Gratz, Rebecca (1781-1869). Autograph Letter Signed written to her sister Rachel Gratz, in English.

AUCTION 80 | Thursday, March 28th, 2019 at 1:00 PM

The Valmadonna Trust Library: Further Selections from the Historic Collection. * Hebrew Printing in America. * Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 122

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

Gratz, Rebecca (1781-1869). Autograph Letter Signed written to her sister Rachel Gratz, in English.

Remarkably intimate letter to Gratz’s sister Rachel, from “Becky” as she here calls herself. Rebecca discusses their mutual friends, siblings, social activity, and repeatedly professes her affection for Rachel and her children. In one tender passage she compares one of her younger sisters to another who had died, she is like "my adored, ever regretted Angel Isabella." Three pages, autograph address panel on verso. Few tears at folds, stained. Tall 4to. Accompanied by typed transcription.

n.p: December 18-19 1800

Est: $1,500 - $2,000

PRICE REALIZED $1,300

This letter is a fine look into the social life of Rebecca Gratz and the close relationship with her sister Rachel (1783-1823). Indeed after Rachel died, Rebecca took her sister’s six children into her home and raised them herself. Deeply involved in Jewish education and other charitable good works, Rebecca was also highly sociable, and friends with such American literati as Washington Irving. An educated woman who always sought to enrich her own Jewish learning, Rebecca remained a proud and devout Jew amidst a very Christian environment, who never failed to defend her religious beliefs among Gentile friends. Rebecca founded the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society in 1819 to service Jewish woman and children in need, who heretofore, had to rely on the charity of Christians intent on evangelizing their Hebrew brethren in need.