Letter from Isaac Mayer to Isaac Leeser;November 24, 1853
- Title
- Letter from Isaac Mayer to Isaac Leeser;November 24, 1853
- Author
- Isaac Mayer
- Contributor
- Isaac Leeser
- Format
- Letter. 3 page(s) on 3 sheet(s).
- Legal
- Type
- Letter
- Physical Characteristics
- Manuscript
- content
-
I
1
Rev. Sir!
I was much gratified in reading the Oct. of last month, to see your able remarks, in refference to the late trial of the Rev. Rosenfeld this is as it should be, I mean, that the accusers have had an equal share of justice done them at your hands; several learned persons were invited as visitors to attend the investi,gation of that case. None went, because they knew, that such question can only be examined by a qualified and legal tribunal.
This affair induces me to crave your able assistance in a Rabinical—and a Religious—Question, which has been referd to me for a decision; There was a grand Procession here in Cincinnati among the fraternity of the Free Masons in honor to —”—. several Hebrew in this procession which took an active part. Among this Number, was the Rev Mr R. & Mr I. a Hebrew the head of this Procession the Order of Knight Templar Jerusalem marched with their crosses emblematic of their order, when near the church, the Order of the Templars were station,ed in a manner, so that the entire body of the masons, marched slowly & solemnly & passed before them reverentialy bowing, with their hads uncoverd, the two gentlemen named as above did the same, the Hebrew who were present and witnessed these procee,,dings declare that it appeard to them as wicked Idolitary, it is also alledged that they went through the same ceremony in the church, and attended the Banquet in the Evening.
I must confess my entire ignorance in the Mysteries of Masonry, but I may be allowed to know something of the History and Origin of the K. Templ. There is a considerable dificulties, from various causes to find persons willingly to take cognizance in this matter
II
2
whence the question is pressed on me for a definate answer, but for the want of assistance it is not proper for me to give a peremptory decision.
All that I am enabled to do, in the present instance is to point out the Law as laid down by Hebrew in the different places and as under are the passages I have selected.
Hebrew
These Regulations & Rules of the Talmud and the most important Dasuites and even as proofed of the holy Hebrew, by the comentators are received by us Jews as standard Law, and as such it is my opinion they should be respected!
Which reflecting on these proceeding I am led to place these construction, namely, for a jew to pay a reverential diferrence to the K. Templar is unnatural, because they are in the wildes mildest of terms—the enimy of our holy Faith. To pay homage to a cross. Figure or Picture (empleme or not) which represents one thing to the Eye and another to the understanding is Idolatry!
III
3
To pay respect to the crucifix is an evidence in favour Christianity, but as we Jews do not regog recognize a Trinity and being strictly forbiden against my king making my likeness what ever, neither to bow nor to worship or to show any adoration or veneration.
Our belief is in an undivided and in an omnipotent God and to Him alone it is our duty to pay Adoration and Humiliation—Hebrew! either in thought, word or deed! This is the construction to which I have on reflection arrived. Now, my dear Sir! if you feel any desire, or consider it proper to take any notice of this subject, it is my humble opinion that you will greatly sever the public by answering this or call upon of this through your useful & valuable Journal for to do so
Dr. I Mayer
Cincinnati Novemb: 24. 5613 - Identifier
- LSDCBx9FF14_26
- Date
- 1853-11-24
Part of Letter from Isaac Mayer to Isaac Leeser;November 24, 1853
Isaac Mayer, “Letter from Isaac Mayer to Isaac Leeser;November 24, 1853”, 1853-11-24, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/66749