JACOB EZEKIEL (1812-1899. Father of noted American sculptor Moses Ezekiel). Autograph Letter Signed to Isaac Leeser

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

Richmond, Virginia

15th February, 1867

Interesting letter concerning the role of Minhag-Ashkenaz in seeking to create a uniform Minhag-America. “In regard to congregational matters, the German congregation are very desirous to amalgamate the three congregations together...I desire to put the matter off until we can have a convention to arrange about the Minhag for this country America...As you know the Germans are so wedded to their Minhag that by giving it a little preference we may be able to overcome a great deal of the prejudice now existing, and at the same time retain our dialect...I will show the German Orthodox congregations that we are not biased in favor of one particular Minhag, but willing to make some concessions in favor of the great majority of congregations in this country...and thus enable to affect the desired union."