Letter from Evelyn Bomeisler and the Jewish Foster Home Society to Isaac Leeser · Isaac Leeser Digital Repository · Legacy Projects from Judaica DH at Penn Libraries

Title

Letter from Evelyn Bomeisler and the Jewish Foster Home Society to Isaac Leeser

Author

Evelyn Bomeisler | Jewish Foster Home Society

Contributor

Isaac Leeser

Location(s)

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/p3s756q48/manifest.json

Link to Colenda

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3s756q48

Physical Characteristics

Lined Paper

Manuscript

Is Part Of

Arnold and Deanne Kaplan Isaac Leeser Collection

http://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124370244

content

?
The Eighth Anniversary Meeting of the Jewish Foster
Home Society of Philadelphia.
Report
Another circle of months is perfected since our last anniversary, and trusting to enlist your earnest interest and reawaken your sympathies we present to the friends and members of “The Jewish Foster Home Sy”, the Eighth Annual record of its progress, condition and requirements. To relieve distress, to rescue innocence from temptation, to inculcate upon the minds of those committed to our charge a knowledge of our holy faith, and in so doing foster in their hearts a love and veneration for its sacred teachings & obligations and prepare them for all moral and social responsibilities that may await them, are the objects and aim of the Institution,—considerations that appeal equally to our pride and principles, and constitute the superstructure that can be perfected only by the combined efforts and influence of our people in giving aid, strength and substantial permanency to its foundation— as unity is the watch-word of our nation, so should unanimity be the main spring of our associated charities. A noble bridge spanning one of the beautiful rivers of our own state becomes more secure more stable in proportion to the pressure brought to bear upon it—beautiful would be our record if in our emergencies our friends would willingly so

exert their energies and capabilities that we might feel the assurance of a firmer more enduring establishment. The increased rates of provisions &c tell seriously & ominously upon our means—the detailed account of the Treasurer will give the financial state of the Society—we have been obliged to dispose of ? stock, which was effected
Our receipts inclusive of donations and subscriptions & a balance of last year of 361.19 amount to $2260.642499.45, the expenditures of the Society to #2460.64 balance 245.29 Owing to the unfortunate state of our Country, the subscription from our Southern friends is very limited— To our Triennial Subscribers we return our cordial thanks—, their obligations expire with this year,— it has been suggested that in view of our present need, many would be induced to continue their subscriptions for a renewed limited period—we respectfully present the matter for your consideration.
Since our last meeting children have been admitted into the Home—three have been removed their parents being enabled to maintain them, —one has been indentured to a trade—Another has been called from our band under sad circumstances—from the midst of the youthful family of the 'Home', a bright little boy of nine years of age was summoned to his Heavenly home—he died suddenly from internal injuries received from a fall, while on his way to school, and notwithstanding the most careful attendance of the physician and

the motherly kindness of the matron, his case proved beyond the reach of all human skill—His The funeral arrangements were conducted by his relatives and members of the Board Home,—the Rev. S. Morais addressed the children impressively on the occasion, when with the usual last rites, his remains were interred in the Federal St cemetery,—the lot was presented by the Congregation Mickve Israel. Since our organization five boys have attained their religious majority, which in each case has been solemnized in synagogue and joyfully celebrated at the Home—it has been the privilege of the young Bar-mitzvah to invite all his seniors who may have left the Institution to enter upon life's duties, to celebrate the day with him at the Home—the affectionate intimacy existing between those whose paths are now cast in separate places, which these re-unions tend to strengthen, will we hope be life-long and useful in its consequences.* All accounts of the boys who have been indentured are entirely satisfactory—the eldest now in his 18th year, appropriates a regular monthly allowance to his mother—his term of apprenticeship expired some time since, but he still remains with his employer from whom he receives the kindest paternal care. Two boys yet remain in the Institution who are of a suitable age to be placed to a trade, as soon as an eligible situation can be secured for them. We are happy here to express our warm

appreciation of the ability and fidelity of the matron she exerts a most happyfying influence upon the children so intimately dependent upon her.
We regret having been obliged to dispense with the useful services of Mrs. M. Dormitzer as a manager of the Society—, the Board cordially unite in an expression of kind wishes for her perfect restoration to health.
A legacy of $50 has been bequested to the Society from the benevolence of Mrs. B. Spanier, deceased. Twenty dollars were realized by the disposal of a tasteful ornamental sofa-cushion, presented by Mrs. J. L. Filerance.
To Dr. A.C. Bournonville we would express our reserved obligations—he is unwearying in his attention, and unremitting in his kindness. From the German Ladies Sewing Society we received a handsome donation of clothing—we are extremely indebted for their contributions during this and the preceding year. We would also make acknowledgments to Dr. D. Roberts, Dental Surgeon, to the Hebrew Education Sy, and to all friends from whom we have received gifts or services. To Mr Alfred A. Allen, Conveyances, we are indebted for gratuitous services and disinterested exertions? in behalf of the Home.
We earnestly ask the protection of the Most High trusting that that His kind Providence may shield & bless us now & evermore.
—Evelyn Bomeisler
Sec.
* For instruction & preparation of two of the boys for the reading of their Bar Mitzvah portions, we are deeply indebted to Miss S. C. Peixotta, who kindly and opportunely volunteered her efficient services.

Identifier

LSKAP0156