Hymns Written for the Use of Hebrew Congregations, [by Penina Moise]. Charleston, South Carolina (United States): Congregation Beth Elohim, 1856. English. Second edition. Second edition of the hymn book published by the congregation Beth Elohim, the first reform congregation in the United States. It includes original hymns in English composed by the poet Penina Moise (1797-1880), member of the congregation, inspired by Psalms, Jewish tradition, the Bible and her own life experiences. The hymns are in English – the language of the prayers and sermons in the Beth Elohim synagogue; the book thus reflects the liberal tendency of the large Charleston congregation, and the influence of the surrounding American society. Penina Moise, born in Charleston, South Carolina, was a prolific poet and prominent figure in the Charleston literary community. Her poems deal with a variety of topics, with emphasis on Jewish issues. Her book Fancy's Sketch Book is considered the first poetry book a Jewish author published by in the United States. Moise was an educator, and served as superintendent of the congregation Beth Elohim's Sunday school. She composed numerous hymns for the congregation; some of which are still in use in Reform communities. After her passing, Moise was eulogized as "…a Jewish poetess, whose life most admirably illustrates the literary idea of the old South... for many years, [she] was the literary pivot of Hebrew Charleston, and whose influence extended far beyond the circle of her co-religionists…" (The Hebrew Standard, 20 May 1910). XV pp., [1] ff., 212 pp., 16.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Many stains. Minor blemishes. Inked stamps to several pages. Some pages slightly loose. Signature to front endpaper. Ornate binding (by Welch & Harris Binders), damaged and slightly loose. Abrasions and tears to boards and spine. Inscription to lower spine. Singerman 1424.