Talmud Torah* And Hebrew Institute.

* The above account is from another correspondent, whose correctness, although he is unknown to us, is vouched for by one in whose statement we place the utmost reliance. As the subject of education is of the highest interest, we admit two articles on this examination, which is contrary to our usual course.

Elm Street, New York.

The first public examination of the pupils educated at the above institute took place at the establishment on Sunday, the 8^th day of Tebeth, 5604, A. M. before a large and intelligent auditory. Pursuant to an invitation proclaimed in all the Synagogues, long before the commencement of the exercises, the spacious school-rooms were crowded to excess; the boys, varying in age from six to fourteen years, looked the picture of health, were dressed in their Sabbath clothing, and vying with each other to give satisfaction to their patrons. Their intelligent faces gave evidence of their readiness to undergo the ordeal of a strict and searching examination. The Rev. S. M. Isaacs, I. B. Kursheedt, Esq., Judge Noah, and John I. Hart, Esq., were appointed a committee to examine the pupils, assisted by Messrs. Nelson and Goldsmith, the English and Hebrew masters. The first course commenced at 10 A. M., when the several junior classes were examined in Hebrew reading, translating several portions of the liturgy, English reading, writing, and arithmetic. The proficiency of the boys was manifested in the plaudits of an admiring audience. The first course having concluded their tasks, the President of the Institute, A. L. Levy, Esq., addressed the subscribers and visitors in his usual able manner, followed by the Rev. S. M. Isaacs, who delivered a long and heart-stirring address, which is much too long for the pages of the Occident. The chief points were congratulatory to the members of the Elm Street Synagogue, for the herculean task they had achieved in establishing a school for Jews, for theological and commercial education; destined to be a nucleus for every noble achievement; he praised the boys for the improvement they had made; then turning to the audience, he continued: "Callous must be that heart, which, taking a retrospective glance at what we were but two years since, our sacred literature impoverished, our youth taught every thing but the knowledge of God, and seeing what a short time has accomplished, hard must be that heart, which will not be ready to exclaim with joy, 'these are of the children of the Hebrew,'" The reverend gentleman dwelt with much force on the benefits that would result from this "religious nursery," speculating on the probability that many of the future ministers of our religion will have received the rudiments of their education at the Talmud Torah. After dwelling on the importance of Hebraic lore, he introduced the first classes to the notice of their friends and patrons. Some twenty boys were now examined in the Pentateuch; they professed to be perfect in Genesis, and an analytic examination confirmed their opinion. They were well versed in all the grammatical rules, and were frequently impeded in their progress by the applause of the audience. This class was succeeded by a class in geography, and another in English grammar. Again success crowned their efforts. The Hebrew Catechism was the next course of examination; and this was indeed a mental treat for all who have a national feeling. Declamation concluded the exercises; and all departed highly pleased with the progress of the boys, and the success of the Institute.

Twenty-eight prizes, some very expensive, were awarded by the board of directors to the most deserving. No collection taken up, the directors being desirous to place the establishment on a more permanent basis than the precarious custom of handing round a plate. They solicit subscribers at not less than $4 per annum, and will be happy to receive voluntary donations from any person who may think the institution a public good. It will also be as well to inform those living at a distance, that although the expenditure is $1500 per annum, mainly contributed by the members of the Elm Street Synagogue, yet the doors are open to receive the scion of Judaism, whether his parents are connected with that Synagogue, or any other.