In 1858, Rabbi Samuel Etting and Rabbi Solomon Nunes Carvalho attempted to instate a reform in the Sefardi community of Baltimore and to establish the Beit Yisrael community. Hoping to recruit support and money, Etting managed a widespread correspondence with rabbis and notables throughout Europe and the US. His efforts were for nil, as well as his aspirations to gain the support of the Montefiore and Rothschild families. After two years of attempts, the Beit Yisrael community ceased to exist. This collection of letters and notebook which testify to the correspondence are a first-class testimony of Etting's attempts to establish the community.
1-8. Eight handwritten letters, sent to Samuel Etting and Solomon Nunes Carvalho in 1858.
Letters written by rabbis from England, France and the Caribbean Islands: Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire (Otzar HaRabbanim 16295); Rabbi Chaim Guedalla of London; Rabbi Solomon Ulman, Chief Rabbi of France; Major Aron Wolff of Saint Thomas, The Virgin Islands; Albert Cohen of Paris, and other rabbis and public figures. The letters deal with bestowing honorary membership titles in the Baltimore Sefardi community. Overall good condition. Folding marks and minor damages.
9. Handwritten notebook documenting the correspondence of Samuel Etting with rabbis from a variety of countries and Jewish figures, during 1857-1858.
In the letters, Etting attempts to recruit support for the Beit Yisrael Sefardi community of Baltimore. Among the letters are copies of letters sent to rabbis and people mentioned as emissaries in sending those letters, copies of letters to Sir Moshe Montefiore and to Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild, and other letters. Total of [9] written leaves including 20 letters. Notebook 30.5 cm. Good condition. Tears to margins and stains.
See: I. H. Sharfman, Origins of Conflict Between Orthodox and Reform - Jewish Polemic Warfare in Pre-Civil War America (1988), pp. 647-648; 651.