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בס"ד

The Congregation At New Orleans.

 

We hasten to lay before our readers the annexed circular of the Israelites of New Orleans, asking for aid in the erection of a Synagogue. The circular speaks for itself, and we trust that it will meet with a ready response from the brethren in the North, whose means will enable them to give from their substance towards founding a house of God in that distant place, where hitherto none has existed. It is pleasant to witness the awakening every where of a better spirit, as evinced by movements in different places; and we hope that the blessed fruits may ripen and bring health to the fainting souls that wait on the Lord.

Contributions for this object should be addressed to Mr. Benjamin Florance, at New Orleans, or, if preferred, to the Editor of the Occident.

We regret that the late arrival of the circular compels us to be so brief; but there is little necessity for us to speak when the urgency of the matter and its usefulness are so self-evident.

New Orleans, August 28, 1843.

The Congregation of "Shanarai Chasset" of the City of New Orleans to Their Brethren.

Through the blessings of a kind Providence, and in the high privilege of religious liberty, guaranteed to all persons in this free and happy country, the Israelites of New Orleans have rapidly increased in numbers within the last few years; they already amount to about one hundred and twenty-five families, having for the most part left their native soil for the purpose of seeking a home in this beloved land, in which all sects are equally tolerated and respected.

Animated by a sense of gratitude to God for these mercies, they feel it a high and solemn duty to erect a suitable place of worship, wherein they may congregate and raise their voices in thanksgiving to the All-wise, in conformity to the established laws of Moses, acknowledging the purity of their faith as handed down to them by their forefathers, and which they hope to transmit unimpaired to the latest posterity.

Under the influence of these sentiments, and in the discharge of the duties assigned to them, the undersigned committee, on behalf of the congregation, feel confident that this appeal will meet with a response as prompt and generous as in every other instance where a similar call has been made for assistance.

Benjamin Florance, Leopold Levy,
Alexander Phillips, S. Ries.