ABSTRACT
Isaac Leeser was the “most important and the most influential American Jewish religious leader in the antebellum period.” In April 1843, Leeser began publishing a monthly magazine, The Occident and American Jewish Advocate, using it as a forum to promote his ideas. Leeser included in The Occident news of every synagogue and Jewish organization in the country that was brought to his attention. The formation of the Board of Delegates of American Israelites found a champion in Isaac Leeser, who urged its growth, resulting in representation from thirty congregations. The Civil War presented Leeser with new challenges of leadership. Influenced by the long and bloody Civil War and the emotionalism which surrounded it, a revival of religious activity occurred in the United States during and immediately following the war. Isaac Leeser visualized the free Jewish community as a part of; rather than separate from, the free American community.
