Ezekiel, Jacob (1812-99). Autograph Letter Signed, written to Isaac Leeser, in English.

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

9th May

Richmond, Va.

1853

Concerning the Jews of China, and how the Jews of America can lend them support, both spiritually and financially.

Roused by a series of articles in The Occident on the Jews of China and their current isolated state, ignorant of even the ability to read Hebrew, and vulnerable to Christian missionaries from Europe, Jacob Ezekiel wrote Leeser this letter. Ezekiel was wholly taken by the topic of the Jews of China, a subject he assumes that Leeser’s “whole soul and mind is at this time imbued with.” Leeser had proposed that one or two men “of vigorous mind and robust constitution” be sent to China where they could make contact with Chinese Jews and teach them Hebrew: “We believe there is a gentleman, now in this country, but we are not permitted to hint even his whereabouts, who would be willing to undertake this errand of mercy, if he were deputed by the Israelites of England and America, to carry the message of good tidings to our brethren… and to devote one or more years to the instruction of adults and children.” (“What Can Be Done?,” The Occident, March 1, 1854, p. 584.) Ezekiel assures Leeser that there are many Jews willing and able to assist with money, raising awareness and fundraising.