Letter from Benjamin Franklin Peixotto to Isaac Leeser Regarding Proposed Congregation Union

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Letter from Benjamin Franklin Peixotto to Isaac Leeser discussing a contemplated movement among their people to unite two congregations in order to secure better religious and educational advantages. Peixotto details the proposals of those zealous for the consolidation, including building a new synagogue, adopting a new minhag, engaging a reform preacher, and adopting family pews for both men and women. He expresses his concerns about the potential for apostasy and the reformers' intentions to sell existing synagogue property without compensation to those who own seats. He also discusses his views on the separation of sexes in the synagogue, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of adopting some reforms. He solicits advice and counsel from Leeser on these points.

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