Subject: Jewish Congregations

Printed letter or broadside from the Committee "To the Friends of Religious Reform" in New Orleans, Louisiana, dated October 11, 1864. This appeal for a new Reformed Congregation solicits subscriptions. The committee members were S.L. Nasits, L.A. Levy Jr., N. Barnett, Alexandar Marks, B. S. Lichtenstein, Marx, Julius Weis, Mayer Stern, Edward Newman, G. M. Cohen, Henry Abraham, B. Sternklar, and Leon Blum. This is the only known copy, identified by Singerman #1864. Further research is needed to determine if this effort led to the founding of Temple Sinai in 1870.

This book contains the charter and by-laws of Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Published in 1824 by John Bioren, it represents the first printing of a charter and official incorporation of a Jewish synagogue in America. The book is a significant historical document, illustrating the early development of Jewish communities in the United States. This copy is an ex-library copy with stamps, and has contemporary wrappers (slightly chipped).

This collection comprises ten items: nine letters and one billhead, pertaining to the B'nai Israel Congregation and various businesses in Keokuk, Iowa, dating from 1900 to 1908. The materials include correspondence regarding congregational affairs, as well as business documents such as a bill from the Keokuk Gas and Light company and receipts. The items were found within a handwritten minute book from the B'nai Israel Congregation spanning 1885-1906, suggesting their relation to the broader history of the Keokuk Jewish community. The physical location of these items is varied, and some items are referenced by multiple IDs within the collection.

Collection of bond certificates issued to Congregation Beth El, located at the northeast corner of Palmer Square and Sawyer Avenue. The certificates indicate a potential default in January 1930, during the Great Depression. Coupons remain uncashed since 1932. Several signatures are present on the documents. The documents indicate a value of $500 and a 6% interest rate.

This 11-page pamphlet contains the president's address and secretary's annual report from Congregation Ohabei Shalom in Boston, Massachusetts, dated April 1, 1886. The report notably includes a discussion of burial customs and unique fees, along with strategies to attract new members. Isaac Rosnosky and S. Simons are named as individuals associated with the report.

This book contains the constitution and by-laws of the Congregation House of Israel of Philadelphia, published in 1873. It details the rules and regulations governing the congregation's operations, membership, and activities. According to Singerman 2411, only two copies of this book are known to exist.

This 21-page book contains the constitution and by-laws of Congregation Sha'are Tefilah ("The Gates of Prayer") in New York City, adopted in 1847 (5608). The book was printed by J. M. Jackson in New York and is bound in contemporary wrappers. According to Singerman's bibliography, only one other copy of this book is known to exist.

This pamphlet contains the constitution and by-laws of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Memphis, Tennessee, instituted September 1st, 1850. This copy belonged to Reverend Isaac Leeser and represents the earliest organized Jewish association in Tennessee. The document details the society's structure, rules, and objectives, offering insight into the early development of Jewish communal life in Memphis.

This 16-page pamphlet details the constitution and by-laws of the United Hebrew Benevolent Association of Helena, Montana, circa 1885. It lists 39 male and 23 female members, all wives of the male members. The association, formally reconstituted in 1885, aimed to promote Jewish principles of charity and benevolence by assisting the sick and needy, covering funeral expenses, and organizing religious services, particularly following deaths. The original Hebrew Benevolent Association of Helena was founded in December 1866.

Draft deed of agreement between Congregation B'nai Jeshurun and Congregation Sha'ari Tephila, New York, New York, concerning the sale of a portion of their cemetery near Cypress Hills for $3000. The agreement stipulates that the sale be conducted according to the laws of Beth Olom Cemetery as of March 12, 1856. The document is dated May 20, 1856.

Deed of sale for land purchased by the Society of Peace of Carbondale from the Hillside Coal & Iron Company for the establishment of a cemetery. The deed, dated November 2, 1891, and recorded November 18, 1891, includes a map and details a purchase price of $50.00. The Society of Peace later became Congregation Agudath Sholom.

Draft agreement between Congregation B'nai Jeshurun and Congregation Shaari Tephila for the sale of a portion of their cemetery near Cypress Hills, New York, for $3,000. The agreement, dated April 1, 1856, specifies that the sale is to be conducted according to the laws of Beth Olom Cemetery as of March 12, 1856. Four drafts are present, each with corrections. The document is a manuscript item.

Draft agreement between Congregation B'nai Jeshurun and Congregation Sha'ari Tephila in New York, NY, concerning the sale of a portion of their cemetery near Cypress Hills for $3000. The agreement references the laws of Beth Olom Cemetery and is dated April 15, 1856. Multiple drafts with corrections are present.

Engraving depicting New Orleans, Louisiana, published circa mid-1850s in Germany. The print shows the Nefutzoth Yehudah (Congregation Dispersed of Judah) synagogue. This rare souvenir sheet is from a work showcasing picturesque views of famous cities, their churches, monuments, and public places. The sheet measures 15 x 21 cm and was created by Hermann S. Meyer. Dating is based on the depiction of the Odd Fellows Hall (dedicated 1852, destroyed by fire 1866) and Christ Church (whose third Gothic-style building, depicted in the lithograph, was used until the mid-1880s). The Nefutzoth Yehudah congregation occupied a renovated Christ Church building at the corner of Bourbon and Canal Streets from 1846 (date may be slightly off). The two Jewish congregations reunited in 1881 and moved to a building on Carondelet Street.

This document is a financial record related to $500 in 6% gold bonds issued by Congregation Beth El, located at the northeast corner of Palmer Square and Sawyer Avenue. The record shows a potential default in January 1, 1930, during the Great Depression. It contains several signatures and uncashed coupons dating back to 1932. The record is likely from January 1, 1930, and its geographic context is the location of Congregation Beth El.

This archival item consists of financial records related to $500 in 6% gold bonds issued to the Dorshe Tov Anshe Poland Congregation located at 2120-2128 Crystal Street, Chicago, Illinois. The documents indicate a potential default around January 1, 1930, during the Great Depression. Several signatures are present on the documents, and attached coupons appear to have remained uncashed since 1931.

This archival item consists of financial records related to $500 worth of 6% gold bonds issued to the Dorshe Tov Anshe Poland Congregation located at 2120-2128 Crystal Street, Chicago, Illinois. The documents indicate a potential default in January 1930, during the Great Depression. Several signatures are present, and attached coupons appear to be uncashed since 1931. The records suggest financial hardship faced by the congregation during this period.

Broadside invitation to a meeting of the United Hebrew Benevolent Society held at S. Bernheim's house on Walnut Street in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 1, 1854. The invitation lists I.M. Wise as President and A. Abraham as Treasurer. Published in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Invitation to the First Conference of the Jewish Ministers' Association, held at the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA), 110 West 42nd Street, New York, New York, on January 14, 1885. The invitation is a printed broadside.

An invitation letter, dated February 14, 1851, from Henry Goldsmith to Isaac Leeser, inviting him to attend the laying of the cornerstone of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in New York City on February 25, 1851, at 2:00 PM.

A $25 bond issued on February 19, 1861, by the Kahal Kadosh Beth El Emeth Congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The bond notes that 'G.D' is spelled out. The names B. Spatz, A. Kalin, and W. Florance appear on the bond.

This archival collection contains three legal documents related to a lawsuit concerning the relocation of the Shaaray Tefila Cemetery in New York City. The lawsuit, filed in the New York Supreme Court on May 30, 1856, pits plaintiffs Benjamin J. Hart and David J. Levy against defendants Louis Levy, John M. Davies, Edward Josephs, Aaron S. Solomons, and Joseph Aden (trustees of Shaaray Tefila). The documents include a request for deposition of the plaintiffs (dated May 30, 1856), a copy of an affidavit from Alexander Kursheet for the defendants (filed June 20, 1856), and a group of possibly incomplete draft documents. The suit stemmed from a New York State law passed in 1850-1851 prohibiting further burials in Lower Manhattan, prompting Shaaray Tefila to establish the Beth Olam Cemetery in 1851 with two other Manhattan congregations. The documents detail the legal proceedings surrounding the sale and relocation of the original Shaaray Tefila cemetery. The Shaaray Tefila Synagogue, founded in 1845, was officially chartered in 1848 by primarily English and Dutch Jews who had previously been members of B'nai Jeshurun. Its first rabbi, Samuel Isaacs, was one of few English-speaking rabbis in the United States at the time and remained in that post until 1877.

A letter written by A. L. Mayer to Isaac Leeser on December 23, 1864, from Syracuse, New York. The letter, written in German with an English translation, discusses Mayer's new position leading the Syracuse congregation and current disputes within the community. Mayer had recently assumed the leadership after serving in Easton, Pennsylvania.

A one-page letter written by Abraham De Young, President of a newly formed congregation in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Isaac Leeser on November 9, 1849. The letter announces the congregation's new rented temple and lists its officers: Jacob Meyer (VP), H. Asher (VP), Benjamin Goldenberg (Trustee), B. Frank (Trustee), Julius Sayer (Secretary), and N. Grunsburger (Treasurer). An excerpt from a later Occident article provides an update on the congregation's status and membership.

Four-page letter written in German by E. Oppenheim of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia on July 14, 1864. The letter discusses the condition of the Pottsville congregation, noting the roles of Mr. Greewald and Silas Strause, and details a visit to the Danville congregation, including an incident involving the arrest of Mr. Oettinge. A full transcription is included.

A one-page letter written by Henry Auerbach, Secretary of the United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri, to Isaac Leeser on May 30, 1864. Auerbach inquires about the qualifications of Henry Vidaver, a former rabbi of Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a position in St. Louis.

Three-page letter dated December 24, 1838, from Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to his uncle, Zalma Rehine in Baltimore, Maryland. Leeser details his contractual difficulties with his congregation, outlining his complaints and considering resignation. He expresses his distress and discusses the political dynamics within the congregation. The letter also reveals Leeser's personal struggles and his reliance on his uncle's judgment in deciding his future. A second item in this record is an 1886 advertisement for the American Cigar Company, Richmond, Virginia. The advertisement features a caricature and appears to be related to Philip Whitlock.

Two-page letter written by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise of Albany, New York to Rabbi Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 8, 1850. The letter details the events surrounding a conflict at Congregation Beth-El in Albany, including a physical altercation, the involvement of the sheriff, and the subsequent formation of a new congregation, Anshe Emeth. Wise requests that Leeser publish an announcement in the Occident about the new congregation and the resolution of the conflict.

A letter written by M. S. Isaacs to Mayer Sulzberger on August 7, 1884, concerning a meeting of the Executive Board of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. The letter was sent to Sulzberger at 115 Broadway, New York, NY.

Handwritten letter dated April 23, 1886, from Dr. A. S. Bettelheim in San Francisco, California, to Solomon Preiss, Secretary of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Baltimore, Maryland. Bettelheim accepts the offered position of Rabbi, expressing a wish for a five-year contract. The letter reflects his anticipation of the future temple's construction and his dedication to the congregation's well-being.

This archival object consists of a negotiable bond issued by Congregation Anshe Emes of Chicago, Illinois, dated January 1, 1930. The bond is for $500, with a 6% interest rate, indicating a potential default due to the economic depression. The document shows numerous signatures and attached coupons that have not been cashed since 1931. The bond's physical condition reflects its age and the economic circumstances of its issuance.

Book containing the proceedings of the fifth annual session of the Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, held July 9-11, 1878. Includes "Propositions [regarding the Hebrew Union College] ... : submitted [by I.M. Wise] to the gentlemen of the commission appointed by the Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations at Milwaukee, July 11, 1878". Published in 1878.

Program for the inauguration service of Rabbi Moshe Amine, religious teacher at both Israelite communities in Suriname. Published in Paramaribo, Suriname in 1964.

A receipt for an offering of $0.78 to Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The receipt is signed by Hyman Gratz, acting as gabay (treasurer) for the congregation, and witnessed by Solomon Cohen. The date of the receipt is October 10, 1832.

This document is a receipt for an offering of $2.03 to Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The receipt is dated October 18, 1841, and was issued by I. De Gouny to Hyman Gratz, who served as Gabay (treasurer) of the congregation.

Printed receipt in Hebrew and English, issued by Morris Sulzberger, Gabay of Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Miss Fanny Sulzberger for the rental of seat number 175, upstairs, for twelve dollars. Dated October 3, 1894.

Receipt issued by Hyman Gratz, Gabay of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to A. Benjamin for twelve dollars, seat number 32, on November 6, 1850. The receipt is written in English and possibly Hebrew.

Partly-printed receipt document, signed, measuring 8 x 3-1/4 inches. Issued in New York on October 1, 1843, to Frederick M. Tobias from the Trustees of Congregation Shearith Israel. The receipt details a $20 offering by Tobias and a $5 offering on behalf of his sister. The document is signed by D. Phillips.

A signed receipt documenting a debt of $68.75 owed by Moses Weil to the Trustees of Congregation Benei Israel. The receipt, dated December 1, 1865, includes a revenue stamp and notes that the debt is payable in nine months. The document also mentions L. Kahn, who fought in the Civil War. Evansville, Indiana.

This 20-page pamphlet documents the proceedings of the annual meeting of District Grand Lodge No. 2 of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, held in Chicago, Illinois on July 13th and 14th, 1862. The district encompassed Midwestern cities, as well as Tennessee and Kentucky. The meeting's report reflects the activities and decisions of the organization during the American Civil War.

Broadside announcing the semi-annual public exercises of the Hebrew Institute in Rochester, New York, held on April 2, 1857. Published by Adolph Nolte, the broadside features songs in English and German and lists the Board of Education and Rev. I. Mayer as Principal of the Hebrew and German Departments. Printed on thin paper.

Sterling silver cup presented to President S. Kaplan by members of Congregation Ahavath Sholom on August 15, 1906. The cup is hallmarked with "STERLING" and a Roman government symbol (axe and reeds).