Letter to Zalma Rehine
- Title
- Letter to Zalma Rehine
- Author
- Isaac Leeser
- Contributor
- Zalma Rehine
- Location(s)
- Philadelphia
- Format
- Letter. 4 page(s) on 2 sheet(s).
- Letter
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p30z71h3w/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p30z71h3w
- Physical Characteristics
- Wax Seal
- Fragment
- Manuscript
- Is Part Of
- http://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124516100
- content
-
on Friday night & Sabbath morning to evening; I lent him my private memorandum book of names that he might call? up and make the offerings himself, nevertheless not a line or a message acknowledging my politeness has been received. Upon the whole the whole have treated me, as though I were nothing; yet I am glad that I overcame my own ill-will, and offered him to take his seat at the Tebah in future, altho strictly speaking he is hardly Hazan. He however read very well and accurate, tho' neither I as well as those that spoke in my hearing approved of his style; he sings hardly loud enough to lead the congregation in the psalms, which certainly would be a great defect. But the could learn a good deal in practice, if he gets in, which is, I repeat again, by no means unlikely if the same indifference towards congregational matters prevails which has existed these many years. The opinions and votes of the congregation are publicly canvassed?, and wherever ? I find my-self the object of conversation. I am truly sick of it, and it ? worries me to bear with the ill-natured remarks, and the ? of truth of which gentlemen & ladies even are guilty. So they publicly complained that I had refused him to read, when you know; & they also know that I made the offer before he came provided I should be asked. No one surely could expect that I should go forward and offer to give him the opportunity of injuring me. Yet so in the world, no matter what you do, you may do ? and persons even whose children I have taught gratis for years and gave them books in the bargain, they also talk, altho' they have no vote; and if I get hold of them, then they never said a word. It is truly a foul conspiracy, Lately up to support a poor brother, without putting the Land? in Locket or give to him a farthing; and if the congregation
do not see through the scheme, the more in the pity. Mr. Moss & all his family except F. Samuel as in my favour; and if it were not that he would have to do something for his brother-in-law, he would himself be the last to support young Lyons; but poverty alters the case, and as no one likes to lay out money when ? will do, insinuations and falsehood, and perhaps underbidding, and may be a young bride will be brought into play to carry the point; I tell you merely what people publicity mention, I cannot and will not resort to such tricks; I will not marry unless I see fit, I say Lyons reads well, because he does so, yet they have said as much as if he were far my superior, and now? his own performance has not proved this. I will not attend to what is whispered here and there; but if I would I could no doubt unveil such villainy, as would astonish an honest man. I heard that a certain lady walked up to Miss Gratz (? on Friday) after the service, and asked her “how she liked the new Hazan? to which she shall have replied; you mean the young man that read; he reads well enough, but I knew not that he was Hazan yet,” or some such ? reply. On Sunday evening Miss Gratz and Mr Moses characterised the doing of the Moss family as shameful, and Mr M. remarked, that he would be against them, if it were only because they had acted so wickedly. I again say, that the bringing out of Mr. Lyons was planned a year ago, and whilst appearing friendly to me, not a stone was left unturned to carry the point in view. Altho' I hope to be able to maintain my-self without the office, I should be sorry to see Lyons elected, simply because the whole course has been so entirely afforded to religion.
It is time however to finish the subject; it is extremely unpleasant to me, and no doubt equally so to you. However it is due to ? to let you know how matters stand; and I believe I have a pretty accurate knowledge of all the main facts to form a correct opinion.
On Sunday the ladies society had a meeting, and requested me to deliver another annual address. I believe I shall comply, let the result of the coming election be favourable or unfavourable.
Of the prayer book are now done
92 ? of vol II
100 - - - III
42 - - IV
72 - - V
40 - - VI 352.
I hope confidently to be able to free? the 2nd vol. in about two weeks from today.
I believe Rachel enjoys herself very much; but occupation has prevented my seeing her yesterday & today.
Give my best regards to ? Miss Judah Mr. ? Block, and cousin Ben.
If you see the Ettings & Cohens, especially Miss Reicha? and Mrs. E. P. C. give my remembrance to them
your obt nephew
Isaac Leeser
? by Mr. P. Moses U. S. A.
Mr. Zalma Rehine
No 25 Camden St.
Baltimore - Identifier
- LSDCBx3FF4_14
Part of Letter to Zalma Rehine
Isaac Leeser, “Letter to Zalma Rehine”, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 18, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/69498