, 1867-10-04
HEBREW New Monday and Tues

HEBREW NEW 1EAR.-MOnday anc 1ues-
day last being the anniversary of the Hebrew
Now Year, all the places of business Of our
fellow citizens of that faith were closed on
those days. We understand that every He
brew within the limits of the city united IN
the observance Of the holiday, and quite a
number Of Israelites came in from the neigh.
boring settlements for tie purpose of joining
their brethren in the ceremonies appropriate
to the anniversary. The Odd Fellows Hall
had been procured for the occasion, and was
fitted up to answer the purpose of syna-
gocue. Here prayers in the Hebrew tongue
were read on Sunday evening, and continued
throughout Monday and Tuesday, down TO
sunset, when the ceremonies we're brought
to a close. With the Isrselites, as with our
own people, New Years Day is regarded as a
festive occasion, and the religious ceremo-
nies, as near as we could understand them,
partoOk of festive or joyous character. On
visiting the synagogue, the first thing that
strikes the stranger, is the marked similarity
between their religious ceremonies and those
to which we have been accustomed in cur
own churches. The reading Of the prayers
and the responses by the congregation, are
in almost exact accordance with the usages
that are observed in the Catholic and Epis-
copal churches Following out this idea, we
at once recognize that the peculiarities of our
worthip are, to a greet extent borrowed from
this remarkable people. AS already stated,
all the prayers were read in Hebrew, but for
the convenience of those not familiar with
that language, English traBslatous accom-
pany the Hebrew, thus enabling visitors to
understand all that is said and done By
invitation, we were present in the synagogue
on Monday morning, at which time prayers
were read by MesSrs Linsky, Sheideman and
Bauer, Mr. N. Brown acting as President,
and having the general direction of ceremo-
nies. The attendance vas large and embra-
ced every Israelile in the circle of our ac-
quaintance, all dressed in holiday attire, and
all sharing in the joy appropriate to the an
uiyersary of New Year. The Israelite la
dies were out in full force, and dressed in
their gayest attire, were certainly not the
least Interesting feature of the celebration
Israeliies living in Europe and the older
States, have the impression that in this far>
off laud, the descendants of Abraham are in-
different to their religious duties. Nothing
can be further from the fact. As far as cir>
eymsiauces will ad nit, all the Hebrew hollis
days are faithfully observed, and the cus>
toms and ceremonies of their ancient faith
duiy honored. Like others who have been
attracted TO this coast by the wild thirst for
gold. .he Israelitc may occasionally forget his
religious duties but just as soon as they set
tie down, and communities become organs
izrd, we find them rearing their altars and
sacr ,Gciug to the God of Abraham, of Isaac
and jacob, 1t is this uuyielding adherence
to the faith of their fathers, that is the dis
tineuishing mark Of Israelites, and in this
regard they set an example that their chris>
tian friends would do well to initiate. Re
cognizing the utmost freedom in all that re-
lates to religion, we are glad to live in land
where Jew and Gentle, bond and free, can
worship God in accordance with the coHvic-
tions Of conscience.
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