Dr. Raphall in Charleston

Rev. I. Leeser:

Dear Sir,—Having ho doubt that you will be pleased to learn of the visit of our much-esteemed friend and co-religionist, Rev. Dr. Raphall, to our city, I have to state that he arrived here on Sabbath morning, the 16th, having been detained, by the inclemency of the weather, 24 hours longer on board the steamer than is usual between Willmington<<49>> and our city. He took lodgings at the Pavilion Hotel, but has, during his stay, been mostly the guest of our friend Mr. Samuel Hart, Sen., the President of the orthodox congregation.

On the day after his arrival, he was waited upon by a committee of gentlemen appointed by the above-named congregation, and welcomed by its president. I enclose you a copy of the address, and the Rev. Dr.'s reply, which, if you think of sufficient interest, you will publish, which I have no doubt you will, for the friends of the Dr. on the other side of the Atlantic ; it will show how the Israelites in Charleston appreciate the services of their brethren who devote their ability in the cause of Israel.

The doctor has been kindly received by his brethren and others. All who have made his acquaintance have been extremely pleased with his urbanity.

At a general meeting of the Congregation Shearith Israel held, on the 3d of Feb., 1850, at the Synagogue, the President, Mr. Samuel Hart, Sen., stated that he convened the members for the purpose of informing them that he had received the unexpected, though pleasing intelligence of the intention of the Rev. Dr. Raphall to visit our city; that the reputation for piety, learning, and eloquence of the Rev. Dr. entitle him to distinguished respect from this Congregation. Whereupon the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted.

Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed to wait on the Rev. Dr. Raphall upon his arrival here, and to welcome him in behalf of this Congregation, and to request him to deliver a discourse in our Synagogue at such time as it may suit his convenience.

The following named gentlemen were selected. Rev. J. Rosenfeldt, Abm. Tobias, Esq., Jacob Cohen, Esq., Isaiah Moses, Esq., and on. motion, the President was requested to act as chairman of the committee.
On motion the meeting adjourned.

S. VALENTINE,
Secretary.

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

Rev. Dr. Raphall;

Respected Sir—It is no ordinary occurrence which has induced the Congregation "Shearith Israel," over which I have the honour to preside, to step out of the "even tenor of its way," on learning your intention of visiting our city, to appoint my colleagues and self a committee<<50>>
to wait upon you on your arrival here, and thus formally to welcome you to our ancient city of Charleston.

It is a fitting occasion to say to you, that in thus welcoming you to our "Hearts and Homes," we are sensible of the services you have done to the cause of Israel's God and his chosen people, in the land of your former sojourn. For upwards of twenty years your name has been familiar to myself, and I have rib doubt to my colleagues, as one of Israel's most able sons. We know you as once the erudite editor of the "Hebrew Review," as the truly pious divine, and most gifted lecturer, whose energy and perseverance, combined with zeal and convincing eloquence, have accomplished more to elevate the character of our brethren in England, and to place them upon the platform of equal rights with other denominations, than any Israelite of the present day.

You have, sir, done for the British Jews, what Sir Moses Montefiore partially accomplished for our persecuted brethren in the East. You have by your writings caused their oppressors to think and to reflect, and to cast away from their minds a portion of those dark and ancient 'prejudices, which have for so many centuries deprived. the Israelite of his political and social rights.

We therefore hail with delight your presence amongst us, that we may all have the opportunity of showing our appreciation of your services, and benefit by your presence, in listening to your learning and eloquence in portraying the beauties of our ancient and sacred literature.

I trust, dear sir, that your temporary sojourn with us may prove as agreeable to yourself, as I am satisfied it will be beneficial to us. And in conclusion, allow me to add, sir, that I should be doing injustice to my own feelings, did I not acknowledge the gratification I derive from the opportunity this occasion affords me, in telling you of the many pleasant hours spent in the perusal of the "Hebrew Review," during its short career under your editorial guidance. Limited as the American Hebrew's education is in the sacred language of his forefathers, we would hail with delight anything emanating from such able authority, and I hope, as you have consented to become a resident of the United States, that your duties and time will not be so completely occupied, but that we shall again behold the " Review" resume its beneficial and highly important office of guide, instructer, and friend—to teach our youth, to direct our manhood, and to comfort our old age. I again bid you a most hearty welcome.
<<51>>

Dr. Raphall's Reply

Mr. President and Gentlemen:—I receive with heartfelt thanks and gratification the expression of your good feelings towards me, and your kindly welcome amongst you. It is true that Providence in its wisdom has permitted that our people should long have suffered from the calumnies which interested falsehood invented, which fanaticism cherished, and prejudice believed. It is also true that in England, we alone of all religious denominations labour under political disqualifications to which, in this free and happy country, you are strangers. But He who saith to the raging sea, “Thus far shalt thou come, and no farther," has also set limits to the power of prejudice, and assigned bounds to the pestiferous influence of fanaticism. And as He in his pleasure sometimes works with the weakest instruments; it became my fate on more than one occasion (with tongue and pen) to confront and silence our calumniators, and to assist in removing prejudices which the spirit of the age cannot defend. I am happy to say my labours in. this good cause have not been altogether unsuccessful, and I thank my God for having aided me thus far in his mercy.

But if you, gentlemen, and your congregation, consider my visit to your city as no ordinary occurrence, what must be my feelings when, on coming amongst you, I find that my humble efforts in a different quarter of the globe, have gained for me your esteem, your approbation, your friendship, and that though thousands of miles distant from the land I have hitherto lived and laboured in, my life and labours are more than fully appreciated ? It is indeed a happy moment of my life, and is the strongest proof that the holy band of brotherhood which entwines all Israel is a reality, and that its cause is alike sacred to all its professors. Mr. President, I, am gratified by your mention of the "Hebrew Review," and though I am too young in this country to speak positively as to what I can do, yet I may, without hesitation, aver, that if God spares my life and health, I will cheerfully devote my time to the service of my people. And if in any way, or at any time, I can become useful to the Hebrews of Charleston, or contribute to their spiritual, moral, or social welfare, I shall deem it alike a duty and a privilege so to do. With these remarks permit me to repeat my thanks.