Isaac Leeser. Catechism for Jewish Children. Designed as a Religious Manual for House and School.

From Isaac Leeser’s preface to this third edition: “The favourable reception which this manual met with on its first appearance induced me to issue, in 5605, a second edition, differing scarcely from the first. …About eleven years have now elapsed since this book was reissued; and, as it has by degrees found its way into many schools, I now present it in a manner more permanent than before. …The title slightly changed, and with such verbal corrections here and there as a careful revision has pointed out to be needed…it is to be hoped that the Catechism in its new form may be the means of an extended usefulness for many years to come. And, in this connection, I cannot avoid stating that it is a gratifying phenomenon that, notwithstanding the indifference which many express towards religion, there is a deep-seated feeling that something ought and must be done to enlighten the youthful mind. Therefore, if any event in my life can afford me some degree of satisfaction, it is the consciousness of having added one contribution, by this unpretending work, to satisfy the demand for information in the ways of the law of God. …With these few words the Catechism is again offered to the indulgent kindness of the American and British Israelites, in the full hope that it may be of service to those for whose edification it was composed.”