Autograph Letter Signed to Rev. Isaac Leeser
by PIZA, D.M
Price: $1,500.00
- Bookseller: Historicana
- Seller Inventory #: 42
- Book condition: Very Good
- Place: St. Thomas (Virgin Islands)
- Date published: 1863
Book Description
Rare 19th century Virgin Island Synagogue Correspondence: Requesting Grace Aguilar material, and announcing opening of a religious school for both sexes, with extensive list of women supporters PIZA, D.M Autograph Letter Signed to Rev. Isaac Leeser. St. Thomas [Virgin Islands] November 16, 1863. Two pp. on single bi-folio sheet, on light blue stationary. RARE DOCUMENT ILLUMINATING THE LIFE OF A 19TH CENTURY CONGREGATION ON THE ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS, VIRGIN ISLANDS. The Jews (and Catholics) of the Virgin Islands were granted complete freedom of religion in 1685 and established a rich community built from Spanish and Portuguese descent. This letter undoubtedly relates to The Sephardic Synagogue, built in Charlotte Amalie in 1833. It is today the second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. From this synagogue have come two governors of the Virgin Islands: Morris Findangue de Castro and Ralph Paiewonsky. United States Senator David Levy Yulee (1810) was born in St. Thomas. “Copy Rev. Isaac Leeser Philadelphia Dear Sir, Your several favors came duly to hand and I beg that you will excuse my not replying thereto ere this. Previous to the receipt of your printed prospectus Mr. Correa and myself had been attending to its object, and got between nineteen subscribers at $5 but I have since been unable to obtain any more. Mr. Nathan is however of opinion that should you send thirty copies in all, the extra ones could be disposed of. I am not aware whether you want the names of the subscribers, but annex a list thereof to serve you in case you should.--- I have been requested to inquire for some others of Miss Aguilar’s religious works, and if you should have any, please send me a copy of each. The Daily Prayers having sold you may also send me a new supply; and the Congregation’s Bill for advertisement, which I was once asked to solicit of you. You are doubtless aware of Mr. Nathan’s having been installed on the eve of R Hashona, and I am happy to add that the congregation seem truly pleased with his ministry; their regard being much enhanced by his affability. That such a good understanding may ever continue to exist is much to be desired. It would be superfluous to speak of the pleasure which his sermons afford his hearers. His salary is $1800. I believe he has opened today a school for the education of a limited number of pupils of both sexes. Returning my best wishes in the New Year, I am, Dear Sir, Yours Truly D.M.P.” ACKNOWLEDGING ROLE OF JEWISH WOMEN. It is invigorating to read of the respect this congregation afforded Jewish women during the mid-19th century. It was very unusual for a fledgling community to take the initiative to set up a religious school for females, boys nearly always taking precedence. The request for further books by Grace Aguilar, also clearly demonstrates the important position her work commanded at this time. Of the following list of subscribers, (most having names of Spanish/Portuguese descent) nearly all are women. Subscriber Names Mrs. Samuel Piza (Panama) “ B. Luria “ L.B. Delvalle “ Sol. L. Madura “ Judah Safso Widow of LJ. DeJongh (Curacoa) Mrs. DeCardoza “ M. De Sola “ J.H. Osorio “ Maurice Osorio “ Rachel de Fidangue Miss Esther Benlisa Mr. Meyer (or Mrs.) S. Joseph ( “ ) Mrs. Alex Levy Miss Esther Fidangue D.M. Piza A.H.L. Maduro S.I. Delvalle 21 sub.
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