Chevra Marbitzei Torah-Jewish Association for the Diffusion of Religious Knowledge

(ANGLO-JUDAICA)

London

1860-1877

Three volumes containing various printed annual reports as well as autograph letters from numerous notable personalities including a three page letter from the Chief Rabbi N. M. Adler tipped in. Text in English

Contains the minutes of meetings and reports of the activities of the Chevra Marbitzei Torah Association and its literary sub-committee. Its’ purpose was to diffuse Jewish knowledge and moral improvement among "the more humble classes" by means of Sabbath lectures and free monthly publications on various Jewish topics. It evolved into a broader social-needs organization involved in visiting reformatories and hospitals, expanding its assistance to Jewish discharged prisoners and released convicts to protect them "from relapsing to their former state of crime and irreligion." It established a men's and women's library to provide working men and their families with "recreation and opportunities for mental and moral improvements." The list of founders reflects the aristocracy of Anglo-Jewry and includes Sir Moses Montefiore, Samuel Montague, Moses Chaim Picciotto and Lord N.M. Rothschild. The Association expanded throughout the British Empire to Auckland, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia (see printed reports from the Sydney Jewish Sabbath School, 1884). An important record of Jewish religious and social activities in the 19th century British Empire