Thread: Mose Hart- History of the Jews in England

Hi All,

This one is likely best suited to those who might consider them selves some what the Jewish Expert or have more than a passing knowledge of the folk who lived around the area of Whitechapel in the 1800's. We also believe he was born c1818.



As you will know if you have followed my threads I have been trying to find out as much as I can about about a man I will call Moses Hart who died 1844.



A very generous person wrote to me recently with this offering. But as much as I appreciate the time taken the thought arises, is this our Moshe haCohen Hart? Now before I confuse you using to names as I have, Moses and Moshe are the same man. As you will know the Jews felt the need to anglicize so Moshe became Moses Hart.



And so the email sent to me........

I have a book called The History of the Jews in England written by Albert M Hyamson. It was first printed in 1908, second printing in 1928. Because so much info was lost during the blitz this book is a gold mine. There is a chapter on the Ashkenasim 1690-1764 inwhich there is mention of an Uri Phaibush (Aaron Hart)1670-1756 of Breslau, brother of Moses Hart (no mention of the ha Cohen)who was the chief Rabbi of the Ashkenazi community, there's a great picture of him.

In a chapter on the Colonies (1625-1800) there is mention of an Aaron Hart in Canada. There are other Harts listed, Ezakiel Hart, Moses Hart, Samuel Becancour Hart, Commissary Aaron Hart and as mentioned Rabbi Aaron Hart.

In another chapter on the Ashkenazim 1765-1797 there is mention of of a

Judith Levy 1707-1803),daughter of Moses Hart, the founder of the Duke Street congregation who had married Elias, a son of Benjamin Levy. No surviving offspring from that marriage.

Further on in the book it mentioned a Judah Benjamin 1811-1884 who was either a Solicitor or Barrister.

I've also gleaned from the book that most of the Ashkenazi Jews living inthe East End of London came from Russia, Holland, Belgium, Hamberg, up until the end of the 19th century. The Sephardi who were there for centuries before were mostly from Spain and Portugal. Up until the early 1800's there were approx 600 Jewish families in London. There were also communities in other large towns such as Bristol, Liverpool, Norwich, Cambridge and Oxford. During the period in which you are searching there weren't that many synagogues in London.

.............

Well, there you are thats the body of the email. Is there any way that AA can tell me did this Moses marry Elizabeth and who were the children of the couple. If he is my Moses then the Great Synagogue will likely to have played a part.



As usual any help appreciated, Hawk

Hi Jeuel,

You may be right about the National archive and the Chief Rabbi and having to get permission. Although it must be my Australian rebel in me, but should this material not be in the public domain by now and available at least to read at the National archive.



The other action would be to gather up those of us who are interested and a fighting fund perhaps. Then go to Charles Tucker the archivist or the the National Archive and see what they have. Then share the information with the group. I think this may be the only way that our questions might be answered. Other wise I would think it might be a very expensive exercise.

I find Charles helpful but expensive. Not to mention exchange rates.



What do you think?



Best wishes from a sunny Victoria, Ray