Home page The Occident and American Jewish Advocate Jews in the Civil War Jews in the Wild West History of Palestine The Occident Virtual Library

בס"ד

News Items.

 

Franklin Street Synagogue, N. Y.—We learn from a private letter that this new Synagogue is succeeding beyond the expectations of its founders. They permit but three offerings to each individual, and they do not sell the Mitzvoth. An expectation is entertained that they will be able to open the new building which they contemplate to erect by Rosh Hashana 5607.

Henry Street Synagogue, N. Y.—The members of this congregation have established a regular Hebrew school, and have done themselves a service by electing our friend, the Rev. Hermann Felsenheld, as Hebrew teacher. The school was opened on the 7th of July, and numbers already forty scholars, which number is daily increasing. The reverend principal has promised to supply us with the particulars regarding the mode of instruction, &c. at a future period.

New Congregations.—We learn from the public prints that the Israelites at New Haven, Connecticut, have in contemplation to erect a Synagogue. It was only last year that we became aware that any Israelites were established in that city; and to this day we have no farther knowledge of them than that they are mostly emigrants from Germany, who have, however, a Hebrew teacher for their children.We have also reports which can be relied on, that there is a congregation at Syracuse, New York, and that they have meetings for prayer in Wilkesbarre and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and that there is some prospect that in both places there will be soon formed permanent congregations. Indeed, with the increase of emigration from Germany, we should not be at all surprised that before long there will be respectable congregations in the principal inland towns, especially those favourably situated for commerce.

Cape of Good Hope.—On the 14th of September last, there was found, for the first time, at the Cape of Good Hope, a Minyan, that is, ten adult males, which is the smallest number that constitutes a Synagogue. They chose that season, (Rosh Hashanah, the new year) for the inauguration of this new Synagogue. The necessary books and ornaments had been previously procured from London. At the beginning of the service, a German physician established at the Cape, and not previously known to be a Jew, came forward and united himself to his brethren.—Voice of Israel.

Installation of Dr. Adler.—It is understood that this solemn ceremonial will take place on Thursday afternoon, July 10; the arrival of the Rev. Dr. being expected somewhat earlier in that week. He will be received at his landing (expected to be at Dover), with becoming respect, and will, no doubt, come up at once to the temporary residence selected for him. It is arranged, that in the vestry room of the Great (Duke’s Street) Synagogue, the various representatives of the constituent communities will be formally presented to the Rabbi, whom they will then escort in procession into the Synagogue, preceded by the sacred scrolls of the law, under the canopy. The form of service prepared for the occasion is impressive, and very similar to that used at the installation of the lamented Rabbi Sol. Hirschel, זצ״ל nearly fifty years ago. The psalms are particularly appropriate, and will be effectively given by the double choir, suitably accompanied.—V. of J.

The Fine Arts.—We have enjoyed a stroll through the Royal Academy exhibition, and without assuming either the qualifications or the responsibilities of criticism, we undertake a pleasing and not inappropriate task, in enumerating the productions which the exhibition contains, honourable to artists of the Jewish nation. First in rank, stands S. A. Hart, Esq., Royal Academician. We pass by subjects less genial to a Jewish pencil, to stop at No. 16, “The parting of Sir Thomas More from his daughter;” an eloquent appeal to the spectator’s sympathy, redolent of life and feeling. No. 46, “Simchath Torah,” (Festival of the Law,) is a characteristic composition, combining several highly interesting features of antiquity, with the unchangeable type, as we may trace it in the Synagogues of our own time and country. This picture proves very attractive from its merits, no less than from its peculiarities. No. 355, is a noble head, finished in a manner worthy of Mr. Hart’s celebrity.—Mr. Abraham Solomon has a single picture, No. 502, a well-told tale from Peveril of the peak. We cannot pay this rising young artist a higher compliment than to record the fact, that it was immediately sold, and to a gentleman who is himself an artist.—Mr. J. Jacob, has some successful portraits, especially a group of beautiful children, No. 341.—Mr. J. W. Solomon, has a fancy portrait, much admired at the opening of Sussex Hall: and Miss Kate Salaman has a speaking little miniature of a relative.

With reference to Jewish art, An incident came recently to our knowledge, which reflects honour on all concerned. The Athenaeum club, highest in rank of the scientific and literary associations of its class, is not easily entered, and names usually stand on the ballot list for a very considerable time, waiting vacancies; but the Committee can, by unanimous vote, occasionally give precedence to a distinguished candidate, if not unacceptable to the club generally. Mr. Hart was recently voted in summarily, after this manner; a tribute to his fame as an artist, no less than to his fidelity as a Jew, and still more expressive from the fact that a distinguished prelate is an active member of the committee.—Ibid.

Hebrew Library.—A gentleman named Herzberg recently died at Berlin, leaving behind him a valuable collection of eight hundred choice Hebrew works. This collection, although it may not bear comparison with those of Oppenheim or Michael, still is an excellent one, available, during the life-time of its owner, to the literati and students of that capital. Much apprehension prevails therefore, lest it should be broken up and distributed; and a public Hebrew library—necessary in every considerable congregation of Jews—is earnestly contended for.—Ibid.

Bavarian Intolerance Again.—A severe edict has just been promulgated at Munich, forbidding the Jews to deal in cattle; either by sale or barter!

Bavarian Oppression.—A letter from Mayence, dated 16th May, mentions the embarkation of two hundred more Bavarian Jews, in the preceding week, for America: they gave a grievous account of the treatment which the Jews in that kingdom are subjected to, and which leaves no alternative but abject endurance, or expatriation. One of the emigrants, on being asked whether he would not be desirous to return to his native country from America, if successful there, answered—“not until America becomes Bavarian.” It will be remembered that only the eldest son of a Jewish subject of the King of Bavaria, is permitted to marry; the juniors must conform to a compulsory celibacy,—and this modern Pharaoh aspires to be considered a patron of the arts, par excellence!—Ibid.