(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

AUCTION 15 | Tuesday, March 12th, 2002 at 1:00
Fine Hebrew Books, Manuscripts and Works of Art The Property of Various Owners

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Lot 27

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

Gutheim, James K. The Synagogue and the Covenant, Two Sermons; The First Delivered at the Dedication of the New Synagogue, Shangarai [sic] Shamayim, of Mobile, Alabama, on Friday, Sevan I, 5618, A. M. (May 14, 1858). The Second, on the Sabbath Following. By JAMES K. GUTHEIM, Minister of the Congregation Dispersed of Judah, of New Orleans, La. Published By Request pp. (1), 20. Foxed in places. Original printed blue wrappers. 8vo cf. Singerman 1530 (unseen)

Mobile, Ala.: B. Brown 1858

Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PRICE REALIZED $2,400
Shaarei Shamayim, established in 1841, was Alabama’s first synagogue. Exceptionally scarce, this sermon represents the first Jewish work printed in Alabama. Singerman was unable to locate a single copy and only based his listing on a reference by Moritz Steinschneider. James K. Gutheim (1817-86) born in Westphalia, immigrated to America in 1843. He served as Rabbi in New Orleans, and also occupied pulpits in Cincinnati, Montgomery, Columbus, and Temple Emanu-El in New York City. A highly regarded orator, he was among the few Rabbis to preach in English. A close assiciate of Isaac Mayer Wise, he helped establish the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and Hebrew Union College. A Southerner at heart, Gutheim died in New Orleans an avowed and unrepentant Confederate patriot