The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-09-19
THE JEWISH NEW YEAR.
How 1t Was Celebrated Yesterday
in the Synag0gues.
The Effect on the Streets.

Yesterday evening the Jewish New Year
went out, after day OF devotion and festivi-
ty, marked by that earnestness of purpose
and enthusiasm which characterize the Israel
lite alike In worship as In business.
A walk through the principal streets OF the
city impressed one with sense OF something
absent from the volume Of the hustle and
throng which usually distinguish them, but
the legend on many store, "closed for to-
day" told the tale. Business was entirely
suspended among the faithful, and there was
consequently noted void in business opera
tions. Such day reveals how much Of the
business Of this metropolis is In the hands of
Our Jewish fellow ctlzens who, individually
and MS class, are noted for their industry,
their sobrlety and their strict business habits.
The Jewish celebrations are rarely manifest
cd on the streets. save for the vacuum which
this temporary suspension Of business causes.
They unobtrusively confine themselves to
their homes or visit their places Of worship
without ostentation and with fidelity which
all must honor
Yesterday was no exception In this particu-
lar, but 1t showed In bolder relief what large
and Influential class Of citizens compose the
Jewish residents In this city and how we'll
they have left their impress upon the times.
This Is the more credtable when 1t Is consid-
cred that pluck and energy, combined with
Intelligence and perseverance, are the levers
which accomplished their present proud po-
sition.
THE CEREMONIES
at the synagogues varied to some extent &C.
cording as the temple was orthodox or ire
formed but there was q common property
In all. An observer found himself Interested
in every instance by the solemn grandeur
that reigned within the wallis, and the I'M
posing services therein performed. The Tenn
pie Sinai on Carondelet street, near Delord
street, represents the reform idea. that on
Carondelet the orthodox, while the Rampant
Street Synagogue partakes of the two, with
tendency towards the reform" school. In
observance Of the new year the several |
schools followed their established rituals. SO
that. in fact the new year celebration has
not yet quite ended with the orthodox.
The reason Of the two days observance by |
the latter is founded on the following trad-
ton: In the early days of the Sabhedrim,
when methods Of rapid communication were
with the first of the month, was ascertained
by the observation OF that body. |
Torches were lighted throughout the country
and placed ON the highest elevations as
means OF signal to the inhabitants. SO great
was the extent Of country to be thus COM
municuted with that the signals could not
reach the outer limits in day Hence two
days were instituted; but in these latter
times when astronomical appliances are 50
many and SO exact, the date OF the appear
ance Of the new moon can be accurately as
certained far In advance. The reform Jews
have therefore, narrowed down the ceebra-
tion to one day, while the orthodox still follow
the customs Of their fathers.
In this connection it may he stated that the
Rev. Dr.. Leucht. of the Rampant Street Syn
agogue. has announced that he will hereafter
follow the reform ritual in this regard
TO describe
THE APPEARANCE
Of any one Of the synagogues yesterday would
characterization within. but an impressive
stateliness throughout. An immense throng
gathered In the morning yesterday at that
magnificent edifice, thai Temple Sinai, where
the services common to the day held the con-
gregatiOn about two hours. The services
were conducted by Rev. Mr.. Gutheim, who
preached upon Gods Help" and impressed
his audience with their entire dependence on
their God.
AT the Rampant Street Synagogue Rev. DR.
Leucht conducted the services, and likewise
gave discourse appropriate to the day.
In the evening there were services at this
temple, rs also at the Carondelet Street
Synagogue, near Lafayette, where ths con-
gregations were very large and orthodoxy
strictly adhered to.
And thus the day was passed, the inter-
walls being devoted to family gatherings and
mutual visits.