RITUAL OF JEWISH WORSHIP
Rochester, N.Y.: Charles Mann, 1885. Item #43565
1st edition. Original boards with gilt lettering on front and spine, small 8vo, vi + 69 + 150 pages. Singerman 3353.
Nineteenth Century American Reform prayer book aimed at modernizing American Jewish services. Published during the era of the Pittsburgh Platform, it emphasizes vernacular English, ethical monotheism, and shortened services for the Sabbath and festivals to engage congregants.
Jewish institutional bookplate notes book is from the "Felsenthal Collection," indicating that it previously belonged to leading Chicago Reform Rabbi Bernhard Felsenthal. " Max Landsberg (1845-1927) was “senior rabbi of the B'rith Kodesh Congregation, Rochester, New York….He was brought up in Hildesheim [Germany] where his father was appointed rabbi….From 1867, he taught at the seminary in Hanover until 1871 when, on the recommendation of the Jewish reformer Abraham Geiger (1810–1874), he moved to Rochester where he was elected rabbi of the B'rith Kodesh congregation, taking up his appointment in March 1871. In addition to his religious duties, thanks to his scholarship and his interest in philanthropy, he was soon recognized as one of the city's most eminent citizens….
Langsberg was also active in supporting Rochester's charitable societies, aimed at improving conditions for the poor and needy….He also contributed to social welfare and rights for immigrants, hosting events at the synagogue, including a presentation by the Danish-American social reformer Jacob Riis in 1901….
Over his 43 years of service, Landsberg became recognized as one of the best-known rabbis in the United States….Inside the first edition of the 1917 Jewish Publication Society English version of the Torah, he is credited for supplying the translation of Genesis....
Landsberg married Miriam Isengarten (1847–1912)....The couple had three children: Emil, Clara and Rose. Miriam Isengarten was friends with Susan B. Anthony. Clara Landsberg was a close collaborator of Jane Addams at Hull House…” (Wikiepdia)
Hardcopy version of OCLC 1084561192. OCLC and Singerman together list 8 copies worldwide, including this copy (Graduate Theol-Berkeley, Yale, LOC, NYPL, Colgate Rochester Div, YU, HUC, Gratz)
Jewish institutional markings, some wear, especially to blank endpages, text pages and binding good. Good Condition (BER-1-8-’b+).
Price: $350.00