One month after receiving its charter in 1859, the congregation’s leaders wrote letters to several European synagogues appealing for a Torah. Within two months they received this response from the Alte-Nue Synagogue in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
“January 2, 1860
“Mr. Ignatz Frankenstein,
“In acknowledging the receipt of your esteemed letter of the 13th of November, 1859, I have the honor to inform you that the officers of our new Israelitische Bethaus, .. resolve to present your worthy congregation of New Brunswick, gratuitously, the desired Sefer Torah.
“… We are very happy to be able to serve your new religious organization, and should you possess another Sefer on the receipt of this, we will be willing to assist you in any other way.
“Yours,
Ernest Wehly, President of the Israelitische Bethaus Cultus Germeinde”
The Torah arrived in April, 1860, and the Anshe Emeth secretary sent an enthusiastic letter to the Alte-Neu Synagogue, thanking its leaders for this treasured gift. It read in part:
“Our reception of the Torah was, for us, like the moment that our people received the holy covenant at Mount Sinai. It was a sacred moment for our congregation and one full of awe. Our eyes were raised up to heaven and we called out, ‘As our hearts are filled with the fear of God on this day, so may it be all the days of our lives upon the earth.’
“We are small, yet we possess another precious gift from you. Through your noble actions you have won for yourself, not only with us, but also with our children’s children, an unforgettable name. As often as we look upon this Sefer Torah, so often will your deed appear before our eyes.”
“May the Almighty abundantly bless all your undertakings.”
Sources: Archives of the Jewish Historical Society; Writings of Ruth Marcus Patt for the JHS.
Anshe Emeth Service Sheet October 23, 2009/ 5 Cheshvan 5770
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