Letter from Samuel Hart to Isaac Leeser, Charleston, May 6, 1853


Three-page handwritten letter from Samuel Hart of Charleston, South Carolina to Isaac Leeser, dated May 6, 1853. The letter discusses fundraising for books and Occident subscriptions, and expresses concern and criticism regarding Dr. Isaac Wise's appointment to a Cincinnati congregation, perceived as a triumph of Reform Judaism. Hart, a religious traditionalist and president of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, speculates on Wise's motives and beliefs. The letter provides insight into the religious tensions and debates within the American Jewish community in the mid-19th century. The letter is housed in the University of Pennsylvania Library's collection of Judaica Americana.


Associated People/Businesses

  • Leeser, Isaac / HART, SAMUEL (1805.1896)

Geography

No geographic information available.


Subjects


Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 3, Folder 4