Torah

1845 · 42820862 — <p>FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of the Pentateuch translated by a Jew and the first American translation of the Torah. Isaac Leeser was the single most influential Jewish figure in 19th-century America. His many accomplishments include establishing the vernacular sermon as a permanent feature in the American synagogue publishing the first successful American Jewish newspaper and founding the first American rabbinical school.</p><p>"When Leeser commences his public career the scattered Jewish individuals and the members of the congregation in the United States did not number more than from 12000 to 15000. His purpose to mold these into a community was to be achieved in part by the pulpit and in part by the press. … Leeser participated in all Jewish movements. He was the earliest promoter of all the national enterprises—the first congregational union the first Hebrew day-schools the first Hebrew college the first Jewish publication society—and of numberless local undertakings. The 'Occident' acquired a national and even an international reputation; the Maimonides' College of which he was president paved the way for future Jewish colleges in the United States; and his translation of the Bible became an authorized version for the Jews of America" Jewish Encyclopedia.</p><p>"Practically every form of Jewish activity which supports American Jewish life today as either established or envisaged by this one man" and "almost every kind of publication which is essential to Jewish survival was written translated or fostered by him" B. W. Korn.</p><p>Leeser's greatest contribution was his translation of the Bible and these volumes contain the first printing of the first and most important portion of this monumental work Leeser's English translation of the Torah. This translation was not superseded until well into the 20th century.</p><p>Emphasizing that this is an American work Leeser notes in the introduction that "I have to state that I have not looked at a single work issued by English Jews and that hence I have not borrowed a single idea or suggestion from any one of them living or dead."</p><p>Five volumes. Hebrew and English text on facing pages. Finely bound in mottled calf spines gilt a.e.g. Title neatly restored several restored perforated and ink stamps. A very handsome set in a splendid binding.</p> C. Sherman, 5605-6 hardcover