Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-06-09
CONFIRMATION SERVICE.
Interesting Ceremony at the
Jewish Temple.
Eight Young Persons Receive the
Rite of Confirmation.

The Jewish Temple, corner Of Main
and Exchange streets, was the scene to-
day Of one of the most impressive cere-
monies it has ever been our pleasure TO
witness. To-day being the anniversary
Of the Feast of Shavoois" or Pepte-
cost, or Feast Of Weeks, which is OBJ
served in commemoration Of the giving
of the ten commandments to Moses on
Mount Sinai on the 9th day of the Jew.
ish month Of Sivern in the 2635th year
after the creation. In Palestine it was
observed al one Of the greatest Of all
the feasts, occurring as it did just at the
close Of the harvest. which season lasted
seven weeks. 1t is also the day on
which h eyouths ofboth sexes who desire,
and who are sufficiently versed in the
principles Of their religion, take upon
themselves the duties Of the faith, or as
is generally termed, receive the rite Of
confirmation.
The services were conducted by Rabbi
N. Sam6eld, and the candidates taking
the confirmation VOWS were. Misses
Matilda Frank, Bella Levy, Josephine
Dreyfus, Bella Seessel, Rachael
Schalscha, Carrie Strauss and Masters
Morris Cans and F. Halle, all young
persons about thirteen years of age.
The Temple was most beautifully deco
rated with evergreens and flowers. par
ticularly the platform on which rests the
Ark of the Covenant, and which con-
tsins the Scrolls of the Law. The pill
lars surrounding the pulpit we're grace
fully trimmed with wreaths, and rare
exoticH shed their sweet perfume.
The young ladies were all dressed in
pure white, with flowing wells, their hair
trimmed with white flowers and each
carrying a bouquet of beautiful flowers.
AT, the proper time the candidates ad-
ysnced into the Temple, being led by Mr..
Elias Lowenstine and Mr.. E. Barinds,
the president and vice president Of the
Temple. They were preceded by two
beautiful little girls who ia walking
down the sisles strewed flowers, and ad-
vancing to the altar, were addressed by
Rabbi Samfeld in a most beautiful and
impressive manner BE began by read
ing from Ecclesiastes, Remember now
thy creator in the days of thy youth"
We regret exceedingly that want OF
space prevents us from giving a full re-
port Of the Rabbi's remarks. He
alluded to the fact Of their having
stndied for months SO as to thoroughly
understand the meaning Of the VOWS
they we're just to take upon themselves
and that he had only selected those who
showed . sufficient knowledge of the
principles of their religion.
The ceremonies occupied nearly two
hours, the candidates repeating the Ten
Commandments and one of them recit,
ing the articles Of the Jewish faith. Each
approaching the altar, delivered a mo,
beautiful prayer and all then laid theil
bouquets on the Scrolls of the Law and
at the door Of the Holy Of Holes
They then made public ~acknowledg
ment Of the faith aud received the bene
diction from the Rabbi and a blessing
from their parents.
The long and interesting ceremonies
we're accompanied with most excellent
music by the choir, which is composed
OF the following members, all undet
charge Of Professor Winkler:
Miss Kate Harmon, Miss Lucy Frank
lin, Mrs. Annie Moyston, Miss Mar.
Hitzfeld, Mics Henrietta Barinds
Messrs Joseph Gronauer, Jacob Harp
man, Walter Genrrant, S. Feucht ant
Reiss. Messrs 'Tomlinson and Honda,