munities the same, but entirely different. These and kindred subjects, we defer for a future work, in which we intend to discuss fully the Hebrew music, both Biblical and Post-Biblical.

These melodies, as well as the cantillation, were formerly performed by the Chazan, assisted on certain occasions by the congregation; but now of late choirs have been introduced into most of the Synagogues. The old melodies are also pretty well dispensed with, especially in some Synagogues, and modern compositions adopted in their stead. These are sung, of course, according to modern notation, and, consequently, rhythm and time are better kept, and the singing rendered much more melodious and effective. The best specimen among the metropolian Synagogues, of these changes, is that of Duke's Place where this part of the service is generally well performed, although the character of the compositions is not always in keeping with a place of divine worship. On the other hand, the best specimen of the old melodies is that of the new Synagogue, St. Helens, among the Ashkenasim; and in that of Bevis Marks, are sung the oldest, perhaps, of all those made use of by the Sephardim community.

SECTION V.-MEMBERSHIP.

The congregation of every Synagogue is divided into three classes. These are,

1. Bangalei Battim (on by) lit. masters of the house; but means those who possess all the privileges appertaining to the congregation.

2. Toshavim (vn) or persons belonging to the

congregation by renting-for one year at least-a seat in the Synagogue; but not being privileged members. 3. Orchim (7) visitors-these include all who go to Synagogue without renting a seat therein.

By this division it will be seen that two kinds of members belong to the Synagogue—the privileged, and the non-privileged. We have already seen what rights belong to the congregation in general, let us now consider what additional immunities belong to the privileged members. These are as follow,-1. Members only are eligible to be elected to the honorary offices. 2. They are eligible also to be elected to any other office of the Synagogue. 3. Every member has the right of voting at the election of the various officials, provided he pays a certain sum for his seat in the Synagogue. 4. He has a right to officiate as Sagan on the occasion of the marriage or Bar Mitsvah of his son. 5. He has a right to

attendance of the Chazan and Shamas on the occasions of a circumcision and burial. 6. Members, with their wives and unmarried children, are interred in that part of the burial ground appropriated expressly for the interment of privileged members, without any cost for ground. But all others are buried in that division of the cemetery set apart for the interment of non-privileged members, subject to such charge as the president may think proper. A non-privileged member, however, may be interred in the ground appropriated to privileged members, provided the character borne by the deceased be satisfactory to the Parnassim, and a certain sum be paid previous to the interment. These are the principal privileges that belong to the members.

Let us again see how membership is acquired.

Whenever a person is desirous of becoming a member, he must apply to the governing officers in writing, to which his signature is to be affixed; such application to be submitted at one of the meetings of committee, and balloted at the following. Every such applicant has to pay a certain sum (from five to ten pounds, as the Synagogue may be) for his admission, as well as all arrears; which payment must be made within the month succeeding his election. Every person thus admitted, if having unmarried children, has to pay also for each of them such sum as shall be determined on by the committee, in order that they may be entitled to their privileges. The sons of members, on their marriage, as well as a person marrying the daughter of a member, have only to pay two guineas, together with any arrears that may be due. The privilege, however, must be claimed within twelve months after their marriage-or, if married abroad, within one year after their arrival in this country, otherwise they are charged three guineas; and if delayed beyond that period, the sum of five guineas. But children who are already married when their father becomes a member, are not included in this rule-they must become members on their own account.

No bachelor is admitted member under twenty-one years of age.

The widows of privileged members may retain, during their widowhood, all the rights and privileges of the congregation, and are subject to such annual rates as the committee may deem fit.

Every one admitted as member is to affix his signature to the Book of Laws, and his name must be entered

by the secretary in the general register of members, for which a certain sum is to be paid.

Such are the general rules concerning the privileged members; and any one wilfully violating the laws, is summoned to attend a committee meeting to answer for the same; when such a fine is imposed upon him as they may deem fit. Should the guilt amount to that degree as to demand the member to be deprived of his rights, a special meeting must be convened for that purpose, consisting of the committee, together with a certain number of members renting seats at a certain sum per annum. They have the power likewise to determine whether the forfeiture shall affect the party alone, or also include his wife and children. A majority at least of three fourths, must be obtained, before the determination is valid.

SECTION VI.-REVENUE.-The revenue of the congregation is derived from four different sources-the Mitsvoth, Mi Sheberach, sittings in the Synagogue, and voluntary donations and legacies. Of the former two we have already treated, it only remains to say a few words of the latter two.

The several seats in the Synagogue, either for males or females, are let according to their situation in the building (as we have elsewhere explained), at a fixed rate, as determined upon by the committee. These must be payed for half-yearly in advance. The disposal of the sittings is in the hands of the honorary officers; they have no authority, however, to alter the prices thereto affixed without the concurrence of the committee.

Every male belonging to the congregation of eighteen and upwards, must pay for a seat, which, in fact, constitutes him a member. Should any one, however, declare himself too poor to pay, it is in the power of the committee to grant his seat rent free, the same being duly registered.

Whenever any person has rented a seat of a certain value, he cannot exchange it for another of less rate without the special permission of the honorary officers. And every married member renting a seat of a certain rate, must pay, at least, one-third for that of his wife. Should any one neglect or refuse to do so, he is, nevertheless, debited according to the aforesaid rates.

SECTION VII.-PRIVATE MEETINGS FOR PRAYERS.According to the Jewish faith the only place for prayer is the Synagogue. Private meetings, notwithstanding, are allowed under certain circumstances, and according to certain regulations, the principal of which are the following:-1. It must be sanctioned by the authorities of the Synagogue. 2. It must contain ten male adults, otherwise it is not a proper Minyan (D), or private meeting for reading the prayers. 3. When any person is incapable, through illness, to attend the Synagogue on sacred days, and desirous of having prayers read with Minyan on those days, he must apply to the Warden, who may allow the same, provided that the produce of all offerings taking place at such meetings be paid over to the treasury of the Synagogue. 4. The prayers at these meetings must be read by those appointed by the authorities of the Synagogue. 5. No person is allowed to attend any such meetings without the permis

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