Constitution of the Congregation Shearith Israel, New York: S.H. Jackson, 5595 (1835)

25 pages (9 x 5 1/4 in.; 230 x 135 mm). Final three pages trimmed on the bias though not affecting text. Marbled papers. Modern three quarter polished calf, double gilt fillet, over marbled paper. Brown buckram slipcase.

an important artifact of the oldest Jewish congregation in North America

Shearith Israel, the first Jewish congregation to be established in North America can trace its origins to the twenty-three Jews, mostly of Spanish and Portuguese origin, who landed in New Amsterdam in 1654. Shearith Israel was the only Jewish Congregation in New York City from 1654 until 1825.  During that period, the congregation provided for all the religious needs of the Jewish Community, from birth to death.  It offered education in both religious and general subjects, provided kosher meat and Passover provisions, and performed a wide variety of charitable and other functions for the city’s Jewish population. The first congregational constitution was composed in 1790 (no printed copy remains extant) and emulated the National Constitution and even incorporated a “Bill of Rights.” The present lot comprises the amendments and additions to the congregational by-laws approved in the years 1805, 1820, 1825 and 1836. Of special note is a table of times for the inauguration of the Sabbath throughout the year. (Singerman 621).