News Items

Newport, Rhode Island,—The Synagogue at this place, after having been closed for near fifty years, all the Israelites having removed from there, was reopened during the month of August, about thirty Jews from various quarters having met there during the bathing <<366>>season. The first week prayers were read by gentlemen from New York whose ancestors lie buried there; on two other Sabbaths, at least, Mr. Ellis Lyons of Boston officiated, having been sent for that purpose. The Rev. Dr. Raphall preached regularly in his usual impressive and accepted manner.—We may as well state in this connexion that the Synagogue, and the street where it is situated, as also the burying ground, are kept in elegant order, from the proceeds of a legacy by the late Abraham Touro, now amounting to about fifteen thousand dollars, and the liberality of the well-known Judah Touro of New Orleans. We need not add more.

Albany.—It is with deep mortification that we have to announce that on the first day of Rosh Hashanah the Synagogue Beth-El at Albany, of which Dr. Wise is Rabbi, was closed by the sheriff of the county in consequence of an altercation among the contending parties. It is of no use too into the particulars of a proceeding where both sides must have been to blame in carrying their quarrel into the house of God. Besides, the particulars which have reached us are too confused to give us a clear insight into the merits of the case; wherefore we abstain from forming any judgment, especially as the matter is to be made the subject of a legal investigation. We however learn from a friend of Dr. Wise, that after the Synagogue had been closed a large crowd of members and strangers repaired to the Rabbi’s house, where worship was held and a sermon delivered, if we understand our correspondent correctly. There appears no probability of a reunion of the parties; and in truth if they cannot harmonise they had better be separate.

Charleston. Shearith Israel Congregation.—At the last election the following officers were chosen: S. Hart, President ; Isaiah Moses, Abr. Tobias, Nathan Nathans, and E. Sommers, Trustees, and S. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer. We have to thank the mem­bers sincerely for the kind resolutions sent to us as adopted lately; they are entirely too flattering to appear at present in our pages; but they may be assured that, situated as we are, the expression of public confidence in our public services is the most soothing missive which could possibly reach us. We shall not forget their kindness.

New Orleans.—We forgot in our last to announce the election of officers of the Portuguese congregation at New Orleans. The board now consists of G. Kursheedt, President; George Jonas, Vice-President; A. T. Ezekiel, Treasurer; E. Sampson, Benjamin Florance, Judah David, and J. E. Esdra, Trustees.—We deem it also our duty to acknowledge the receipt of a very pretty snuff-box, presented to us by <<367>>the Lafayette Congregation, Shaaray Tefillah, and a handsome gold pencil by the German Kahal of New Orleans, Shaaray Chessed of N. O. It is not from any vanity that we state this in our Magazine, but as a sincere acknowledgment that we are not indifferent to the appreciation of our character by various public bodies. The world is not altogether ungrateful. Whilst thus making our acknowledgements, we must also announce that a number of boys belonging to our late congregation presented us, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, with a heavy silver inkstand; and we can assure them that in using this “Token of Affection,” we shall esteem it as an earnest that we shall not always be forgotten by them when they reach men’s estate.

Chicago, Illinois.—This congregation of Israelites existing for several years already, as we have informed our readers, we see have made an appeal through the columns of the Asmonean for aid to enable them to erect a suitable place of worship. We have always advocated the laudable enterprise of our brothers to provide themselves suitable places of worship where none exist, or where the space is not sufficient to accommodate the worshippers. We trust, therefore, that the appeal of our Chicago friends may not be in vain, an that before long a house of God may grace that extensive City of the Lakes, and that thence much peace and prosperity may spread over those who resort thither to pray.

St. Thomas.—We regret to learn that since Mr. Nathans’ departure the religious affairs of the Israelites of St. Thomas had sadly depreciated; but it is hoped that a regular minister may soon be appointed, especially since the attention of the Danish government has been directed towards the spiritual destitution of' the congregation. We also learn that the worldly circumstances of the people have recovered considerably since the depression experienced about two years ago; and that hence it will be easier for them now than then to support a worthy personage as their spiritual guide. We therefore hope that conciliation and unison may draw those interested into council, to appoint one at their head who can  faithfully lead them in the way they should walk.

Europe.—But little worth recording has reached us of late from the old world.—Austria seems determined to carry out in good faith the equalization of all its citizens; but it will take a long time to break down ancient prejudices—In Hungary a portion of the war tax levied on the Jews lastyear is to be devoted to the establishment of a high school for training, we think, of ministers, so that some good may spring from this act.—In Sardinia the Israelites have been fully eman-<<368>>cipated.—In Sweden prejudice dies slowly away, and if anything, is again on the increase.—In Prussia it is said that several marriages between Jews and Christians have bee solemnized, in a few of which the parties retained their own religion each, whilst in others the wives joined the Synagogue, as the law against conversions is entirely abolished under the new order of things.—Russia continues its oppression, levying a tax on Jewish books, whether imported from abroad or printed at home. It is also said that the only printing office is soon to be closed, and thus the Jewish press will entirely cease in the dominion of the Czar. —The widow of N. M. Rothschild died in London on the 5th of September. She was reported to be a lady of great benevolence.—It is curious to observe that whilst light progresses slowly in most parts of Europe, a new series of miracles is alleged to have been witnessed in Italy and elsewhere of late. Images of Mary have, as in ancient days, given signs of consciousness, so the silly crowd is made to believe, and of course pilgrimages are made to these wonderful bits of carving and sculpture, and presents are poured into the laps of the priests who preside over these false sanctuaries. The enlightened Pope too, Pio Nono, who, but a few months back, was hailed as the greatest refor­mer of the age, praises the ecclesiastics for showing such ardent devotion to an inanimate figure by encircling its head with a diadem. And this is Catholicism of the nineteenth century, and Jews are asked to adopt it with all its absurdities, and falsehoods, and deceptions! and we are told that we can learn lessons of wisdom from the spirit of the age. But this same spirit is a strange chameleon, infidel in one part, and credulous in the other; rejecting here all that cannot be comprehended by the senses, and believing there ridiculous legends which a schoolboy could hardly credit.—Is it not better for us to learn Judaism of Jews only, and to refer to nothing but to the law and the testimony whenever any doctrine is to be discussed?—As a parallel to the Popish game of deception, we beg our readers to refer to the spread of Mormonism, both here and in England. If ever there was a barefaced impostor it was Joseph Smith, the founder of this new religion; if all that is said is not false, the grossest crimes are, or at least were, practised by the leaders of the sect, not excepting even the prophet himself. Then weigh well the fact that so much enthusiasm, as the deluded and deceived converts display, is almost unheard of; they settle in one place, and are cast forth; again they assemble, and “build a city and a tower” in Nauvoo, which both are to be famous in story; again expelled, they divide into various branches, and a large portion penetrate the trackless, salty desert, scarcely ever trodden by the foot of <<369>>civilized man, and though contending with sickness, and death, and want, they lay the foundation for a new empire almost in the heart of the wilderness, naming themselves all the time as “latter day saints,” the true elect of the Lord. And their ranks, too, swell by emigrants from Old England; one hundred thousand souls, if we are told correctly, have already come hither in search of the true Zion; and all this growth of a new faith is the work of scarcely twenty years, and those are not arrived at man’s estate who witnessed its birth. We cannot now dilate on this subject; but have our readers ever reflected on it? It is something strange, stranger than fiction.—We learn that the letter delivery, which was lately suspended in England on Sunday, has, after a very brief space, been again resumed. The Sunday is not the Sabbath, let men try what they will.

Obituary.

Died at Sullivan’s Island, on Saturday morning, August 24th, Mr. Hyam Cohen, in the 62d year of his age.

“The days of our life are three-score years and ten, and if, by reason of strength, they be four-score years, yet is that strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

Although the deceased laboured, for a protracted season, under the agonies of a direful malady, yet quick and unexpected was the summons of the angel of death, that snatched from its long-tenanted abode the soul of this virtuous man, and plumed it for its heavenly flight.

Apparently free from earthly care, and insensible to suffering, he sunk into a sound, sweet repose, which was the unfortunate harbinger of death. None who gazed upon the unruffled features of his countenance, in which were visibly shadowed the influences of balmy sleep—none who observed the ease and comfort in which he reclined, ever dreamed of the inroad that was working its way into the heart of the domestic circle.

But, alas! it was speedily, yet sorely, perceived that his was the sleep of eternity, and that the flower of vitality was to be crushed in the sigh that gently heaved from his dying breast. How trying then the affliction, how unassuageable the sorrow, how immeasurably painful the occurence, when the “silver chord” is so suddenly snapped asunder, sensibility itself becomes instinct, and the unwavering devotion of a <<370>>wife, lavished and reciprocated in life, to be now wasted over the silent tomb of him who lies insensible of her effeminate grief.

But a longing family, fondly-attached kindred, zealous and sincere friends, all unite in paying homage to his memory, an desire to weave a garland over his mortal remains as a slight token of affectionate regard.

For in life he was no less kind and tender than social and condescending. In him those charming qualities of “head and heart” were blended in one harmonious whole, which, imparting tone and dignity to his virtuous and manly actions, commanded the unceasing admiration and undying respect of his numerous associates. Integrity of purpose was his fixed aim, the attainment of truth the goal of his aspirations, and these, triumphantly achieved and centered in him, shed a lustre over his many excellent qualities. Benevolence, an upright, comely deportment, candour, amiability, and an admirable share of general, well-directed information, were the attributes of his untarnished character, and the effectual means of securing and retaining his popularity. Steadfast in the beautiful, hallowed faith of the Jewish religion, he energetically espoused and advocated its principles, and this, affording him consolation amid the intensity of advanced sufferings, caused his dying hour to be unattended with those agonies which too often hurry their victims from this terrestial abode.

How beautiful the thought that his spirit, as it strove to attain its destined haven, caught up and mingled in the sanctity of the Sabbath. A devoted household band are merged in grief; an affectionate family deplore his removal, and this is but a faint tribute to his peaceful ashes at the shrine of departed worth.

Winnsboro, S. C., Sept. 5, 1850.

To the Jewish Public in America, England, and the West Indies.

In taking leave of my office as minister of the Portuguese congregation of Philadelphia, I can assure all Israelites that I quit it without a stain resting on my name, either as man, Jew, or minister, for, notwithstanding the unmerited persecution <<371>>which certain parties have exercised towards me, they have never been able to allege—a single charge of moral unfitness, or against my entire capacity to do justice to the various functions which all along, were either demanded or expected from me. The day, no doubt, will come when the people, now misled by those who hate me without cause, will see in its true light the acts of these demagogues, and then “remember me,” to borrow a Bible phrase, “what I have done, and what has been decreed concerning me,” at a time when it will be too late to heal the causeless breach which has been brought about between me and the congregation, by men who are of no service to Judaism, or the progress of our religion. But it is not my intention to utter laments about what is passed, and therefore beyond recalling, unless an entire change takes place in the conduct of public affairs in the Philadelphia Kahal Mikve Israel of which there appears now not the slightest probability. Nevertheless I am not tired of serving the good old cause of Israel and Israel’s faith, and am still ready to propagate the light and truth, so far as it is in my power.

It is, however, that incumbent on me to tell the public frankly that having but few of the goods of this world, as the result of my labours continued for near the quarter of a century, I am compelled to adopt a pursuit which will insure me, under Providence, a decent livelihood. Hitherto the Occident has barely paid the expenses of publication; hence, if it is to be continued when my time is to be my capital, I must have more extensive support. Besides this I should be pleased to establish a weekly paper as announced in the Advertiser, so that, if both works succeed, I may be able to maintain myself respectably in working for Jews and in behalf of Judaism. I trust that the friends of religion are sufficiently numerous to insure the existence of works, the sole tendency of which is to diffuse religious knowledge among the people, and to defend, when necessary, the cause of Israel against assaults, let them come from what quarter they may. I fear, however, that there is too much apathy existing among us to forward my views; nevertheless I deem it my duty to make the announcement of my readiness to continue at my post as a <<372>>writer. Therefore I ask all the friends of legitimate progress to endeavour to canvass their acquaintances, and to let me know without delay whether they can succeed in this or not. I am willing to wait till next March, when the eighth volume of this magazine expires, when, should I be spared, I must make up my mind definitely to engage in something active, since entire idleness neither suits my disposition, nor the state of my worldly means.

I propose issuing:—

1. The Occident, a monthly periodical, at three dollars per annum. The character of my work is too well known to require any exposition of its nature and scope.
    
2. The Jewish Advocate, a weekly paper containing shorter and lighter articles than the monthly, together with a variety of interesting matter not absolutely connected with Judaism, the intention being to furnish an entertaining family journal. The price of this also will be three dollars per annum. It will not be undertaken unless one thousand subscribers at least are secured. The Occident and Advocate will be sent to one address at five dollars, if paid in advance.
    
3. A New Edition Of The Form Of Prayers For Portuguese Jews, in six volumes, at the reduced price of two dollars per volume on common, and two dollars and fifty cents on fine paper. Should two-hundred and fifty copies be ordered the work will be undertaken; in which case, also, those desiring it bound very cheap, will have an opportunity of obtaining the whole, bound in a plain but substantial style, at fourteen dollars. But finer bindings will also be furnished at a proportionate advance.
    
4. A New Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Having already accomplished nearly one-third of the whole, I should bepleased to be enabled to issue a complete revised version in the form of a family Bible. The price, unbound, is not to exceed five dollars. The work will be undertaken if five hundred subscribers are secured.

Isaac Leeser.
Philadelphia, September 19th, Tishry 13th, 5611.