The author, who is unidentified, writes to Isaac Leeser from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 5, 1866, enclosing a slip announcing their admission to the Pittsburgh Bar. They request Leeser to publish this announcement in the next edition of *The Occident*, along with any further remarks Leeser deems fit, and ask for a copy of the published edition.
Letter from N. Gallinger to Isaac Leeser regarding the Sabbath laws. Gallinger suggests that the Israelites of Pennsylvania petition the state legislature to pass a law similar to those in Virginia and Ohio, granting Jews the right to conduct business on Sundays. He mentions the hardships faced by those observing the Sabbath due to business limitations and believes that such a law would promote religious observance and attachment.
Jaroslawski defends Marcusson against accusations of bribery and conversion, detailing interactions with missionaries and criticizing their methods. He describes a missionary, Avery, who visited him, claimed success in conversion, and then did not return. He discusses the motivations of missionaries, asserting that their actions are driven by money and a desire for conversions rather than genuine concern for Jewish people. He notes that those who criticize Marcusson are driven by self-interest and that Marcusson is not influenced by monetary considerations. He closes by hoping his account will be published to inform the public.
Letter from Mayer Manheim to Isaac Leeser discussing a marriage ceremony he performed for Mr. Cohen and his bride, a proselyte. Manheim defends his actions, explaining that he trusted Cohen's word that the bride was a proselyte and that it seemed preferable to have a Jewish marriage ceremony to ensure the children would be considered Jewish. The letter also contains a second letter from N. Gallinger to Leeser, expressing concerns about Mr. Cohen's actions and suggesting that the Occident might be the right place to expose them.
Letter from N. Gallinger to Reverend Isaac Leeser discussing the proceedings of a recent meeting of the writer's congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The letter details the election of officers, the establishment of regular Sabbath services with a fine for absences, and the challenges of maintaining a minyan. It also mentions a separate Polish congregation and its attempts to draw members away. Gallinger apologizes for his poor English and promises to keep Leeser updated on the congregation's activities.
Letter from Pittsburgh, PA to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, dated January 17, 1855. The author inquires about a teaching position at the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia for a German teacher who recently completed his studies in Württemberg. The letter highlights the teacher's qualifications and recommends him for the position.
Letter from A. Fromenfeld, Secretary pro tem. of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Pittsburgh, PA, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA. Fromenfeld requests that Leeser insert enclosed resolutions in the next issue of his periodical and send the bill to the Congregation. The letter includes a list of names and numbers, possibly subscriptions or donations.
Letter from Isaac Strouse of Pittsburgh, PA to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, dated October 4th. Strouse writes to Leeser to pay a three-year subscription for Leeser's periodical, and offers an additional payment for the work *Anthology of the Rabbi's*. He also mentions a possible alternative payment using copies of *The Occident*. The letter is four pages long on two sheets.
Letter from N. Gallinger, Sr. of Pittsburgh, PA to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, dated March 15, 1858. Gallinger encloses $7.65 for advertising in Leeser's *Occident* for the Rodef Shalom Congregation of Pittsburgh. He also mentions Mr. Rosenbach and payment for Leeser's services.
Letter from Menahem Elya Marcussohn to Isaac Leeser, written in Pittsburgh, PA on January 8, 1853 (8 Tebet 5613). The letter is seven pages long and discusses several topics, including a prior stay in Charleston, South Carolina, a previous employment situation, and accusations made against the author. It also delves into theological discussions regarding the Trinity, and mentions specific individuals and events related to the writer's experiences. The letter is written primarily in English, with some Hebrew text included. Several individuals, including Mr. Yaroslausky, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Block, Mr. Sahling, Mr. Davis, and Joseph and Mary are mentioned in the context of disputes and clarifications.
Postmaster S. F. Von Bonnhorst informs the publisher of the Occident that their periodical addressed to E. Frowenfeld was refused and not picked up at the Pittsburgh Post Office.
Letter from Leopold Jaroslawski to Isaac Leeser, written in Pittsburgh on September 27, 1852. Jaroslawski describes the current state of the Polish Congregation, Beit Yisrael, including its membership, synagogue, and recent leadership elections. He requests that Leeser publish this information in his paper to correct any misinformation. He also expresses his hope for the congregation's continued prosperity and success in spreading Jewish principles.
Letter from Leopold Jaroslawski in Pittsburgh, PA to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, dated March 28, 1854. Jaroslawski writes that he received a box containing seven Bibles and several volumes of Diaz Letters. He requests instructions on what to do with the books and mentions the possibility of selling some if he knew their price. He also mentions a congregational meeting where officers were elected.
A one-page letter from Daniel Stein of Stein Bros. to Reverend Isaac Leeser. Stein encloses a draft on the Importers & Traders National Bank of New York for $12.50, explaining that the money is for N. Gallinger ($3.50) and himself ($9.00).
Letter from Zadack L. Eisner to Reverend Doctor Isaac Leeser inquiring about the proper form for taking an oath in court. Eisner explains that he left home at a young age and has not paid attention to such matters since coming to the country. He requests information on the procedure and asks to be added as a subscriber to Leeser's paper, the Asmonean.
Three-page letter from N. Gellinger of Pittsburgh, PA to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, expressing surprise at the election of a Rev. Mr. Rubinson to a position in Richmond, VA, based on information Gellinger had received contradicting the Rev. Mr. Rubinson's claims to be Jewish. Gellinger questions the suitability of Mr. Rubinson for such a position within a Jewish congregation based on his past actions and statements. The letter also refers to a meeting with Mr. Rubinson, as well as Mr. Mareuson and Mr. Cohen, in Pittsburgh. Gellinger's letter also references *The Occident*, specifically, Vol. 10, No. 6, page 328.
Letter from E. Marcuson of Pittsburgh, PA to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, dated November 10, 1853. Marcuson inquires about Leeser's Bible translation, specifically mentioning his interest in obtaining a copy. He also offers his services and mentions sending five dollars with Mr. Jaruslawsky. The letter includes a brief mention of an Israelite in a hospital.
Letter from Menachem Elya Marcussohn to Isaac Leeser written in Pittsburgh, PA on 1853, during Succoth. Marcussohn discusses his new position with a congregation in Cleveland, and asks Leeser for the address of Mr. Yaroslavsky and to support him in his new position. He also mentions paying his debt to the Occident. The letter is written in English with some Hebrew words and phrases.
Letter from N. Gallinger in Pittsburgh, PA to Rev. I. Leeser in Philadelphia, PA, requesting that Leeser place an advertisement in his publication, *The Occident*, to recruit a competent individual to serve as a cantor, ritual slaughterer, and teacher for the German Jewish Congregation Sharay Shomajim in Pittsburgh. Gallinger also inquires about Mr. E. Marcusson's qualifications and the potential merger of the Pittsburgh congregation with another.
Letter from Leopold Jaroslawski in Pittsburgh, PA to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, PA on November 18, 1852. Jaroslawski writes to Leeser to ask for his help in securing assistance for a dying man named Levy, the brother of Mrs. Tobias. Levy is gravely ill and has been cared for by Jaroslawski and others, but his brother in Philadelphia has not responded to requests for help. Jaroslawski implores Leeser to intercede with Mrs. Tobias or her brother to provide aid to their dying relative.
Letter from Menahem Elya Marcussohn to Isaac Leeser discussing the printing of prayer books and holiday books translated into English. The writer also mentions a previous Bible subscription that had not been fulfilled and expresses concerns from his acquaintances about the delay. The letter is written in both English and Hebrew.