Letter from Mrs. L. M. Ritterband to Isaac Leeser;December 13, 1857

Title: Letter from Mrs. L. M. Ritterband to Isaac Leeser;December 13, 1857
Author: Mrs. L. M. Ritterband
Contributor: Isaac Leeser
Date Created: 13 December 1857
Location(s): New York City; Philadelphia
Format: Letter. 4 page(s) on 2 sheet(s).
Type: Letter
Language(s): English
Has Format: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p35x25j1b/manifest.json
Link to Colenda: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p35x25j1b
Physical Characteristics: Unlined Paper; Manuscript
Is Part Of: Arnold and Deanne Kaplan Isaac Leeser Collection
content: New York 26th Kislev 5618
Rev I Leeser.
Dr Sir,
Now, do not throw this down and say what have I to do with the business of another ? or look at the signature and say what a liberty, for her to write me a private letter, for this is strictly private as far as I am concerned, remember not even my Husband having the slightest Idea of such a presumption in me; but my heart is full, and I must tell some one that will and can do something you have in your periodical often recommended the Israelite to give their sons trades, that would raise the dignity of our Nation, and develope the genius of our youth, such as sculpture &c &c now here in our midst is a son of Israel (I have just returned from his little shop) who is a most complete artist in designing and sculpture his work is all that can be wished, as Mr. Theodore Lexas, Mr J Soria? and many others

can tell you he has just finished the stone for Mr Sampson Simpson, which will be erected on Sunday 3d of tebet, it being my Dear Fathers zotesight? we intend setting one for Dear Charity at the same time, this it was that called me to this little Shop now, this man is told by our big men he must not only work better but cheaper than others or he will not be encouraged by his own, is not this grievous to hear in a poor man, wife, and six children to support by his own labor, and he must work cheaper than a rich one, that can employ 300 men, because he is so unfortunate as to be of the seed of Israel—
A professor of the Medical College in Crosby St. for whom he had done some fine carving to match a piece, was so pleased with his work he commenced a conversation with him asking him many things, that led him to say he was a Jew, when the proffessor expressed great surprise, and said I thought your people prefered
KIS 26-5618

traffic, to labor, the art of sculpture I thought required too much labor for a Jew to choose for a living—now those that have employed him amongst us have paid him and remembered him no more, no one of influence knows him, and he will be again obliged to return to journey work as he has been foreman in one shop in Manchester 4 years, having credentials therefrom, and here in Brooklyn in Peter O Haras establishment 12 mo where he drew the design and done the fine work of a Monument that was sent to Virginia for 5.000$ with 'done by Peter O Hara Brooklyn' on it and another standing in Newark for 600, and many others, as he was foreman of 300 men, now I feel I have been wronged, if a Jew does wrong is it not a disgrace to all Jews? if a Jew is honorable in good and great works, does he not add to the dignity of all Israel. now all this man requires is to have his work brought out and made known. Oh! if our Dear Brother Solomon were here, he felt with me, in those things to encourage the talent of Israel was the pride of his heart. God rest. and Amen
KIS 26 5618

this man now lives with his family in poverty, or at least privation, must take his son from school to peddle Brushes (a fine intelligent lad) and why? because he must work for what he terms Bosies? his fine sculpture must decorate Greenwood, he recieving 15$ for what the Bos gets 50, if he only could be made known, and his own people would pay him the same as another stranger, his Hebrew lettering is truly beautiful as you will see, if ever you visit this city, I know you will seek him out, I know you are tired of reading this but if I should write 20 pages I could not say all I feel therefore will conclude only asking you to say shall we give our Boys trades or make traders of our Boys
Yours Respectfully
Mrs. L. M. Ritterband
33 Rutgers Street
do not mention this to Brother David
Last line written upside-down at the bottom of the page.
Identifier: LSKAP0130
Date: 1857-12-13

Part of Letter from Mrs. L. M. Ritterband to Isaac Leeser;December 13, 1857

Mrs. L. M. Ritterband, “Letter from Mrs. L. M. Ritterband to Isaac Leeser;December 13, 1857”, 1857-12-13, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/65674