Letter from Abraham Leeser and Leah Lippmann to Isaac Leeser, Sternberg and Munster, Germany, 1823

A single-sheet letter (8 x 10 inches) written on both sides. One side contains a letter from Abraham Leeser, written from Sternberg, Germany, in 1823, to his nephew Isaac Leeser in Munster, Germany. The letter is written in Yiddish and includes a reliable English translation (circa 1950). Abraham discusses Isaac's impending departure for America and proposes joining him. The other side features a letter from Isaac's sister, Leah Lippmann, also written in 1823. She responds to a request from Isaac and mentions her busy life as a housewife with seven children. She also expresses her desire to visit Isaac before he leaves for America and her intention to depart her current residence. The back of the sheet shows the original handwritten address in German script to Isaac Leeser in Munster, with his name additionally written in bold English script. This letter is significant in American Jewish history, reflecting Isaac Leeser's pivotal decision to emigrate to America. Details from this letter are cited in L. J. Sussman's biography, "Isaac Leeser in the Making of American Judaism" (1995).

Associated People/Businesses

• Leeser, Isaac / Leeser, ABRAHAM / LIPPMAN, LEAH

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Emigration and immigration
• Yiddish language
• 19th century

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 3, Folder 4|Arc.MS.56, Box A, Folder 2