“To our Brethren the Israelites of Europe…” Printed circular pertaining to the journeys of the emissary Aaron Selig Ashkenazi on behalf of the Perushim Community of Jerusalem.

Following the opening of the Perushim’s Menachem Zion Synagogue in Jerusalem, the industrious emissary Aaron Selig Ashkenazi here seeks funds for a remarkable project - the purchase of the Temple Mount. “Our hearts are afflicted and our eyes are dimmed when we behold the sanctuary of the Lord which still lies in ruins; nor is it in the power of us (the German Congregation) to rebuild it; for alas, great is the number of our poor who stand in need of bread… We therefore deem it our bounden duty to dispatch a messenger unto our brethren, the children of Israel, who are dispersed and in exile, in order to acquaint them with ‘the salvation of the Lord in the land,’ so that they may arise and take pity on Zion, for it is time to show mercy unto her… Now, therefore, let the righteous behold and rejoice. Let the pious exult and triumph in gladness. The day ye have so long hoped for is come, and ye see it. The crown of holiness will again adorn its former abode. Therefore, arise, and take upon yourselves, according to the words of this letter, to devote a portion of your wealth as a sacred tribute towards erecting ‘the Temple of the Most Holy King on the mountain of the Lord’—that ye may have a portion and a righteous record in Jerusalem… Let each man encourage his neighbor and say, ‘We will be zealous and persevering for our people and the City of our God. And for the love of Zion, and the sake of Jerusalem, we will not rest nor be easy until Jerusalem is praised throughout the earth, and foremost in our joys, even as we have vowed:—If I forget thee, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.’” Endorsed below by the leading lights of London’s Jewish Community, including the members of Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschel’s Beth Din.