Letter from Rabbi Bernard Illowy to Isaac Leeser, circa 1853

This 7.5" x 10" letter, written in German with an accompanying translation, was sent from Rabbi Bernard Illowy to Isaac Leeser around 1853. Illowy requests copies of past issues of *The Occident* and mentions Messrs. B. Abeles and Grunsfelder in relation to outstanding funds. The letter provides insight into the relationship between Illowy and Leeser, which later soured, and offers a glimpse into the Philadelphia Jewish community of the time. Rabbi Illowy arrived in America in 1852 as the first Orthodox Rabbi with a PhD. He held rabbinical positions in various cities, including Philadelphia, St. Louis, Syracuse, Baltimore, and New Orleans. A renowned scholar and speaker, he engaged in significant polemical exchanges with Reform leaders, his writings appearing in publications like *The Asmonean*, *The Israelite*, *The Jewish Messenger*, and *The Occident*.

Associated People/Businesses

• LEESER, ISAAC / Illowy , Rabbi Bernard

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Orthodox Judaism
• Reform Judaism

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 3, Folder 4