Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-01-26
The Polish Jew-Hoy.


kind protection, the Jews in time multiplI-
ed, and their hamlets soon arose to the con-
dition of populous villages and towns, pre-
senting to the modern world the spectacle
of second Judaa. These Polish Jaws
we're permitted to govern themselves by
their own laws, which they did in its full
lest extent, adopting all the Mosaical and
Rabblnical ceremonies, and even dspens-
ing with surnames according to ancient
usage. They also adhered to their own
peculiar costume, and continue to do so.--
Their bodies are covered with tightly fit
ted back-silk robe, fastened with band
and tassel round the waist, on their head
they wear a skull-cap, both in and out of
the house, rigid Jew never having his
head uncovered ,as, like other Eastern peo-
pie, he has to say prayers and graces on
many occasions, and is obliged, when ad-
dressing the Almighty, to wear his hat up
'n his head; a long flowing beard, and
staff, complete the outline Of their appear
ance. Napoean made many innovations
on the Jewish customs, though with little
advantage to himself. He enrolled the
young men into cavelry and infantry troops,
making them take surnames, and insisting
that they should never wear the costume
of their race. This mixing with the ma
tves of other territories contributed to en-
tighten the Jews, but war gave them an in
sight into the riches of the neighboring
countries, and made them ANXIOUS TO par
ticipate in that weallh, which they endeav-
our TO do by the only means left within
their power. Being prevented by the ilhb
eral and odiously selfish laws of most
Christian powers from devoting their aten-
ton to ordinary professional pursuits or try
ing to gain distinction and opulence by any
of the common modes in practice, they
have in this, as in every other instance, de
voted their abilities to various mercantile
avocations, generally dealing in articles of
great value. The way in which the indus
trious young Jews set out upon their wan
derngs is IN no small degree affectin g.
After procuring the blessing of their pa
rents, which, in general, is all that they
have to bestow, they leave their native
homes at the tender age Of thirteen, and, in
Scripture phrase, girding up their loins,
they address themselves to their travels in
to far countries, in search of what fortune
may be pleased to reward them with. A
certain portion OF mankind are still dispos-
ed TO hoot and persecute the Jews, and to
| allow them no good property whatever, but
we defy any civilized nation to produce
such striking instances of lntrepidity, hon
est industry, and humility, as are here ex-
empfed. The circumstance of boys of
thirteen years of age voluntarily abandon
ing the houses other parents, to depend for
their support on their own unassisted un-
advised efforts, among total strangers, is
quite unparalleled in the history Of the most
chivaric people which the earth ever pro-
duced We, no doubt, find Italian and
Swiss boys wandering over most parts of
Europe, but, it will be remembered, it is
chiefly in the character of mendcants, or
something nearly allied to it. while the
w-boys set forth with the determination
to pursue some branch of lucrative indus
try, requiring no small degree Of ingenuity
and wisdom. 1t may be mentioned, that
the Jews become of age on the Sabbath af-
ter they attain the age Of thirteen. On this
solemn occasion, they read portion of the
Scriptures aloud in the synagogue, and ded-
icate themselves to their Maker. After the
ceremony, the morning is celebrated with
breakfast party. At thirteen, the young
Jews are required to wear phylactenes ev-
cry morning while at their devotions.-
These consist of two long strips of leather,
one being made to fit the head the other
for the left arm, with large knots, emblem
attic of Almighty God. Enclosed in this
knot are the ten commandments, and the
prayer, Hear, Israel the Lord our God
is one God,' &c.
These observations on the condition and
manners of the Polish Jews, are prelimina-
ry to the following account which we have
received, of the history of one of them,
named Joshua Mendelsohlm, who emigrat-
ed in the manner we have mentioned, and
speedily raised himself from indigence to
afiluence, simply by perseverance and sue
cessful speculations in valuable articles of
commerce. We give the account nearly
in his own words, as he related it 10 a
friend.
"Well, den, when l did come first to be
man at thirteen years of age, den did
have all de grand desire to 60 away to seek
my fortune: so did 20 to my fader and
moder for der blessings, and they did give
me dem, and did ask my fader for his as
sstance, and he did say unto me: Mine
dear son, all dat can give you is a clean
shirt, and my the God OF Israel bless you
Den did cave mine own country widout
one farding, and my goods did consist of
mine clothes on my back, and my prayer
loJk, and my phylacteries. | did not know
we're | should go; but my feet did take me
to Frankfort: and behold der was the grand
fair, and did look me about, and was as
tonisied to see such quantities of fine mer-
chandise; so did stand for long while ad-
miring de goods. Now, when | did stand
looking, shentleman did ask me if | was
Jew. say: Yes. He den ask me if
be honest, and l say: Yes, also. He den
took me for to assist HIM in selling his mer-
chandse, and was much satisfied, and he
did give me about two pounds in dis coun-
try money. Oh, dis was a grand beginning
of my fortune So | did consider me what
to buy, and, as luck would have it, | did
buy all cornelian stones, but could not sell
dem again; so l did take me 10 Italia den
| did show dem TO an honest Catholic Jew
eIer, and he did give me twenty pounds.
| was den very glad of dis great sum of
moneys, and | did lay out the whole on
canoes. next went again to Frankfort,
and was SO fortunate as to sell dem for one
hundred pounds. now did buy all mine
moneys in stones, and took them again to
Italia; but dish time | had large box, which