Two-page letter (8" x 12") from Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise of Albany, New York to Rabbi Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 18, 1851. The letter details Wise's legal victory against Louis Spanier following a physical altercation at Congregation Beth-El of Albany. Wise outlines his seven-point legal victory, including a charge of "guilty of assault and battery committed on a minister in the pulpit in presence of his congregation." This letter is one of three in this collection that document the "Congregation Beth-El of Albany Affair."
Subject: Judaism -- Reform Movement -- United States -- History -- 19th century
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This two-and-a-half-page letter, dated September 20, 1850, details Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise's account of the conflict that led to the dissolution of his position at Congregation Beth-El in Albany, New York. Wise describes a contentious meeting, a physical altercation, and the subsequent formation of a new congregation, Anshe Emeth, by his supporters. The letter is addressed to Rabbi Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia.