(1806-1868) leader of Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia and editor of The Occident and American Jewish Advocate (1843 – 1869). Leeser was born in Neuenkirchen in what is now Germany. When he came to the United States, he led the Jewish congregation in Richmond, Virginia. He came to Philadelphia after the death of Hazan Abraham Israel Keys. Although staunchly Orthodox, Leeser was also an innovator. For example, he set a new standard that Jewish sermons would be given not only in English, a trend that brought him wide acclaim, but as a regular part of the service. His English translation of the Torah became the standard for the day. He was the leader of Rebecca Gratz’s congregation for the last part of her life. You can read his work here.
