New York Bachelors’ Heb. B. L. Association

In our last we presented that portion of the minutes of correspondence, then communicated to us; and as other Hazanim besides the two then mentioned have received the honour of membership from that institution, which promises so much good, we now lay before the public the remainder of the minutes, which has been since then furnished to us. Whilst on the subject, we will state the main characteristic features of the society to be, to loan to any person professing Judaism, being in indigent circumstances, he giving one or more sureties, one of whom must be a resident of New York City, twenty-five dollars, reimbursable by installment within one year. Should an applicant not be able to furnish securities, the Board has then discretion to loan him an amount not exceeding ten dollars.

Portion of Minutes of the Bachelors’ Hebrew B. L. Association

At a meeting of the Board of Managers, Feb. 3, 1848.

The committee on correspondence presented a letter from the Rev. Ansel Leo, in reply to one informing him of his election to an honorary membership, in which he stated that being qualified to become a member, he would decline the honorary membership and request to become a regular pay member; said letter containing an application to that effect, as also his approval of the association and its objects.

The letter was received with unbounded applause, and created the liveliest satisfaction. It was then

Resolved, That we go immediately into an election of the Rev. A. Leo, for membership. When, on counting the votes, he was declared unanimously elected.

On motion, the committee were instructed to notify to the Rev. A. Leo, of his election to membership; of the high estimation in which he was held by this association, for his talents, and for the approbation evinced by one holding so exalted a position as pastor over the largest congregation in this city, as also, for his desire to co-operate with us in doing good, and that we might hope ever to be found worthy of the support of one so eminently qualified to judge the merits of this association.

It was Resolved, That the law prohibiting any new members from being considered founders, be not applied to Mr. Leo’s membership. This required a unanimous vote, which being passed without a dissenting voice, he was declared a founder of this association.

<<610>>The committee on correspondence then presented a letter from the Rev. Jacques J. Lyons, accepting honorary membership, which was received with reiterated applause, and afforded the highest satisfaction to the whole Board.

It was resolved, That the Rev. J. J. Lyons be enrolled as an honorary member. On motion,

Resolved, That the committee address a letter to the Rev. J, J. Lyons, stating their sense of the high honour conferred, and their gratification at receiving the approval of one so distinguished and capable to judge its merits, and that we shall endeavour to conduct this association in such a manner as to merit the continuance of the high opinion entertained of our humble efforts by the talented pastor of the oldest congregation in this city, and which will ever act as an incentive to surmount every obstacle to accomplish a good and holy work, now in its infancy.

The committee also presented a letter from the Rev. Isaac Leeser, accepting honorary membership. It contained sentiments which are alike honorable to the heart and head which dictated them, and commanded the admiration of every member. It was

Resolved, That the Rev. Isaac Leeser be enrolled as an honorary member. On motion

Resolved, That the committee inform the Rev. Isaac of his enrolment, that the thanks of this meeting be tendered for his kind wishes and approval of the objects of this association, expressed on many occasions, both public and private, as also for his offer of the gratuitous use of the columns of the Occident, a periodical which is, alike, an honour to himself and the religion he so ably advocates. That we shall avail ourselves from time to time of its kind permission; and that we shall ever feel grateful for the noble and disinterested manner in which he advocated our cause from the first, when our association numbered but few, and that we shall ever endeavour to merit the friendly interest and support of one so talented and distinguished. It was resolved that these letters be signed by the President and Secretary.

D. N. Morange,
Benj. J. Hart,
Barrah Seligman,
Committee on Correspondence.
Lewis M. Morrison, President.

A. H. Jacobs, Sec. Pro. Tem.