Rev Yitzchok Isaac Leeser
יצחק ב"ר אורי
Founding Editor, The OccidentDate of Death:
Sat. February 1, 1868 -
Shevat 8 5628
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Directions to Kever: Congregation Mikveh Israel 55th Street Cemetery is located in Philadelphia, The cemetery is open to the public only once a year on the Sunday before Yom Kippur. For other times or a private tour contact the Mikveh Israel office at (215) 922-5446 or via email: info@mikvehisrael.org. Location: A tall obelisk in the middle of the cemetery.
Biographical Notes:
Photo Caption: Rev Isaac Leeser of Philadelphia, Credit: Needed
Photo Caption: Title page of Rev Isaac Leeser’s book, Credit: Institute For Judaic Culture and History
Photo Caption: Cemetery location map
Bio Information:
Rev Isaac Leeser founded The Occident, the first general American Jewish magazine. The Occident is one of the most important records of American Jewish life in the middle decades of the nineteenth century. Rev Lesser was the first Rabbinic authority in the United Stated to introduce a weekly sermon as part of the Shabbos morning service delivered in English. The name Lesser is derived from his grandfather, whose Hebrew name was Eliezer.
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Sadly, Rev Leeser, never got married, I think he was sick for most of his life.
Rev. Lesser wrote the 1st American english translation of the Torah, opened w/ Rebecca Ganz (of Ivanhoe fame) the first Jewish Day School in America, was the the chazan (aka leader) of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia and brought Rav Avraham Rice, the first frum Rav to settel in America, over from Germany.
Zacharyah
It is Rebecca Gratz NOT Ganz.
Zacharyah
Another spelling error:
settle NOT settle.
settle NOT settel.
1-Although not visible in the picture above there is a mistake in the Hebrew inscription at the very top of the tombstone. The inscription says that he died on ז’ שבט. He actually died on ח’ שבט which corresponds to Feb 1, 1868.
2-There seems to be some discrepancy regarding the name of his father. Multiple articles claim that he called himself Leeser after his paternal grandfather who’s name was Eliezer. On the tombstone, however, it says at the top (not visible in the above picture) יצחק בן אורי אליעזר.
Both these points give the impression that the current inscription is different than the original. The current tombstone was put there in 2008 as is indicated at the very bottom. I haven’t been able to find a picture of the previous tombstone. If anyone knows of a picture of the tombstone prior to 2008 or where the original inscription is recorded please post it here.
Thanks