SABBATH HOURS : THOUGHTS

Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society (JPS), 1893. FIRST EDITION (NAP). Hardcover. Very Good Plus. Octavo. Navy Blue cloth over boards, with gilt lettering and silver decorative border and vignette to front board. Gilt and silver lettering and design (respectively) also, to spine. Just a little bit of rubbing to extremities (some nudged corners, and shelf-fraying to spine-caps, but overall tight and bright. Fifty-four sermons, one for each Sabbath of the year, with two additional for leap years, were culled from two volumes of German sermons on texts from the Pentateuch, published by the late Rabbi Liebman Adler of Chicago. Brief biographical sketch of Adler included. [i-x] + 338 pp. + 11 pp. advertisements.

Liebman Adler was born January 9, 1812. "...immigrating to America in his early forties. Adler served as rabbi at Temple Bethel in Detroit before assuming the pulpit of Kehillath Anshe Maarabh in Chicago in 1861. His arrival coincided with a period of dissension within the German congregation over the introduction of liturgical reforms. A self-styled "orthodox reformer," Adler proved to be a perfect fit for the divided congregation, able to act as a mediator between the younger reform-minded generation and older traditionalist immigrants. Under his stewardship, the synagogue gradually adopted reformist innovations. Adler served the congregation for over 20 years, earning the adoration of its membership. He delivered sermons in German until 1872, when the congregation hired a minister able to preach in English. During the Civil War, he spoke out forcefully against slavery..." "To the Faithful Keepers of the Perpetual Light of Jewish Feeling and Practice, The Jewish Women, This Work is Dedicated"... Through all the vicissitudes of this century, the sanctity of the Jewish home has been well maintained, and with it the influence of woman over Jewish religious life. Byright of inheritance, she occupies vantage-ground, from whose height she can shape the future. She it is that can keep alive the ancient fervor, and promote an intelligent view of Judaism and its practices. To equip her with needed knowledge is the purpose of this collection of Biblical discussions, which are conducted from the point of view of modern thought, and with rare lucidity, illustrate the universality and present timeliness of our ancient sacred literature..." (Editor's note).