The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-05-28

CONFIRMATION ATA JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
INTERESTING CEREMoNIEs.-The synagogue
on Eleventh street was crowded with per-
Sons on yesterday, called there to witness
confirmation rites peculiar to the Hebrew
Church. The applicants for confirmation,
Of whom there were FIVE, were boys rang
ing in age from thirteen to fifteen years
viz, Isaac Held, Emanuel Millhiser, Marx
Strause, Edward Cahen, and Isaac Thalhei-
mer.
The day chosen was, as alluded to by the
priest, an exceedingly appropriate one, be-
ing celebrated as the anniversary of the
delivery of the tablets to Moses from
Mount Sinai. The ceremonies were con-
Quoted by Rev. Mr.. Wechsler, assisted by
Rev. Mr.. Michelbacher and Messrs. NJ.
Milhiser (president) and N. w. Nelson (vice-
president) of the congregation. The SER
vices commenced with psalm by the choir,
led by Mr.. O. A. Ericsson, and the reading
of the law from Exodus, chapters 19 and
20, by the priest. After this was concluded,
the priests left the altar, and met the boys
at the door of the church. The party then
proceeded up the aisle to the pulpit, the
priests following the confrmants, who ar
ranged themselves behind the desk.
Mr.. Weschler then delivered charge to
the boys and the congregation in English,
the services heretofore having been carried
on in Hebrew. He implored God to give
them oil strength to recognize the impor-
tance of the day and the ceremonies about
to be performed, and neverto let the impress
sions of this solemn hour be forgotten. He
dwelt upon the great influence which q
proper education exerted upon mankind,
particularly when, in securing IN insight
into the mysteries of nature and the world,
q deep sense of religion was made the
groundwork upon which to found all sub
sequent learning.
After the charge, the usual questions
were propounded to the boys, who answered
in clear, distinct tones, and without the
least hesitation. The questions were
intended to develop the religious learning
of the applicants, embracing the cardinal
principles of the Israelitish faith, the diff
ferent laws delivered to Moses, the ten
commandments, the different feasts, and
the manner of their observance, and, lastly,
the hopes entertained by Jews as to the full
flment of prophecies. The answers were
given by the boys in turn without falter-
ing and without moments hesitation, re-
ceiving the concentrations of the priest for
the accuracy of their responses; and then
turning to the congregation, who were in
tensely interested, he said: "Here, in the
presence of your parents and friends, and
before this holy shrine, you must again de-
vote yourselves to Judaism and its leading
principles" The door which concealed the
Holy of Holes was then raised, and the boys,
turning their heads in that direction, in
concert repeated their dedication to the prin-
ciples of Judaism. The priest then solemn
ly said: Your names have now been re-
corded in the Book of Life, and can never,
never be blotted out; and may the remem-
brances of this hour remain with you
through life, and be your constant guide
and support"
The boys then, each in turn, came for
ward, and delivered an address to the con-
gregation. These speeches were well-ren-
dered, and created profound sensation in
the audience. One or two of the speakers
were so overpowered by their emotions that
it was with difficulty they could proceed.
Each one returned public acknowledgment
to their parents for care during the past
years, and promised that in the future, now
that they were about entering on new life
as full members of the congregation, no
cause should ever arise to give them any
uneasiness on their account.
The priest then presented each one a
certificate of confirmation, with passages Of
Scripture on the margin. The boys were
then, each in turn, blessed by the priests,
and the ceremony concluded.