Subject: Unknown Subject

Letter from Dr. Illowy in New Orleans to an unknown recipient in Philadelphia concerning the circumcision of children born to non-Jewish mothers. The letter discusses the conflict between the views of various mohels (ritual circumcisers) and rabbis on the practice. Dr. Illowy details his efforts to prevent circumcisions without the subsequent ritual immersion (tevilah) and seeks a legal opinion from Rabbi Leeser on the matter. The letter is accompanied by images of four pages of handwritten text in German. The text includes references to Jewish law and religious authorities, such as Maimonides, in supporting the argument that circumcision alone does not make a child Jewish, and the ritual immersion (tevilah) is also necessary.

This article, published in *The Jewish Messenger* on February 3, 1865 (Shevat 7, 5625), reprints a letter from Dr. Illowy, Rabbi of a New Orleans congregation, responding to a committee's request to retract his censure of Mr. Goldenberg, a member of the congregation, regarding the circumcision of children of non-Israelite mothers. Dr. Illowy defends his actions, citing rabbinic authorities and arguing against the admission of such children into Judaism without sincere conversion, highlighting the potential harm to the Jewish community. He discusses the legal and religious aspects of conversion and the implications of performing circumcision without the appropriate religious observances.

A two-page letter listing the names of those present at the circumcision of Elias Heuriquer's son, Benjamin Franklin, on December 26, 1847, and a list of works required. The list of attendees includes Elias Heruriquer (father), M F Ricardo Moel, Moses Lindo (godfather), Michael Pardo of Laljuay, Jacob Julieu, Abraham Myerstore, Abraham Lobo, Nelsou Cohen Heuriquer, and Polli of Valencia. The list of works includes previously published works of the "Jewish Miscellany," instruction in the Mosaic religion, a Hebrew spelling book, and several other religious texts.

Letter from Joseph Jacobsohn? in New Orleans to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, dated October 24, 1864. Jacobsohn discusses a controversy surrounding the circumcision of children with Christian mothers by Dr. Illowy. He raises three questions regarding the permissibility of such circumcisions under Jewish law, the authority of a rabbi to declare a mohel (circumciser) unfit, and the culpability of those who allow such a mohel to perform the ceremony. The letter also includes observations on the growth of Sukkot celebrations in New Orleans.

Letter from M. Suligson in Galveston, Texas to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Suligson describes the small Jewish community in Texas, noting some members' assimilation through intermarriage. The letter also details a unique circumcision performed by a Mr. E. Cohen, who was recently from England, on his newborn son due to the lack of a mohel nearby. The author apologizes for any errors and sends his respects to Mr. Hackenberg. A link to the relevant pages in *The Occident* is included.