Bikurei HaYam – The First Fruits of The West. Monthly Jewish magazine edited by Rabbi. M. N. Nathan and Dr. Lewis Ashenheim. Kingston, Jamaica, 1844. R. J. De Cordova Publications. English, with titles, verses and quotations in Hebrew.
Issues 1-10 (February-November 1844; Shvat 1844 – Cheshvan 1845). No additional issues printed. [Signatures and stamp: H. S. Henry]. Printed covers for all issues, upon greenish-brown paper [which contain advertisements of publisher and printer De Cordova].
The Jewish community of Jamaica is among the most ancient in America; established in the mid 16th century by Marrano Jews who emigrated from Spain and Portugal and established a global commerce network there. Upon takeover by the British regime Jamaica was among the first havens for Jewish refugees in the “new world”. A large and established community developed there with several synagogues and educational institutes. Toward the end of the 18th century Ashkenazi communities were established as well, following the emigration of Jews from Eastern Europe. At its peak, the community consisted of over two thousand individuals; the Jews were granted full equality and were granted a substantial representation in the local parliament, thereby recognizing Yom Kippur as a holiday. Editor of the monthly magazine, Rabbi Nathan (1801-1803), served as rabbi of the Sephardic community in Jamaica and St. Thomas. The sermons which he delivered in the synagogue were printed in several issues. This periodical portrays the lifestyle of the Jewish community of Jamaica at its prime, and incorporates articles pertaining to Judaism, Jewish history and other topics.
Complete volume, includes all issues. Consecutive pagination, 426 pages. Bound with printed covers for each issue. 20 cm. Good condition, few stains, few tears. Library stamps.
Very rare. Complete copy inexistent in Library of Congress and other significant libraries.