Bikurei ha-Yam / First Fruits of the West [Anglo-Jewish Periodical]. Edited by Rev. M.N. Nathan and Lewish Ashenheim. Three issues: Vol. I, Nos. 1, 2, and 9-10.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

J. de Cordova

Kingston, Jamaica

1844

English interspersed with Hebrew.

While containing articles of universal Jewish appeal, this short-lived journal preserves much of historical interest concerning the Jews of Jamaica. Thus, in the very first number, we have a sermon delivered at the consecration of the temporary synagogue of the English and German Congregation, Kingston. In the second issue, we have a sermon delivered by the late Haham Joshua Hezekiah de Cordova at Spanish-Town. In the next issue, there is a sermon preached by the Rev. M.N. Nathan in the Sephardim Synagogue, Kingston, on Sabbath Vayetze, 5605 [1845], after the demise of Rev. L.A. Green, Minister Elect to the Montego-Bay Congregation, Jamaica. Of especial interest is the feature “Local News.” One gathers that there was some friction betwen the Aschkenazic and Sephardic elements on the island.