A Cyclopaedia of Canadian Biography: Being Chiefly Men of the Time: A Collection of Persons Distinguished in Professional and Political Life, Leaders in the Commerce and Industry of Canada, and Successful Pioneers
History
A Cyclopaedia of Canadian Biography: Being Chiefly Men of the Time: A Collection of Persons Distinguished in Professional and Political Life, Leaders in the Commerce and Industry of Canada, and Successful Pioneers
States was generally looked upon as one of the earliest indications of
the birth of a more friendly feeling between the United States and
Britain, whose relations had then been but recently strained by the
_Alabama_ Claims; and Sir Edward Thornton, the British Minister at
Washington, as well as Mr. Gladstone—who was then premier,—extended to
Dr. de Sola the special approbation and thanks of the British
Government. Having purchased the stereotype plates and copyright of
Isaac Leeser’s works, Dr. de Sola published about this time a new and
carefully revised edition of that author’s English translation of the
Bible, according to Jewish authorities. He also brought out a new
translation of the Jewish Forms of Prayer, based upon the editions of
his father (D. A. de Sola) and of Leeser. These were heavy undertakings,
and their completion entailed several years of severe work. In addition
to his other arduous duties, Dr. de Sola had now been appointed Hebrew
Lecturer at the Presbyterian College, Montreal, and also Lecturer in
Spanish Literature at McGill—a literature with which he was
particularly familiar. But the heavy strain of such intense application
to work at length undermined his naturally strong constitution, and in
1876 his health suddenly gave way. After a year’s rest in Europe he was
so far recuperated as to be enabled to partly resume his duties, and in
1878 and 1879 he was again an active contributor to the Hebrew press.
Among other of his writings at this time one of the most noteworthy was,
“Yehuda Alcharizi, and the Book Tachkemoni.”—In 1880 he produced his
last great work, “Saadia Gaon”—a book which gives a vivid picture of
the political struggles and literary labours of one who played so
important a part at the court of a Prince of the Captivity. But Dr. de
Sola’s health was now rapidly failing, and, while in New York, on a
visit to his sister, he was prostrated by an attack of illness which
finally culminated in his death on June 5th, 1882. The remains were
removed to Montreal, and there interred. In his decease the _literati_
of Canada felt that they had been bereft of one of their brightest
luminaries, while the Israelites throughout the Dominion mourned the
loss of one who had literally _built up_ Judaism in Canada. As his
remains were being consigned to their earthly tenement with truth indeed
did the officiating rabbi exclaim, “If respect be attached to the name
of Jew throughout these Canadas, to Abraham de Sola belongs the chief
glory of having gained it.” For thirty-five years he had ruled his
co-religionists in his adopted country with a sway that was almost
absolute—for his influence extended far beyond his own immediate flock.
He had bent every energy to improve and advance his people, and in his
death it was felt that there had passed away one who above all others
had energized and elevated the Jewish community in Canada. Dr. de Sola
was married to Esther Joseph, in 1852, and had several children. His
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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