Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-08-05
RABs sAMFIELD.
His Installation East Night as b
Pastor of the synagogue of the Re
formed Jewa,

His Installation a Night az the
Pastor Of the synagogue of the Re
formed Jews.
Dr.. Samfeld was, LIST night, regu-
larly installed Rabbi Of the Reformed
Synagogue, at ths corner of Main
and Exchange streets. This tab
ernacle has been without 9 regular
minister since the demise Of the lamented
TuskR. DIR. SRmfeld is q young man
but 8 ripe scholar and an eloquent, pleas
ing speaker. He Is q native of Bambery,
in Bavaria, whence he came to this
country and took charge of q reformed
congregation in Shreveport, Louisiana,
i've years ago. He performed the duties
of his position so acceptably that the con-
gregstion shed tears at his departure.
Last evening was designated as the time
for his regular installation as Rabbi for
the Reformed Hebrews of Memphis. The
Synagogue was crowded with people and
the choir, under the leadership of Winkler,
furnished music worthy of the occasion.
The vocal part of the choir was very good,
indeed. The organ had several instru-
mental accomplishments and many of
the amateur vocalists of the city assisted.
Mr.. Loewenstine read an address of
welcome to the rabbi, as follows:
Rev. Mr.. Sdmfeld. As president OF this
congregation the solemn duty deVolves
upon me to install you, sir, into the Office
w a ~ lew OOA SAN5O ~ NDO ~
most unanimous voice Of the members Of
this congregation.
You are aware, reverend sir, that for
the past ten years this pulpit was occu-
pied by a minister who was most dearly
loved and esteemed by his flock. He came
unto us young in years, same as you come
unto us to-day; but, by his indefstigable
energy, by his talent, and mostly through
the love he bore toward us, he managed
to lead On this congregation on the high
road of success in the path of reform and
enlightenment, until, at the hour of his
untimely death, this congregation stood
second to none in the country.
To you, sir, is now Entrusted the re-
sponsible task of continuing, If not con-
GLIDING this great work; into your
hands is put the spiritual
welfare of this congregation, and let me,
sir, express the hope that you will follow
the footsteps of your iliustrious predeces-
sor-that you like unto him, will repre-
sen our congregation in the same lofty
aspect and abiding manner to the world
without, that you, unto him, In morals
and virtue, will be a glorious example to
your members and followers. Let me,
sir, in the presence of our members and
their families, express the hope, not only
felt by myself, but by every individual
member, that we may find in you q WOr-
thy successor to our late beloved pastor;
that we may recover in you what we have
lost; that you may take good charge of
the spiritual training of our children and
educate them in the knowledge and true
aims of Judaism. To accomplish all of
which, | implOre the blessings of the
Almighty, and pray that He may enable
you 20 fulfill the high duties imposed
upon you by this honorable Office, which
you are about to assume, to the honor of
yourself, to the honor of our congregation, |
and 70 fhn hnnnr nt laval aud hnENnnTk- l
Amen.
Rabbi Ssmfield delivered a very impress
sive address to the congregation, devoted
to the duty of Jewish ministers and the
mission of the reformed congregation. |
He said the proper foundation Of true re-
ligion was reason. eff / found anything
in Judaism contrary to reason, 1 would
not to-day be a rabbi. Judaism elevates
itself by meekness and humility, as Moses
did in the desert. He alone that humbleth
himself shall be exalted. Fortitude and
lOrbearsnce ought to be the cardinal viz
tues of the Jewish minister. Earnestness
alone will enable him to propagate re-
ligion. Behold the example of the So
how they toll, persevere and pa
wait for results, amid q thousand
tiscouragements and disappOintments;
labor on until they reach the goal of
their desires. Esrnestness ought to be
5he distinctive mark of the advocate of
rue religion. Reform has already thrown
aside much of the rubbish that encum-
Oered religion. The corruptions that
gathered around the sacred and divine in
leritsnce of the Israelites has been re-
moved. The superstition and indiffer. ]
,nce that settled upon 1t are gone. This
'eform has cleared the way for
he onward and successful progress
Il : Judaism" He counselled mod
ration in everything. Avoid all
Extremes. The parish minister must 1
ring forth arguments that will stand the 6
Investigations of science and bear the I
eye of the world. He dwelt 6
t some length on the important question |
t educating youth. 1t was absolutely '
ecess8ry, he said, to impart religious
saching to the young mind. Every pro-
ane philosopher is as strong as the sacred /
mes in enforcing the improvement and
of the mind and the moral +
ondition of man. He referred to the sad
arting he had with his former congrega- f
ion at Shreveport, in terms that affected q
whole congregation. He said that Ju- /
sism must become active, spread, be Wv
led by zeal and spread out even among \
ne Gentiles. 1t must be the Office of the
ewish minister to enlighten the world, Il
dispel prejudice and unite the whole t.
motherhood of man under the sway of q
DDS pure revelation. "Since," he som v
AAOAH NAO 4 Anbb4 10 q lhAAuI5s / y
nd his second coming more than doubt
IL, it is the mission of Jewish ministers Il
propagate the truth of Heaven, as given Il
= the patriarchs and prophets. 1t is re-
ssled, first, at the creation of the world, le
second, to Moses on Mount Sinai, b
MID thunders and ~lightnings. The truth
ven to the children of Israel, is des- n
ned to overspresd the earth, for it is
.ritten, "From the rising to the setting al
the sum-" the name of the Lord shall
} great. N
He finished his eloquent discourse by q
cling greeting to the whole congrega- OF
On, to the little synagogue, and to the te
tabernacle, and promised to conse- DE-
ate his life and his best energies to the 81
rvice of his people and to the propaga- OF
IN of the true religion. fr
The new rabbi made q good impression, al
ID promises to become 8 faYOrite with dI
classes. Sc