American Liturgy: A Letter Concerning Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise's Reform Activities

Six-page letter (8 x 12 inches), primarily in English with interspersed Hebrew, titled "ALBANY FOR THE OCCIDENT" and "AMERICAN LITURGY." Likely written circa late 1840s or early 1850s, it offers an early critique of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise's reform activities in Albany by an Orthodox member of the Albany community. The letter mocks Wise, referring to him as "Rev. Beth Din," and discusses his attempts at liturgical reform and the establishment of a unified American Jewish ritual. The author expresses concern over the potential schisms within the Jewish community caused by these reforms and also cites Mr. L. and the Occident. The letter is missing a page that likely contained the writer's signature. This remarkable document, sent to Leeser's Occident, provides rare insight into the early stages of the Reform movement in America.

Associated People/Businesses

• LEESER, ISAAC / Wise, Isaac Mayer

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Reform Judaism
• Liturgy

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 12, Folder 6