The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-04-06
RECEPTION TO RABBI LEVY.
His Co-Laborers Testify to the Esteem,
in Which He is Held.
AS a Farewell Token the Learned
Rabbi is Presented With Gold
Watch and an Album.

Notwithstanding the disagreeable
weather the Synagogue was quite well
filled with friends last night of Rabbi j.
/. Levy. who assembled to tender fare
well reception to the learned and elo-
quent doctor, who leaves in a few days
for Philadelphia to make his home.
ID. Weinstock, President of the Jewish
congregation, happily officiated as Presi-
Gent of the evening. He stated that the
programme would be opened with sing
ing by the Synagogue quartet, consist
ing of Mesdames 'Hawley and Ross and
Messrs. Kinross and Cohn. Mrs. Kim
ross presided at the piano.
Mr.. Weinstock said the occasion was a
pleasant and an unpleasant one. 1t is
always pleasant duty, he said, to testify
to the esteem in which we hold those we
love, but an unpleasant one to say fare
well. He said he knew it would be a
source of pleasure to the friends of Rabbi
Levy, irrespective of their faiths, to say
few kind words of him.
Those who knew the doctor best re-
sponded to the invitation, and eloquently
told of the respect they had for the broad
minded, liberal, refined, educated Rabbi.
Rev. Koehne, pastor of the Congrega-
tional Church, said for him to speak in
Jewish Synagogue would seem rather
strange, If he represented the past, but
not at all so in representing the present
and future. He was glad to have associ-
ated with such a man of advanced ideas
of Judaism as Rabbi Levy. lie spoke of
the gradual coming together of nations
and peoples, which will be for the better
ment of society and humanity. He re-
a IF
Rabbi, but predicted that in his new and
broader sphere he would shine just as he
has IN the beautiful little city of Sacra-
mento.
J. 4. Woodson spoke of the doctor as
member of the Critics Society. He could
not always agree with the doctor; put adj
mired him for his broad intellect and
work toward bringing men closer to-
gether.
II. 7. Cohn followed with a vocal solo.
d. Lubin said that he was called upon
without a word of warning, and, being
very poor hand at eulogiZlng, he was
without a text. He was good at prophe-
sying, though he thought. He hoped
when the Rabbi would locate in the vii
lage of Philadelphia he would think
kindly of the grand little city OF Sacra-
mento, which is just on the eve OF max
ing rapid strides OF progress. he pre-
dicted that the day will come when Sac
ramento will be as great--even greater
as Philadelphia. In conclusion, he told
of his admiration for the Rabbi.
l.. w. Maslin was introduced as the
''war-horse' of the Critic Club. He be-
ieves in eulogy. If we love man or
woman we should tell them so. We are
the better for il. He appreciated Rabbi
Levy for his nobility of character, sim
plicity of nature, and beheld in him
noble, typical American citizen.
Mrs. Ross sang a vocal solo very
sweetly.
Rev. C. P. Massey was glad of the pro-
motion of the Rabbi, but he questioned
much whether he would be so greatly APP
preciated in Philadelphia as he is in Sac
ramento.
w. f. Gormley, President of the Coun-
Gil of Federated Trades, vouched the
sentiments of the laboring men by adding
few words of eulogy of the Rabbi as
being stanch, unwavering friend of
labor.
Rev. Mr.. Herrick of the First Baptist
Church knew DR.. Levy well, had ex-
changed pulpits with him, and recog-
niZed in him a conscientious, upright
worker for the cause of humanity.
Miss Mae Connolly, the talented elocu-
zionist, recited.
Mayor Steinman made a few semi
humorous remarks, telling of the great
confidence he reposed in Rabbi Levy.
DR.. Pyburn, Rev. MIR. George of the
Methodist Church, Judge Armstrong
and Professor IL. w. Raymond added
eulogistic words to the high compli-
ments paid the rabbi.
Mrs. Hawley sang. a solo in her usual
charming manner, and Professor Kin
ross, though feeling rather indisposed,
contributed a beautiful solo.
II. Weinstock, on whom as President
of the congregation devolved the duty of
making the principal speech OF the even
ing, eloquently related the circum-
stances of Or. Levy's coming to Sacra-
mento and his work while here. The
remarks, which are printed in full, were
as follows:
MR.. wEINsToCK's ADDRESS.
SIT may be of interest to my listeners
to hear the story of how Mr.. Levy was
led to come among us. 1t was
in the early part of 1889 that the Rev. NJ.
5. Levy, then of Oakland,.a brother to
him who is the hero of this evenings re-
ception, was called to Sacramento to per-
form the ceremony at a wedding, at
which l was guest.
"In the course of conversation l de-
plored the fact that our congregation had
for nearly year been without a spiritual
head, and appealed to him to recommend
suitable candidate. in reply he stated
that he had younger brother living in
Bristol Eng, who was well qualified to
fill the vacancy in our midst.
1.-The description he gave of this
Younger brother was such as to lead me
to strongly urge that he be sent for at
once. Mr.. Levy, however, said it would
be almost useless, as he knew his brother
to be happy and contented where he was,
and, so far as he knew, quite unwilling
to leave the land of his birth, where he
was so well known and appreciated, and
come 5000 miles as a stranger among
strangers.
Destiny, however, willed it otherwise
1t was but few weeks after. this con-
versation that circumstances led to my
going abroad. Anticipating q visit to
England, l secured letter of introduce
ton from Mr.. Levy to his brother in
Bristol. Armed with this, together with
authority from the congregation to secure
the services of capable minister wher-
ever | should be able to find one,
bided my time until l landed on the
shores of Britain, when 1 almost imme-
diately directed my steps toward Bristol,
in company with my travelling compan-
ion, the Rev. DR.. Krauskopf, of Phila-
delphia.
I'VE reached there in time to attend the
services in the synagogue on Sabbath
morning. The services over, my letter
of introduction was soon presented, and
8 conversation of a few hours satisfied
me that Mr.. Levy was the man needed
for Sacramento. 1t was with no little eff
fort. however, that it was made clear to
him that it was in his interest to make a
change.
SIT was only after mature deliberation
and some considerable correspondence,
spreading over several weeks after leav-
ing Bristol, and while yet abroad, that the
arrangement for him TO come to Calltor-
MIA was finally consummated.
''In order to leave no chance for q posi-
BILE change of mind on his part, l insisted