Letter from Isaac Leeser to Lewis Allen;August 23, 1837 · Isaac Leeser Digital Repository · Legacy Projects from Judaica DH at Penn Libraries

Title

Letter from Isaac Leeser to Lewis Allen;August 23, 1837

Author

Isaac Leeser

Contributor

Lewis Allen

Location(s)

Philadelphia

Format

Letter. 2 page(s) on 2 sheet(s).

Letter

Type

Letter

Language(s)

English

Physical Characteristics

Typescript

Is Part Of

The Dropsie College Isaac Leeser Collection at the Penn Libraries

content

3rd Aug 37
Philadelphia Ab 22nd 5597
(Aug. 23, 1837)
Lewis Allen Esq.
Parnass K.K.M.I.
Dear Sir:
Understanding that the Rev. Jacques Judah Lyons. Hazan of a Congregation of Israelites in Paramaribo, Surinan Dutch Guiana, South America, is desirous of reading the Prayers for an entire Sabbath, and you having submitted to my inspec-tion his credentials, which prove that he has been Hazan for a space of five years, and that his conduct has uniformly been religious: I yield cheerfully to him the right of so reading the entire service, I doing this however however I utterly disclaim the power of the congregation, unless by a majority in meeting ssembled of compelling the Hazan for the time being, to admit any other person to officiate upon any occasion, or for any purpose whatever, by yielding the right of the Tebah to him is owing a mere spirit of courtesy, as I could not well refuse one who has been in office, to read the service, if he is earnestly desirous to do so; although I must at the same time express my surprise at the unusual re-quest, especially as no communication whatever from the appli-cant himself has up to this moment reached me. In conversa-tion with Sundry persons I express myself before Mr. Lyons arrival, that if he had been Hazan, I would permit him to read; I trust therefore that my compliance with the Revd. gentleman's implied wishes may not be ascribed to motives which I do not entertain.
Yours respectfully
(over)Isaac Leeser

This follows signature
This note is not private, you may therefore show it to any one you please.
Addr. Lewis Allen Esq., Parnass K.K.M.I Philadelphia
Note (on same page as address)
Revd I Leeser 22/37 Augt. Phila.
His permission to let Revd I Lyons to say Saturday prayers do it out of Courtesy &c. &c. Can make this public—
Enclosing my reply to the same.
Dear Sir:
As you have taken the liberty to address a letter to me explaining your motives for allowing the Revd. I. Lyons to read prayers, which explanation I never asked for I take this method to tell you I have neither time nor do I choose to make your sentiments known to the Congregation.
And the next time you address a letter to me I wish first to read the contents
I am Yours resp
To Revd. I. Leeser
(enclosed with the above letter)

Identifier

LSDCBx3FF4_3

Date

1837-08-23