Rebecca Gratz to Anna Maria Boswell Shelby Gratz - July 09, [1856]

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben, sending her deepest condolences on the death of his wife, Maria Gist Gratz. Their niece Sarah adds a note, also expressing her grief.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about the health of family members and friends, particuarly about Ellen Hays Etting, whose newborn recently died. She also discusses the literature she is reading.

In this letter to her friend Margaret (Peggy), Rebecca bemoans the departure of her friends from New York and describes at length the 4th of July festivities in Philadelphia.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Ann about the death of her niece Isabella Etting and that her niece Sara moved to Philadelphia to be near her mother after the death of her sisters Rosa and Ellen.

The document is a philosophical address, likely by Elie Wiesel, to Rabbi Keermaier on the occasion of his induction into a leadership role. It begins by interpreting the Pirkei Avot passage "Assé lekha rav u'kné leha khaver" (Make for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend), exploring the complex relationship between a student (hassid) and a teacher (Rebbe). The author reflects on the nature of a true Rav, referencing the compassionate yet suffering Hasidic masters of Wizsnitz. The text then broadens to discuss the current era of global distrust and the unique challenges facing the Jewish people. Citing the destruction of the Temples and centuries of persecution, the author posits that Jewish survival is a mystery sustained by the unwavering commitment to learning the Torah. An anecdote about advising the Dalai Lama on survival in exile underscores this point: the Jews carried the Torah from Jerusalem, and this love of learning preserved their memory and soul. The address concludes by directly encouraging Rabbi Keermaier, emphasizing that his own learning will be central to his new leadership position.