Letter from Jacob Rosenfeld to Isaac Leeser;April 21, 1849

Title: Letter from Jacob Rosenfeld to Isaac Leeser;April 21, 1849
Author: Jacob Rosenfeld
Contributor: Isaac Leeser
Date Created: 21 April 1849
Location(s): Charleston; Philadelphia
Format: Letter. 3 page(s).
Type: Letter
Language(s): English
Has Format: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p37d2qq43/manifest.json
Link to Colenda: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p37d2qq43
Physical Characteristics: Unlined Paper; Manuscript
Is Part Of: The Dropsie College Isaac Leeser Collection at the Penn Libraries
content: Charleston So. Ca. April 21st 1849
Revd Isaac Leeser
Philadelphia
Dr & Reverend Sir,
I should have answered your several communications long ere this, but business both private & public prevented me from doing myself this pleasure. Now you would justly say, that any man can write a few lines, however his time may be monopolized by his avocation, and, with much pro=priety you could instance it in your own person, whose time being very limited, is yet able to carry on a correspondence almost over the whole Union. I would answer you in few words Hebrew!! Besides my principal reason for not having been more prompt is, that I determined never to appear before you empty handed, viz, without contributing something to the Occident, and thus I offer you the enclosed trifle which you may insert in your invaluable journal if you find it worthy to have a place therein, and good enough to stand the scrutiny of the criticising public. As regards the proposed convention, I hope to give you soon more fully my opinion on it, for I can assure that I anticipated such results. Mr Hart has no doubt acquainted you with the fact, that the Congregation Shearit Israel will not join the Convention. You are doubtlessly disappointed, and I am really sorry that your zeal and honest endeavors in the good cause are so little appreciated by our brethern, and the, so much cherished, hope of affecting a Union of Israel in the United States will have to be relinquished for the present

But there is one consolation that the matter rests in good hands for as far as I have the honor of knowing you by reputation, I know that you are not the man to give up a project so easily, if there is the remotest spark of hope, of succeeding even at an indefinite period, and as far as I am concerned, I promise you my aid, as much as my feeble efforts will permit, so that if the congregation can retain me here I hope yet to see Charleston formost in the successful effort. It strikes me however, that you could further the matter by the following method. Engage if possible a competent person, friendly to the cause, who is to issue an anonymous Article, showing all imaginable dangers which ultras? think may possibly accrue to the cause of our holy Religion by the proposed convention, let it be worded as if coming from a hostile pen, and then set about depending anonymously the project, ably, at the same time laying bare every imaginable disadvantage we are laboring under at present and the deplorable state of religious anarchy amongst Israel all over America. Such a controversy would draw the attention of the public more successfully, those who are lukewarm may become interested in the matter, while the ultra Orthodox will gradually yield. I merely suggest this because there are many here and probably everywhere else, who will not listen to reason, and merely say, It cannot be done. One objects because his neighbor says it is injurious, the other, because it will cost something, a third, wishes to show the public that he possess wisdom, and foresight. In short there are but precious few who oppose the measure from true religions

motives. Selfishness, lukewarmness, and the natural disposition of our people to oppose are the stumbling blocks in our way, but we must nevertheless keep on and steadily pursue the true course, and we cannot fail. There are little news here which interest you, except that next thursday a concert is to be given in behalf our congregation may the Lord grant them success for the congregation is much in need of pecuniary aid. By the by, I was informed yesterday that D Landsberg, who was expected to succeed Mr Poznanski, re=fuses coming, for several reasons, the principal of which are, that he expected $500.00 for travelling expenses, and they only sent him $200.00 and again, he only wishes to be minis=ter and not Chazan. There is besides a great deal of contention amongst them, and Mr P. has lost ground even amongst his own party. Hoping that this may find you in the enjoyment of the best of health, and fervently wishing that the Lord may prolong your days for the Benefit of our Brethern and the cause.
I remain
Most sincerely
Yr friend and colleague
I Rosenfeld
Identifier: LSDCBx1FF6_31
Date: 1849-04-21

Part of Letter from Jacob Rosenfeld to Isaac Leeser;April 21, 1849

Jacob Rosenfeld, “Letter from Jacob Rosenfeld to Isaac Leeser;April 21, 1849”, 1849-04-21, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/67531