Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-12-23
A CHANUKOH FESTIVAL

irst Celebration in ST. Paul of an Ancient
Hebrew notwithstanding Exhibition I'm
der the Direction of r ,bbi Wechsler.
The Sabbath school of the Mount Zion
congregation, of which Rev. J. Wechsler is
the rabbi, celebrated last evening Chanu
koh festival, thirty eight boys and girls par
ticipating We are informed that this was
ever taken place here, although in other
cities the Hebrew Sabbath schools have made
this feast as a day of juvenile rejoicing.
Chanukoh is based upon that event which
reminds the Israelites of the virtues of the
brave Asmoneans or Macobees when the
king Antochonus reigned, and when on the
25th day of Kslev the temple at Jerusalem
was re-dedicated to the services Of the Most
High. The Hebrew children are carefully
instructed in their religion, and inspired in
early youth with love and veneration for
their holy religion.
Tho exercises last evening demonstra ed
clearly what can be accomplished by faith
full teacher, such as Rev. DR.. j. Wechsier is.
He instIucts alone and without any assist
ance these thirty eight children in all
branches of religion We understand the chill
dren are taught to read the Hebrew language
and to translate it into English, well as
Bible history, and the principles of the
Jewish religion in general.
Rev. DR.. j. Wechsler has been but
short time in this city, but has accomplished
already great work, wi ich we hope will be
fully appreciated by grateful congregation.
His services must be valuable indeed to his
people, for he is eminently gentleman of
talent and of energy.
The exercises last evening commenced
with prayer by Sam. Plecher, rendered IN
solemn manner.
Then the kindling of the Chanukoh lights,
by Phillip Wechsler, who recited bene-
diction in Hebrew, followed: and Phillip
Rose explained why these lights were
lzindIed. A song of the whole song followed,
Jenny Bergman, one of the pupils, accom-
panied 1t at the piano.
Morris Goodkind delivered an address in a
beautiful manner, stating the cause of this
celebration, and welcoming the audience in
well selected words. Then dialogues fol-
lowed, as tIhe mother and her seven sons"
"Taking poison, ''lhe fortune teller Tit
for Iat,' 'The Colony "rhe Beggar,"
'.Do not be too positive" "Tell the truth
The children taking part in the proceed
ings rendered all their parts WE'LL some
of their pieces were laughable, others solemn
in their character Of the latter, we mention
especially The mother and herse sons.'
This is based upon an historical fact, the
brave mother Of the Macabees Offering up
their lives in behalf of their religion, Henry
1saacs representing King Antiochonus. He
wore beautiful costume, and
spoke very dignifed and in
becoming manner. Fred Strauss was
the captain or the executioner, and also
wore q very becoming costume and done re-
markably we'll. Jenny Bergman represented
the mother, and could not have done any
better. She seems to be indeed a bright
girl.
The seven sons were we'll represented by
Philip Wechsler, Albert Rose, Philip Rose,
Levi Cardoza, Sam and Louis Plechner, and
Morris Goodkind. We understand that this
piece was especially written for the occasion
by the Rabbi. There were other recit" tio1ls
which were beautiful, and some of the little
boys and girls done remarkably we'll. There
were some of them who could not have been
older than six years, and who done remark
ably we'll for so tender an age
We have no space to name all in particu-
lar, especially when all have done so we'll.
The musical performances on the piano and
violin were also very creditable, and reflects
much credit upon the juvenile performers
Jenny Bergman and Sarah Cardoza render
ed their parts we'll; also Fred. Strauss, and
the playing of Henry Isaacs on the violin,
by Garry Isaacs, was indeed a
great success, and showed great proficiency
in the art of music by children of SO tender
an age. Fred Strauss showed also great
skill on the piano. MIR. Stein and his boys
volunteered their services on that occasion
and were much admired. They are indeed
rare musicians.
The whole entertainment was great sue
cess, and some of the little boys deserve es
pecial mention if space would permit. At
the close of the exercises the scholars were
all presented with suitable presents,
which were received as Chanukoh gifts, with
joy by the children. The whole entertain
ment was great success, and we congratu-
late the Mount Zion Sabbath school that
they have accomplished so much, but
the honored teacher, Rev. DR.. j.
Weihsler, and hope such festivals will slim
ulate the scholars to be grateful to their
teacher, and that such festivals will often be
celebrated.