Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser
- Title
- Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser
- Author
- Abraham de Sola
- Contributor
- Isaac Leeser
- Location(s)
- Philadelphia
- Format
- Letter. 4 page(s) on 1 sheet(s).
- Letter
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3f766t4w/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3f766t4w
- Physical Characteristics
- Unlined Paper
- Manuscript
- Is Part Of
- http://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124516100
- content
-
Hebrew
Rev Isaac Leeser
My dear Friend-
Want of leisure has prevented my acknowledging before the receipt of the proof of my sermon by Miss Esther Joseph I am much obliged to you for sending it, I suppose from the immense number of errors in the Hebrew prayer that it is a first proof, the English is much cleaner as we English compositors would say. I do not doubt but that you have yourself received it and have restored us Montreallers to life, for your printers have made us say Hebrew. Perhaps by November I may have an opportunity of seeing how ? it was published. For the November no. I send you the following piece of information. Montreal—At the annual meeting of this Congregation the following gentlemen were nominated as officers for the ensuing year. President, Samuel Benjamin Eq; Parness G J Ascher Eqr; Treasurer Myer Solomons; and Trustees Dr. A H David, David Moss and Guershom Joseph Secretary. The latter gent is I believe about visiting your quarter, Everyone can travel about me. I have been promising myself a tuss about the contrary, for I don't care much to visit the close cities of the states for recreation, New York especially, knowing from a fortnight's experience what it is— but have been prevented. I am disposed to visit the country for two reasons, first because I shall see scenery which cannot be equalled in America, and secondly with all the unprejudiced reasoning of a Londoner I say why should
I travel so far to see cities which compared to the one whence I came are Hebrew. But enough of self — no - little more and then I have done. Did I write you that my first period of engagement being out, with my congregation have with my consent renewed it for three years longer at the same salary and endowments. Circumstances considered they have acted very liberally but what was most gratifying to me was the very flattering I may say indeed affectionate terms in which they expressed their hope that I would remain with them, and their “deep regret that they could not increase my salary to the extent they considered my ? deserved.” There was a full meeting, every member being present, but as far as I was concerned there were no two opinions. It was but one attempt to render my situation among them more comfortable — though what perhaps few other Hozanim would say—it has been to me all I could wish and more than I ever expected. They have succeeded my post including my emoluments from teaching ? would be considered by some to be worth over $1000, if they confined themselves to that amount they would not be far out, Thus you see although few in number we having probably not more than 15 respectable well-to-do and standard families — we do not lack spirit here — we have other expences Shamas? synagogue &tc?. I think I shall succeed in being able to get the gas put in this fall and then our beautiful little Snoga? will be complete. With this sum and living being so very much cheaper in Canada than in England or the United States, I think I hear you exclaim
like R Nissim did to me Hebrew “but for you no take own wife—all goot?; goot? Hebrew love you Hebrew not goot? to let so many Hebrew get no Hebrew.” This was his manner of speaking “die Inglis” when he thought that it would be more impressive than Hebrew in which we used generally to converse. Then he would hold up his finger and reckon Hebrew Miss Josef Hebrew Miss Yos? Hebrew Miss Solomon. One who is rather stout seemed to take his fancy, for he said (alluding to Miss S, Hebrew (in German ? you know what that is) but no — sprite of even his recommendation than? likely as I wrote you in my last to remain Hebrew for some time to come no disparagement to those young ladies with whose amiable qualities you have had opportunities of making yourself acquainted lately. You “think most of your religion, you give it most of your time and attention.” So do I, I am too much wedded to my books just now to think as I ought of other weddings. I am in no humor yet to be bound — to be tied corded, fixed, irretrievably tied, fastened, booked, rivetted, glued or screwed I would not even with my congregation much as I am attached to them My engagement with them, although nominally for three years I am ? up at any time I choose, this I stipulated for, and now but Hebrew. Dr. Raphall is likely to leave Birmingham for the same reason. I think Hazanim slaves in America slaves enough under the system of short engagements without their being made worse than niggers. I don't care one straw whether I am engaged here or elsewhere for a year for six months or for life, ? I dont want my congregation to think I that if they gave me up, I should
starve that there is no other place open for me. If even I should be forestalled in New Orleans Richmond Savannah Mobile all of which places must one day want a Hazan as you yourself have written me, there is still field enough for me in the West Indies where I have many acquaintances and relations, I am sure I should not want your recommendation, my dear friend, and that would go some little way. Besides I hold that three years is quite time enough to show that I would do them justice under any circumstances, and this having been time enough to judge of my character they have no right to evince those suspicions which an attempt to make me sign an agreement not to leave them “in a fix” would declare.
19th October — I was called away when writing the above and nearly a fortnight has elapsed since I have had time to close this. When I wrote I had leisure and therefore have said a great deal on “rubbish” leaving ? one or two news items you may like to hear. I cant stop to give them to you now but will write to you soon (as I can)
Expecting to hear from you soon
I am Dear Friend
Yours truly
Abraham de Sola
Mrs Benjamin Hart is no more Hebrew 3 marriages on the topics friends of yours. - Identifier
- LSDCBx3FF6_2
Part of Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser
Abraham de Sola, “Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser”, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 28, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/69277