De La Motta, Jacob (d. 1845). Autograph Manuscript. Sermon: Bevo kol Yisrael… / When all Israel is come… (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). Written in Hebrew and English.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

Charleston

1832

Hebrew in square Hebrew characters and English in cursive script.

“The Following Discourse was Delivered in the Year 1832 Before the Congregation Beth Elohim of Charleston, in their Synagogue, by Jacob De La Motta, M.D. their President or Parnass” (written on first page in another hand). A native of Savannah, Dr. Jacob de la Motta was a physician and pharmacist, with far-reaching interests in politics, natural history and philosophy. He also acted as Reader of Charleston's Congregation Beth Elohim for several years. In 1820, de la Motta delivered a Discourse at the consecration of Savannah's synagogue which was later published and copies sent to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. See C. Reznikoff, The Jews of Charleston (1950), pp. 86-88.