our ranks
I am Reverend Sir
Yours Respectfully
Benjamin W: Cohen
Revd I: Leeser.

Revd I: Leeser.
Philadelphia
Penna
Identifier: LSTCAT_item84
Date: 1846-01-09

Part of Letter from Benjamin W. Cohen to Isaac Leeser;January 09, 1846

Benjamin W. Cohen, “Letter from Benjamin W. Cohen to Isaac Leeser;January 09, 1846”, 1846-01-09, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/65568