Two-page letter written by J. C. from Chicago to Isaac Leeser, editor of The Occident in Philadelphia, on June 24, 1857. The writer sends a copy of a newspaper article from the Deborah (published in Cincinnati) about the dedication of a new Jewish cemetery and requests that Leeser publish it in his newspaper for the benefit of the Jewish community.
One-page letter from B. Felsenthal in Chicago to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, dated February 24, 1862. Felsenthal requests that Leeser publish an enclosed card in the next issue of *The Occident*. He asks Leeser not to associate him with self-proclaimed religious leaders whom Felsenthal considers pretentious and vainglorious.
Letter from Chicago, Illinois, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, dated June 20. The letter describes the consecration of the First Synagogue in Illinois in Chicago on June 13th, and details the presence of S. M. Isaacs from New York, who delivered a well-received sermon. The writer conveys positive reactions to Isaacs' sermon, noting its impact on the congregation and their decision to hire an English-speaking minister. Parts of the letter are obscured due to a hole in the paper and a wax seal.
A one-page letter from J. & A. Schmaltz in Chicago, Illinois to Rev. Mr. Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated December 13, 1856. The letter informs Leeser that they are sending him $600, as per his bill.
Letter from B. Felsenthal in Chicago to Rev. Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. Felsenthal encloses $10.77 to credit his account for the Occident magazine and requests the May and June 1866 issues, which he lent to a friend. He also shares news about a fundraising effort for a hospital in Chicago, with $7,500 already subscribed, and another meeting planned to collect more funds. A lot for the hospital was already purchased for $4,000.
Greenwood writes to Isaac Leeser about the discontinuation of a periodical, the activities of the Washington Irving Literary Association (a Hebrew association of which Greenwood is president), and upcoming events, including lectures by Rev. I. Wise and a dramatic contest.
Horner, Hy writes to Rev. I. Leeser to submit an article for publication in the Occident. Horner states that he believes the article is worthy of publication but gives Leeser permission to alter it if necessary.
Postmaster S. Nevard informs the editor of the "Occident" magazine that the magazine addressed to James Peres remains unclaimed at the Chicago Post Office and should be discontinued.
Three-page letter from A. Kohn in Chicago to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, dated March 10, 1851. Kohn discusses a financial matter involving an outstanding debt, expresses his regret regarding Leeser's resignation from his position, and offers advice on increasing subscriptions for Leeser's publications. He also provides news about the Jewish community in Chicago and other Midwestern cities, noting the establishment of new congregations. The letter mentions the Occident and suggests a publicity tour as a way to promote subscriptions.
Letter from the Chicago Hebrew Benevolent Society to Isaac Leeser expressing thanks for his lecture delivered in Chicago on December 17, 1854, for the benefit of the Society. The letter requests publication of two resolutions passed by the Society expressing gratitude for Leeser's contribution and its positive impact on the Society's reputation and understanding of its mission.
Two-page letter written by Joseph A. Cohen from Chicago, Illinois to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 12, 1866. Cohen, who immigrated from London eight months prior, seeks Leeser's assistance in finding a position as a Hebrew and English teacher in an orthodox congregation. He mentions being a reader of Leeser's journal and admirer of his articles defending orthodox principles. The letter includes multiple instances of the word "Hebrew" added in the margins.
Letter from B. Felsenthal in Chicago to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. Felsenthal informs Leeser of his new address and sends New Year's greetings in Hebrew and English.
Two-page letter from B. Felsenthal in Chicago, Illinois to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated March 19, 1867. Felsenthal politely requests that Leeser discontinue sending him the Occident, citing his low salary. He assures Leeser that he will continue reading the Occident through his membership in a young men's association that subscribes to it. Felsenthal expresses his appreciation for the paper's integrity and wishes all Jewish papers were similarly honest and decent. He also inquires about his balance owed for the paper.
Letter from H. I. Kohn in Chicago to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia requesting two sets of Chumashim with English translations and Tefillot with English translations for his children's school. He asks for the lowest cash price and offers to remit payment upon receipt. He also requests a bill for the Occident until April 1866.
Letter from A. Alexander in Chicago to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, dated July 28, 1862. Written in German, the letter discusses the sale of a new Hebrew Bible translation. Alexander inquires about sales opportunities, particularly for schools, and expresses interest in receiving samples to assess their suitability.
Letter from J. L. Scripps, postmaster of Chicago, to the publisher of the Occident, informing them that their paper addressed to Joseph Peres and Morris Einstein in Joliet was not picked up and remains undelivered. Scripps requests that the paper be discontinued.
Letter from J. Greenlord to Isaac Leeser concerning a bill for a subscription and advertisement. Greenlord questions the amount and provides an alternative calculation, enclosing a receipt and suggesting a revised accounting from January 1863. The letter includes several handwritten calculations and corrections.