Letter from Henry S. Jacobs to Isaac Leeser;November 14, 1850
- Title
- Letter from Henry S. Jacobs to Isaac Leeser;November 14, 1850
- Author
- Henry S. Jacobs
- Contributor
- Isaac Leeser
- Date Created
- 14 November 1850
- Format
- Letter. 4 page(s).
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p38p5vw3q/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p38p5vw3q
- Physical Characteristics
- Unlined Paper
- Wax Seal
- Manuscript
- content
-
Kingston, Jamaica 14th November 5610.
Revd. Isaac Leeser,
My dear Sir,
I avail myself of the present favorable opportunity of replying to your welcome communication Dr Glamorgan, and also of acknowledging the receipt of a Parcel containing Four sets of the present volume of the “Occident” to the October No, less one copy of No 4. I have duly delivered them to the Gentlemen, on whom, thro a little delicacy, I have not yet called for the amount of subscription, but I intend doing so next week, and handing over the same to Mr A C Peixotto, your agent in this Island.
Permit me to reiterate the high sense I entertain of your kindness and friendly feeling in furnishing me with the information requested of vacancies in congregations in the United States, requiring Hazanim. On mature reflection, it is quite evident to me, that great (perhaps insurmountable) difficulties must necessarily arise, in the endeavor to obtain a situation in America, unless the applicant be on the spot; to give satisfactory proofs of his capability &c. Notwithstanding the confidence I entertain, that I would stand a very fair chance of gaining the approval of any respectable Hebrew and that the documentary recommendations which I could bring in testimony of competency, position, and character, would be such as any individual would be proud of possessing, still I must freely admit, that it would be nevertheless advisable, if I could present myself to the congregation amongst whom I desire to dwell, and then and there afford them the means of judging for themselves at present I cannot do this. My engagements in Jamaica will not be at an end till the 1st May next. When that period arrives, I will then be in a position to solicit your friendship substantially, as (with God's Blessing) the opportunity may be afforded me of a personal acquaintance with yourself, and other Gentlemen interested in Jewish Affairs.
Thro the kind instruction of Hazan Lopez, I have made astonishing progress in the Portuguese minhag, and I was thereby enabled to officiate during the Holidays in a manner perfectly surprising to myself in having so successfully overcome the accent &c of the German form of Reading. I entreat you not to think me egotistical, or guilty of self adulation;— I speak as I feel, and would, as freely admit, the faulty, just as much as the successful performance of my duties. In testimony of the satisfaction which I have given to the members of the congregation who are under my spiritual guidance, the enclosed letter was forwarded me, which (if you think it may be serviceable to me) I request you will publish in the “Occident.” According to your desire, I also transmit a short sermon, as well as the Inaugural Address I delivered on my assumption of office. Should it be your wish, I will feel much pleasure to contribute now and then to the pages of your excellent periodical.
I will not lose sight of your request, in using my humble endeavors to obtain subscribers to the Occident. Be assured, that in anything that can be of benefit to you, you may freely and readily command my zealous services. If I fail of success, it shall not be thro the want of the will of serving you.
Rabbi Jechiel Cohen quitted this Island last week for St Thomas's. He came here at a very unfortunate period as regards the pecuniary position of the community. He has collected about $350 in Kingston and Spanish Town, of which nearly $150 were coll received from the small congregation of the latter town. He has however been paid marked respect and attention by all classes; and (I believe) has lived here since his arrival without any expense whatsoever. I introduced him to the chief members of the congregation in Spanish Town, and used some effort in forwarding the objects of his mission. Rabbi Nissim ben Shelomo is still here, tho hitherto unsuccessful in his endeavors to collect money. It may be uncharitable to form the opinion, but I do not
think the solution of a messenger like him has been ?, as he is quite unacquainted with the English language, manners, or customs. Some effort is about being made in by behalf.
My father returns you his thanks for your remembrance and desires me to present his kind regards to you. With the renewed assurance of my good wishes,
Believe me
My dear Sir
Yours very truly
Henry S. Jacobs
Reverend Isaac Leeser
No 371 Walnut Street
Philadelphia
p Brig
Fairy - Identifier
- LSDCBx1FF7_27
- Date
- 1850-11-14
Part of Letter from Henry S. Jacobs to Isaac Leeser;November 14, 1850
Henry S. Jacobs, “Letter from Henry S. Jacobs to Isaac Leeser;November 14, 1850”, 1850-11-14, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/66590