Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser;February 27, 1850

Title: Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser;February 27, 1850
Author: Jacob Ezekiel
Contributor: Isaac Leeser
Date Created: 27 February 1850
Location(s): Richmond; Philadelphia
Format: Letter. 4 page(s) on 4 sheet(s).
Type: Letter
Language(s): English
Has Format: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3g44jb0b/manifest.json
Link to Colenda: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3g44jb0b
Physical Characteristics: Unlined Paper; Wax Seal; Manuscript
Is Part Of: The Jesselson Family Collection of Isaac Leeser Material
content: Richmond Feb 27. 1850
Revd Isaac Leeser
Dr Sir
your highly esteemed favour of the inst came to hand, and its contents noted, I do not know what could have been more acceptable to me than a few lines from a friend, I say a friend! from the fact, that the tenor of the epistle evinced the very strongest marks of true friendship, the lieniency? that you have professed on your part shall not be abused by me, although at this time I am compelled to take advantage of it, my situation has been such for the last few years past and up to the present time, that my income has been barely sufficient for to maintain my large family, But thank God I think that my prospects are brightening. I regret exceedingly that circum-stance has placed me unable to meet the first note that is part due, but hope to be able soon to do something for you. I hope your health is improving we all should like to see you here, concerning the “Occident” I shall try my best to disseminate it you may depend upon, the folks here lack that that energy for reading
We are all sadly disapointed with our imported Hazan, he is not the man that we expected to get, as to his qualifications for a teacher he cannot be excelled but he is no Hazan, nor will he ever make one

he is by no means the man that I expected, after bargaining with him for $500 the first year as Hazan & teacher whilst he was in Europe, and he agreeing to come on and perform the functions for that term, it turns out that he never has been accustomed to read in our Minhag and can't read, not having the tunes but wants to demand a salary of $500 for each office saying that was the way he understood it, the letters I wrote to him were the most explicit and his answer goes to show that he understood them precisely the way I intended, and not alone that I sent the Printed advertisement from the Occident to him so that there would be no misunderstanding about the matter, but of no avail, he is one of those noble Polanders and wants to continue my communications to suit his purposes, One thing I may say safely that there is the greatest unanimity about the matter we all think alike, and I as secretary sustained as to the correctness of my correspondence with him whilst in Europe, I regret that after all our trouble that our efforts will prove abor-tive, but it can't be helped, I was in hopes that all would go on smoothly. He delivered several prayers in the House of Delegates, which was listened to with much attention, I expect that the event of an Israelite opening a legislature with prayer, stands unparralled in the world, and I am proud that old Virginia has let this noble

example, there was a resolution offerred at the last session authorizing the speaker to request the ministers of the different Christian denominations to open the house with prayer, it was amended by striking out the word Christian, and carried by a large majority, Mr Michelbacker was at that time called upon to officiate in his term but did not respond to the call, and I felt proud to think that our congregation would be able send a minister, one of his short prayers was by request of one of the members published I believe you have the paper with it in, as it was sent to you
Give my love to all, I will send you a description of the “fall” for the ? No of Occident
Accept for yourself assurances of high regard and believe me to remain as
ever
your devoted friend
Jacob Ezekiel

Revd Isaac Leeser
Philadelphia
Pa
Identifier: LSTCAT_item54
Date: 1850-02-27

Part of Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser;February 27, 1850

Jacob Ezekiel, “Letter from Jacob Ezekiel to Isaac Leeser;February 27, 1850”, 1850-02-27, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/68883