August 1845 Shangarei Limmud School

Shangare Limmud School of Barbadoes.

We gave last year some account of this institution, which owes its origin to the want felt for the knowledge of religion, now so universally experienced among all classes of Israelites in America. Our readers will, we doubt not, be gratified to learn that it has admirably succeeded thus far, and that the examination which took place on the 11th of May resulted to the satisfaction of both Israelites and Christians, who attended at the Synagogue upon this interesting occasion. The exercises of the day were opened by the following prayer by the superintendent, Mrs. A. Finzi:

“O most High, Thou who reignest supreme; we invoke thee to look down upon us, and bless all our undertakings, but more especially this one, The teaching the knowledge of our divine religion, to the infant minds of our children.

“We beseech thee, O Lord, to lead them in the path of virtue; to imbue their minds with love for thee, and to infuse into their young hearts feelings of filial piety, brotherly love, and a just appreciation of the efforts of their class-teachers in their behalf. We invoke for them, O God, meekness, piety, wisdom, and willing hearts; that they may continue to inculcate into the spotless bosoms of the infants intrusted to their care, the true principles of our faith; and that they may be enabled to carry out with honour to themselves, and justice to their pupils, the very responsible duties they have undertaken to fulfil. And now, O God, we return thee our grateful thanks that we have been permitted to appear on this occasion before thee, in this thy holy temple, in health and strength. We thank thee for the manifold blessings thou hast bestowed on us, and we pray thee to accept this our heartfelt offering, for the sake of thy great and holy name.—Amen.

Several hymns, Hebrew and English, were then sung, after which the classes were examined by their respective teachers. Another hymn in English followed, when. A. Finzi, Esq. delivered an appropriate address which our limits prevent us from communicating. Several other addresses were delivered by Messrs. Mozley Elkin and Daniel Lobo, when, after another hymn sung by the children, the superintendent distributed prize medals to Miss Lobo of the first, Master Hannanel Lindo of the second, Master Edward Daniels of the third, and Master Edgar Lindo of the fourth class. Presents were also given to each of the children, for whom likewise refreshments were provided in the vestry room.

We condense the above from “the Standard,” published in Bridgetown, Barbadoes, the editor of which speaks in the highest terms of satisfaction of the exercises, and expresses much regret that a severe indisposition prevented him from attending. Two of the hymns sung by the children are the production of our townsman Mr. David N. Carvalho, and another one was written by Mr. A. Finzi.—We hope, in conclusion, that the teachers will continue to persevere, and to reap a rich harvest of success in their pious undertaking; and we will use this occasion to assure them, that our pages shall always be open for them to lay the report of their doings before the public.

4th August, 1844 Sunday School Exams

Sunday School of Barbadoes.

On Sunday, the 4th August, 1844, corresponding with the 19th Ab, 5604, an examination of the pupils belonging to the Sunday school “Shanare Limud,” took place at the vestry room, Synagogue buildings, on which occasion all the pupils, Superintendent, Secretary, and teachers were present, as well as the following parents and grand-parents:—Mrs. Sarah Lobo, senior, Mrs. M. C. D’Azevedo, Mrs. Sarah N. Carvalho, Mrs. Raphael Lindo, Mrs. Isaac Lobo, Mr. M. C. D’Azevedo, and Mr. S. E. Daniels.

The Superintendant, Mrs. Finzi, examined the first class, and by her request, Mr. Azevedo examined the second, Mr. Daniels the third, and Mrs. Isaac Lobo the fourth class; the pupils were questioned on the different branches of their instructions, the Bible, Daily Prayer book, Leeser’s and Cahen’s (translated) Catechisms, Pyke’s Scriptural Questions, and Peixotto’s Elementary Introduction to the Scriptures, to which they all readily replied, and gave general satisfaction; they afterwards chaunted several hymns and En Kelohanoo; Mrs. Finzi then addressed the children as follows:

“As this, our first examination, has ended, and I trust satisfactorily to your dear parents and our friends, I think it necessary I should make a few remarks, which I hope will tend to your future benefit. Although unusual, at quarterly examinations, to bestow premiums on the deserving, we have thought fit to do so in this instance, with the sincere hope that it will promote a farther and greater desire for emulation in your young hearts; these gifts are but trifling proofs of merit meeting with its reward; how much more may you expect in after-life, when you reflect, and feel that you have religiously and industriously fulfilled those duties pointed out to you by our Lawgiver and your parents; by adhering strictly to the tenets of our blessed religion, and the command of your elders, you will not err, for we are told in our holy Scriptures, “each seed produceth fruit after its kind;” so shall you all by diligently cultivating the seeds of obedience to God and your parents ultimately reap the fruit of peace and happiness here, and eternal bliss hereafter. I feel pleasure in saying, your kind teachers and myself are much gratified in perceiving the improvement you have made, and our best exertions will be used by patience and attention to give you farther instruction. There have been indulgences granted which I am called upon to state must cease, and which is, that no child shall be allowed to leave the room, or move about the school, except permission is asked. I am aware we shall at first find it difficult to keep the youngest quiet; but we must conquer them, for if we do not train them to obedience now, we shall have cause to regret it.—I shall feel farther gratified in hearing from yourselves, whether you have benefitted, and if you do not feel happier in being wiser and more learned in our religion than you were four months ago.—I will not detain you longer than to say, you have all my best wishes for your improvement; may God bless you, and continue to crown our undertaking with success.”

Mrs. Finzi having concluded, she distributed prizes to all according to their merits; the children appeared pleased, and the parents highly delighted with the improvement, and complimented the several teachers, Superintendant, and Secretary for the care they had bestowed on the children, so that in the short space of time that the institution had been established (say five months) they were able to reply correctly to the various questions put to them.

Sophia Daniels, Secretary.

Vestry Room, Barbadoes, August 4th. 1844.

June 14, 1844 A Letter describing the Congregation

Barbadoes, June 14, 1844.

Reverend and Dear Sir!

Should you not be in possession of any other and more satisfactory account of our people of this island, and you think this likely to interest either yourself, or the readers of your very useful periodical, it is entirely at your disposal. You will regret as much as myself, that nothing documentary can be at this day found within the archives of the Synagogue, that can establish the correct era of their original settlement in Barbadoes, or the country in Europe from which they emigrated hither. The want of this, as well as other desirable information, is doubtless owing to casualties of fire and hurricane, that have, in their frequent visitation through the country, more than once prostrated the sacred edifice of Bridgetown.

I had therefore to “reach it there, where seraphs gather immortality.” Here too time had worked its accustomed change “of growth and decay” since my last visit to the sacred spot: but it was familiar to my recollection. I quickly found myself beside the same venerable tomb before which I stood forty-three years ago, and, as now, deciphering with the same intense though boyish curiosity its much worn face. After some time spent in clearing and cleaning, I succeeded to make out the year of interment to be A. M. 5418 (1658). This is decidedly the oldest, and to all appearance the first stone laid in the ground; those neighbouring are —d Mercado, 5420, and Levi Resio, 5421 (1661). All intermediate to that of David Ralph Mercado, 1685, (which is of marble and in handsome preservation,) are of a very friable substance and are completely defaced and much broken. I am thus particular, in order to show that no mistake has been made in the first noticed. There is space at the back or commencement of the ground, which, although slabs have never been laid down, has, from every appearance, been filled up with mortal tenants, and oral testimony seems to corroborate the fact. This taken into consideration, we may add thirty years for residence and death, which would extend their first settlement to A. M. 5388, corresponding to 1628, or so long back as two hundred and sixteen years. John Payer, in his History of Barbadoes, (to which your inquiring mind has likely had access), speaks of Jews in 1680, as of long and settled residents of the island. He thus remarks of them: “Their testimony in courts of law had been long rejected, but a more enlightened policy prevailing over an unjust prejudice, they were now admitted, by a law passed for that purpose, to give their testimony in all civil suits, and not otherwise, upon the five books of Moses.” It would appear that they continued under similar disabilities till the administration of Sir Bevil Granville, in 1706, who, for the consideration of £200, granted them (though against the law) some other privileges, but what they were we are not informed. Their Hazanim have been from time immemorial elected through the vestry of the Portuguese Synagogue of London, and they have obtained their Hahamim through the same medium. The names of three or four are to be seen in the Beth ahayim.

The rebuilding of the Synagogue, which was destroyed by the hurricane of 2d Elul, 5591, (August 2d, 1831,) cost $14,000. The corner-stone was laid 20th March, 1832, and opened for consecration on the 9th March, 1833. The architects were Messrs. John Herbert, jr., and T. R. Wilkes. The committee appointed to superintend its erection (for whose activity, taste, and foresight, much praise is due) were Messrs. M. D’Azevedo, Myer Abrahams, D. M. C. Baesa, D. M. Lobo, and M. A. Finzi.

I am indebted to the latter gentleman for the order and minutiae of building, which are as follows:

It is built of rough native stone, with brick coins and jambs, and contrived outside to imitate squared freestone. It is thirty-seven feet high, fifty long, and forty wide; walls two feet thick, which receive great strength by the rounding of its angles, which are capped with censers, uniting a balustraded parapet all around. The windows in the upper part are eighteen in number, and lancet-shaped; those below are elliptic. A double flight of stone steps, on the north side, covered with a gothic hood, leads to the ladies’ gallery, which occupies three sides of the building, supported by ten gothic columns. The Hehal, Tebah, and Banca, are of mahogany; the benches of a wood called determer, very much resembling the above. The area is paved with alternate squares of white and black marble, and the ceiling painted in relief. The roof is peculiar, being formed of timber laid direct across with massive knees, or angles, of iron. The necessary current, which is three inches in ten feet, is given by blocking its beams. The whole is covered with sheet copper, the edges of which are lapped over ridges of plank running longitudinally down the roof, and these are capped with lead. The ceiling is attached immediately to the under side of the beams, so that the whole depth from the outer to the inner surface of the roof does not exceed eighteen inches.

The K. K. Nidhe Israel is not now, nor ever has been, a corporated body. It subsists purely by the tender mercies of “the powers that be.” They have to obtain license, by petition to the legislature of the island, to conduct their affairs, which grants its sanction to such constitutional laws of which it may approve. It is likewise necessary, should it be required to enforce payment of arrears due the Synagogue by any of its members, that the same go before the governor in council, who, according to the “ordinance made and provided,” “examine, conclude, and determine,” before a suit at law can take place. Every thing appertaining to the concerns of the congregation is conducted with much order, and the service performed with appropriate solemnity every alternate week. by Messrs. Edward Moses, Parnass, Abm. Finzi, and M. S. Daniels. The usual routine of worship is adhered to, and all offerings, as well as the prayers for government are said in the Spanish language. We may presume, therefore, from the intelligent and enlightened character of the present generation, that some more modern and consistent improvement will soon be resorted to.

I am, Reverend and dear sir, yours,

D. N. Carvalho.
[D. N. Carvalho was the father of S. N. Carvalho.]

Election of Parnaz 15 August 1847

Vestry Rooms, Sunday, 3d Elul, 5607; 15th August, 1847.

A meeting of the Contributing Members of the Kaal Kadoshe Nidhe Israel, was held in pursuance of By-Law 1st, and in conformity to summons, for the purpose of electing a Warden for the ensuing year. The poll-list was accordingly opened at 11 o’clock, and closed at 12, and E. A. Moses, Esq., was elected President for the ensuing year. At the close of the poll, M. Elkin, Esq., rose and said, it was gratifying to his feelings to notice the manner members had voted, not with common method merely to place their signatures, but that every gentleman on recording his name, powerfully remarked the great benefit the congregation had derived from past services of their respected Warden; he (Mr E.) felt assured he was sanctioned to use the name of every member present—with that of his own, to have embodied on the minutes of this day’s proceedings, “the great obligation the congregation owe to their tried advocate, Edward A. Moses, Esq., for the continued zeal he has ever evinced for the prosperity of the Kaal. That this feeling was not confined to themselves, was an additional pleasure to him; for he held in his hand a letter from an old, and he may say, staunch member, who was residing in St. Vincent, but desirous to record his name in favour of Mr. Moses; this letter was from our respected ex-Warden, D. M. Lobo, Esq. He asked, could there be a more marked testimonial? He (Mr. Elkin) regretted he could not use the letter as intended, to vote by proxy, but moved that it be placed on record.

Mr. M. C. D’Azevedo, felt pleasure to second the motion, and would add, that the remarks made by Mr. Elkin, were in accordance with his feelings.

By request of Mr. Elkin, Mr. S. E. Daniels, the honourary Secretary read the letter received from D. M. Lobo, Esq.

Mr. Valverde remarked, ill and debilitated as he felt, he came to the meeting to pay his tribute of approbation to his esteemed friend, Mr. Moses.

Mr. Daniels observed, it was most pleasing to his feelings, to hear and to witness the true and well merited eulogium paid his colleague; he used the word colleague, for our respected warden was ever ready in taking cheerfully his portion to perform the service in honour of the God of Israel.

The Warden said, in responding to the several remarks made by the gentlemen, he should say they overrated his humble services; yet it was pleasing to his mind that his past conduct had met their approbation; he was ever ready to devote himself to the welfare of the congregation, and the support of our holy religion, and that he felt conscious pride on seeing around him the tried, venerable, and trusty friends and guardians of the holy Synagogue. He must add, with one exception, all the true friends of the Synagogue in the Island, were here to support him, which was a happy earnest of their approval of his administration; he therefore felt it his duty to obey that summons, and at whatever sacrifice, was prepared to resume the presidential chair for the ensuing year. Ere he resumed his seat, it was due to his colleague, Mr. S. E. Daniels, to state the Kaal owed to him acknowledgments for his valuable and zealous services, in which the members acquiesced.

Mr. Daniels briefly returned thanks for the kind manner his name was introduced by the Warden; and assured the members while in health, his greatest delight would be to continue useful to the congregation.

Since the meeting, the Parnass has appointed Mr. M. C. D’Azevedo, Hatan Torah, and Mr. I. L. Brandon, Hatan Bereshith.

On the departure of Rev. Daniels, 13 June 1848

Kaal Kadesh Nidhe Israel.

Barbadoes, 12th Sivan, 5608,—12th June, 1848.

Dear Sir,

While on the eve of your departure for the United States, I beg leave on behalf of the congregation over which I preside, to offer their fervent and heartfelt acknowledgments of your deeply-valued and ever memorable services as officiating reader to our sacred Synagogue, for a series of years. In your withdrawal, we lose a valued limb of our holy, our tottering edifice! and I with deep and poignant regret feel that a worthy colleague in the sublime cause is torn from me, leaving me desolate indeed! God’s holy will be done!

<<303>>You, my dear friend, too well know the sad, the almost destitute position of our scattered funds—otherwise would this have been accompanied with a thousand dollars for the purchase of a testimonial of gratitude and esteem—unfortunately we have not twenty-five dollars at command, which, with the prospect of our heavy expenses and diminished support is awful to contemplate. On this painful subject we must bow resignedly! I know your pious and solicitous feelings, and your desire to decline accepting aught but this valedictory address.

Your exertions, example, and sacrifices to uphold and support our blessed Snoga, your ever prompt cheerfulness to officiate in the divine cause, are recorded in Heaven, where they will be acknowledged and rewarded a million-fold on your cherished offspring.

I cannot venture to express my personal feelings on taking my farewell.

You will never be forgotten by our sacred Snoga. May the Omniscient graciously bless you. May yourself, amiable partner, and family, enjoy felicity here, and eternal bliss hereafter. O may I further invoke that you attain the joyful consummation of your every wish. Amen. God be with you !

Believe me your faithful friend,

E. S. Moses
Par. Pr. K. K. N. I.

To S. E. Daniels, Esq.

Barbadoes, 13th Sivan, 5608, 13th June, 1848.

Dear Sir,

I have received your address on the part of the congregation, in acknowledgment of my services as officiating reader, to our sacred Synagogue for a series of fourteen years. At a moment, as it were, of my embarkation, I am unable to do more than to request you to receive for yourself, and to tender to the congregation, my grateful thanks for the high estimate they have been pleased to make of my services.

I never gave my humble aid to the congregation in the expectation that it would receive remuneration. A higher, a better, and a holier feeling influenced me. I was glad to be the instrument of performing any service for our beloved friends, and of aiding in any way, the sacred Synagogue. That those services are appreciated is sufficient to recompense me for all my efforts; I am more than recompensed.

Receive, clear friend, my best thanks for your personal aspirations on behalf of Mrs. Daniels and my beloved children. And now one word. The last and saddest—farewell! I leave Barbadoes with mingled feelings. Whether we are destined to meet again in time, is known only to the holy One of Israel. I shall, with my dear wife and little ones, cast many a thought on those esteemed friends we are leaving, and memory will summon back many a happy hour passed in our blessed Synagogue. That we may all increase in knowledge, virtue, and holiness, shall ever be the fervent prayer of

Your faithful friend,

S. E. Daniels.

Minutes January 28th 1844 - Opening a Sunday School

At a meeting held this day, 7th Sebat, 5604, or January 28th 1844, at the Mahamad room, K. K. N. I. pursuant to the call of Edward. A. Moses, P. P., at the request of the ladies of the Kaal, for the purpose of establishing a Jewish Sunday School; present as follows:

Edward A. Moses, P. P.; Messrs. Mosley Elkin, Moses C. D'Azevedo, Abraham Finsi, David N. Carvalho, Samuel E. Daniels, Solomon N. Carvalho, Jacob Lewis, Burnett Nathan;

Ladies.—Mrs. Sarah Lobo, Sen., Mrs. Daniel M. Lobo, Mrs. Sarah N. Carvalho, Mrs. Judith Finsi, Mrs. Sophia E. Daniels, Miss Carvalho, Miss Elkin, Miss Azevedo, Miss Rachel Carvalho, Miss Clara Carvalho, Miss Eliza Burnett, Miss Leah Lobo, Miss Sophia Carvalho;

Masters Elias and Benjamin Lindo, and eleven children of our K. K.

Mr. S. N. Carvalho was requested to act as Secretary.

The President opened the meeting with an appropriate address, explaining the object of its being assembled, &c. Mrs. Judith Finsi, the superintendent, then offered up to the Throne of Grace, a suitable prayer.

The minutes of the meeting held by the ladies of the congregation on last Sunday at Mrs. Finsi's residence, were then read.—The President rose, and in his usual comprehensive language, and feeling manner, expressed himself ready and willing to give every assistance and support to the ladies of the congregation in their blessed undertaking, the teaching the infant mind to praise God,—and proposed that the "minutes" just read, should be confirmed by the members of the Kaal Kadosh Nidhe Israel, seconded by M. C. D'Azevedo, Esq., and carried, nem. con.

The President then commenced an annual subscription, to which all the members present contributed. D. N. Carvalho, Esq., moved that a subscription independent of the annual and monthly subscriptions, be commenced for the purpose of creating the nucleus of a sinking fund, seconded by the President, and adopted. The President moved that notice be given by the Secretary, to all absent members of the K. K, of the establishment of this institution.

Mrs. J. Finsi requested that the President would kindly allow a copy of his address for the use of the society. Seconded by Mrs. D. M. Lobo,—which was assented to by the President.

The President voluntarily offered to to contribute such stationary as might be required for the use of the society.

Mrs. S. F. Daniels, proposed that the thanks of the society be tendered the President for this further mark of his well-meaning towards it, and also for the use of the Mahamad room, as a school-room, and for the handsome manner in which he consented that a copy of his address should be at their disposition,—and how gratifying it would be to her as secretary of the institution, to transcribe it,—on the first page of its archives,—seconded by Mrs. D. M. Lobo, and carried, nem. con.

Mrs. Finsi then read an exhortation which is intended should be pronounced weekly previous to commencement of instruction.—The President moved that a copy of these minutes be suspended in the Holy Synagogue for one month—seconded by S. E. Daniels, Esq. and carried.

David N. Carvalho, Esq., moved that the minutes of this meeting be transmitted to the Editors of the Jewish publications in America and England, to take such notice of as they may deem proper—seconded by the President, and carried, nem. con.

Miss Carvalho moved that the By-Laws be engrossed, and that the opening address and prayer be added, and published in pamphlet form, seconded Mrs. D. M. Lobo, and carried, nem. con.

The President moved that the institution be designated, שערי לימוד or "Gates of Learning," seconded by David N. Carvalho, Esq., and carried, nem. con.

Mrs. Judith Finsi moved that the thanks of the whole meeting be tendered to Miss Carvalho, as the promoter and foundress of this institution, and for her attention and solicitude in procuring the necessary books, &c.—Seconded by the President, and carried unanimously.

The meeting then adjourned to meet again in five minutes.

At the appointed time the meeting reassembled, when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The chair was then vacated by the President, when S. E. Daniels, Esq. moved, seconded by D. N. Carvalho, that Mosley Elkin, Esq., be called to it. Whereupon M. Elkin, Esq., took the chair, and proposed that a vote of thanks be tendered E. A. Moses, Esq. for the able manner in which he fulfilled the duties of Chairman, seconded by M. C. D'Azevedo, Esq.,—carried.

E. A. Moses, P. P., in a short and suitable address acknowledged the honour that was done him in his having been placed in the Chair, and concluded by invoking the blessings of the Omnipotent on this glorious undertaking of the "Daughters of Israel."

S. N. Carvalho,
Hon. Secretary.

Officers
of the Barbadoes Jewish Sunday School,
Shangara Lemud, for the Present Year.

Mrs. Judith Finsi, Superintendent.
Mrs. Daniel M. Lobo, Treasurer.
Mrs. Sophia E. Daniels, Secretary.

Teachers.

Mrs. D. M. Lobo, First Class.
Miss Carvalho, Second Class.
Miss Clara Carvalho, Third Class.
Miss Belle Elkin, Fourth Class.

Election of Parnaz 1848 - Minutes

Barbadoes Kaal Kadosh Nidhe Israel.

5 Elul, 5608, or 3d Sept., 1848.

Pursuant to the by-law No. 1, of this congregation, a meeting was held at the vestry room at 12 o’clock this day for the election of a Parnas President for the ensuing year.

Mr. Isaac Valverde claimed exemption in consequence of his age.

Mr. Mozley Elkin proposed the re-election of Mr. E. A. Moses, fully describing the manifold benefits and advantages the gentleman has from time to time rendered to this congregation, entitling him to their highest praise and estimation, and promised to render all the support in his power.

Mr. Michael Isaacs addressed the Board expressive of his cordial concurrence in the proposal and sentiments of Mr. M. Elkin, from a firm assurance that they were the unanimous feelings of the community.

Mr. Isaac Valverde impressively remarked that his sentiments twelve months past expressed at the Board, might be repeated, since they were now the same. He felt quite assured that the services of the Warden would be hereafter rewarded in a higher tribunal.

The Warden, (Mr. E. A. Moses,) responded, assuring the members present of his inability to express his feelings, and of his maintaining unaltered the same sentiments to further our sacred institution. Through God’s blessing and their support, he had so far succeeded; and shattered as they at present were, they had necessarily to redouble their energies to maintain the holy cause. That by perseverance we were setting a proper example to the juvenile members; that the time would come when we should again be a flourishing community; then we should look back with delight to past exertions; and that he was equally ready and willing to devote himself as he had hitherto done in the sacred cause, confident of the support of those around him.

The poll list was closed, E. A. Moses, Esq., being duly elected to the presidential chair for the ensuing year.

The following gentlemen were nominated colleagues, as Bridegrooms of the Law.

Michael Isaacs, Esq., as Hatan Torah.

Joseph A. Brandon, Esq., as Hatan Bereshith.