Consecration of Bnai Jeshurun Synagogue

Event Information

Venue(s):
Bnai Jeshurun Synagogue

Conductor(s):
Professor F. Groux [comp-cond.]

Event Type:
Choral, Orchestral

Performance Forces:
Instrumental, Vocal

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
6 December 2012

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

14 Sep 1865, 2:30 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

2)
Composer(s): Groux [comp-cond.]
3)
aka Masaniello; Mute Girl of Portici; Stumme von Portici
Composer(s): Auber

Citations

1)
Review: New York Herald, 15 September 1865, 8.

Detailed description of the new synagogue.

“[There was] an introductory symphony by the New York Orphean Musical Association, under the direction of Professor Groux, and a chant by the choir. . . . [This was followed by] further chanting by the Rev. Mr. Kramer and responses by the choir.”

2)
Review: New-York Times, 15 September 1865, 8.

"The new and beautiful synagogue of the Congregation Bnai Jeshurun, the oldest but one in this city, was yesterday consecrated, according to the Jewish custom. This congregation is the wealthiest and most influential of the Israelitish faith in our community, and the members, while chiefly of American birth, nevertheless represent well-nigh every nation on the Eastern continent. Owing to the grandeur of the service, and the belief that many more than the edifice could contain would present themselves, tickets of admission were issued, and none save those thus supplied could find admittance. Upward of a thousand applied, only to be refused, and the favored ones were besought to sell their tickets or use their influence to procure others. The arrangements of the committee being fully carried out, precisely at the appointed hour, 2 1/2 o'clock, the exercises commenced.

The music, composed and arranged by Prof. GROUX, was all that could be desired. The religious services were conducted by Rev. JULIUS S. KRAMER, Chasan minister of the congregation. The choir was composed of the members of the New-York Musical Association, under the direction of Prof. GROUX; all of whom had kindly volunteered for the occasion, and the orchestral music was by the New-York Orphean Musical Association.

After an overture by the band from Massaniello,the services of consecration commenced, as follows:

ORDER OF SERVICE.

Chant by the choir, (male voices, fifty in number,) -'Take a psalm, and bring the timbrel, the harp and the psaltry, a voice of joy and a voice of gladness, a voice of song and salvation.'

Rev. Dr. RAPHAEL and Rev. J.B. KRAMER, followed by the trustees and Building Committee, entered at the inner door of the synagogue, with the Pentateuch or Sacred Scrolls of the Law, where, standing under a canopy, the Chasan exclaimed, 'Open unto us the gates of righteousness, we will praise the Lord.' Then followed a chaunt by the choir, succeeded by the Chasan, Dr. KRAMER, the choir responding, &c., when the Perpetual Light was inflamed by Mr. SAMUEL COHEN, and Dr. RAPHALL pronounced a brief blessing. The Chasan and choir again successively chaunted and repeated, when the procession was formed and the circuit of the synagogue made seven times.

During the First Circuit the 24th Psalm was chaunted by Rev. ANSEL LEO, Ex-Minister of the Cong. Bnai Jeshurun, followed by the President, Vice-President, the Trustees, Secretary and Building Committee.

During the Second Circuit, Psalm 30th was chaunted by Rev. J.J. LYONS, followed by the President and Vice-President of Cong. Shearith Israel, and the Ex-President and Ex-Trustees, and the oldest members of the Cong. Bnai Jeshurum.

During the Third Circuit, Psalm 84th was chaunted by Rev. H. PHILLIPS, followed by the President and Vice-President of the Congregation Shaaray Tefi la, the owners of copies of the sacred scrolls deposited in the synagogue, and the next oldest members of the Congregation Bnai Jeshurun.

During the Fourth Circuit, Psalm 100th was chaunted by Rev. A. STERNBERGER, followed by the President and Vice-President of the Congregation Anshi Chesed, and the officers of different Jewish congregations.

During the Fifth Circuit, the 111th Psalm was chaunted by Rev. Mr. HOFFMAN, followed by the President and Vice-President of the Congregation Rodof Sholom, and members of the Congregation Bnai Jeshurun.

During the Sixth Circuit, the 122d Psalm was chaunted by Rev. B. MOSKOWITZ, followed by the President and Vice-President of the Congregation Derach Amuno, and members of the Congregation Bnai Jeshurun.

During the Seventh Circuit, the 132d Psalm was chaunted by Rev. M.R. DELEEUW, followed by the President and Vice-President of the Congregation Bnai Israel, and members of the Congregation Bnai Jeshurun.

The sacred scrolls were now carried to the ark, Rev. J.S. KRAMER and choir chanting the twenty-ninth Psalm.

The scrolls having been deposited in the ark, and the bearers seated, Rev. Dr. M.J. RAPHALL delivered the consecration sermon. The services up to this time were carried out in harmonious detail, and it was only at this stage of the exercises that the audience met with a disappointment. The venerable Rabbi's voice became inaudible. Despite the most profound silence, not one word could be heard from his superannuated lips. And strange to say, the Doctor himself was the only person present who was not aware of the fact after the first two or three minutes, for he as sincerely, and from appearance as fervently, proceeded with his address as was his custom before overcome with decrepitude. More singing by the choir and Chasan followed, when the scrolls were returned to the ark. The full chorus of Hallelujah was then sung, when the exercises terminated and the audience dispersed."