receive instruction in Hebrew Grammar, n (Bible), Hebrew Composition, &c., also Sacred and Profane History, Arithmetic, Composition, Algebra, Natural Philosophy, Geography, &c.; 31 of these are translating

(Mendlessohn's Commentary on the Pentateuch) ON (selections of Jewish Observances), and other Rabbinical books-300 form the central division, and are taught Reading, Hebrew and English translation of the Prayers and Pentateuch, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, &c.-329 constitute the lowest division, and are being instructed in reading, Hebrew and English translations, the Commandments, the Creeds, the daily prayers, and the elements of arithmetic. The systems of object and gallery instruction are carried through all the divisions of the school, and moral and religious information is regularly conveyed. Vocal music, also, and model drawing, have been introduced.

The books used, besides those ordinarily employed for Hebrew, are Chambers' Educational Works-the Irish and Borough Road School Class Books-Sullivan's Works-Dr. Brewer's Guide to Science-Mangnall's and Ewing's Geographies-Van Oven's Manual of Judaism-Solomon's Table Books and Primer, Henry's Class Books, Bible, &c. The school is well supplied with maps, pictures for illustration and objects, both natural and artificial.

The girls' school is attended by 460 pupils, which is a far larger number than have ever hitherto received its benefits at any one time; of these 153 read the Bible, History of England, Irish Class Books, Nos. 2 and 4; 90 read Mrs. Trimmer's Selections; 113 read Borough Road Class Book, No. 1 and 2 are in the Alphabet ;*

300 learn the first four rules of Arithmetic and their compounds; the remainder are taught from the tables, in Multiplication, &c. The upper Classes receive instruction in Geography, Grammar, History, and mental Arithmetic. In Hebrew, 27 translate about 46 pages of the Prayer Book; 56 translate portions of the Prayers; 170 read Hebrew and translate the Commandments, Creeds, &c.; 240 join letters and read easy words. The needlework proceeds with astonishing rapidity, and a number of excellent specimens have already been exhibited.

Mr. Angel, head master of the boys' school, Miss Barnett, head mistress of the girls' school, and Mr. Miers, master of the Talmud Torah, conduct the establishment much to their own credit and the satisfaction of the Committee.

3. West Metropolitan Jewish School. This school belongs to the reformed Synagogue, but receives Jewish pupils from all congregations indiscriminately. After a complete alteration in its plan, it was opened a few days ago at No. 26, Red Lion Square. It has been modelled after the Birkbeck system-and in connexion with Hebrew and sound Jewish religious instruction, the children will be taught the branches of a real useful education. The premises are prepared to contain 300 boys, and 150 girls. Also a room for the use of monitors, fitted up as a museum, and containing a goodly collection of objects and paintings-two excellent globes-models of the whole process of hand-loom weaving; all being the gifts of members of committee. Next to this is a gallery on an improved plan, capable *of holding with ease about sixty children, in which

mixed lessons are to be given to the boys and girls. And lastly, is a laboratory, fitted up chiefly with apparatus belonging to Mr. Brooke, the head master; under whose management the institution bids fair to become a model Jewish school.

II. Of private schools we have no statisties to offer. So far as we have learned they are not numerous, nor remarkably efficient. The most estimable, we believe, in the metropolis, is the establishment of Mr. Solomon, Upper Edmonton. Several teachers are attached to this school; and in addition to the usual routine of an English and Hebrew education, the following are also taught, drawing, music, dancing, French, German, Spanish, and Latin.

III. Literary Institutions. In the metropolis they have a Literary and Scientific Institution, Sussex Hall, Leadenhall Street. This was founded in 1844, and is carried on in a similar manner to institutions of the

same class. Although the management is strictly Jewish, the institution is open to the public on payment of the terms of subscription. These are, for membership, 30s. annually-but members under eighteen years of age, and also operatives, shopmen, &c., have only to pay 20s., non-members for lectures and library, 20s. The advantages offered to the members are the following

:

1. The use of a Library, for circulation and reference. It consists of nearly 5000 volumes of the best standard and modern works, additions to which are being constantly made from the newest works as they appear. It contains also a valuable collection of Hebrew works, for reference only.

2. Reading Rooms.-These are open from eight in the morning till eleven at night, and are well supplied with the morning and evening newspapers, magazines, reviews, also English, German, and French periodicals.

3. Lectures.-These are delivered weekly, during the session, on the various branches of art, science, and literature.

4. Evening Classes.-Lessons of instruction are given in the English, Hebrew, German, and French languages.

5. A class for the discussion of literary, philosophical, and historical subjects, holds its meetings weekly during the session.

In addition to the foregoing, a free lecture on Friday evenings has been commenced, on subjects of a moral and religious tendency. The whole establishment is well managed, but not very well supported.

IV. Rabbinic Institution.-To every large and influential congregation, there belongs generally a Rabbinic Institution-Beth Hamedrash, or house of inquiry; and which is strictly a religious place of learning. In London, the only one in Great Britain, the Beth Hamedrash is situate in Smith Buildings, Leadenhall Street, and contains a valuable library of which we shall speak anon. Its principal object is for the Chevrah Shas, Society for the study of the Talmud. In this country, little time is devoted to these studies; consequently the members of this society are not numerous-generally from twelve to fifteen; and are presided over by Dr. Adler. Properly, they ought to meet daily-they meet, however, only twice a week, on Monday and Thursday; the hours of attendance being from 11 till

1. All the members are men of mature age-and must be of good moral character, as well as acquainted with the Hebrew and its Rabbinical literature, before admitted to the society. The Talmud is regularly read—lectures delivered by the president upon its contents— conversations held; and thus the society is conducted upon the plan of mutual instruction. The library is open to the members, and others, daily; the institution is supported by an endowment of £220 per annum. Biblical learning, strictly speakly, has no place in their routine of study-not being deemed of so great importance as the Talmud; consequently, the Jews, with very few exceptions, are far behind the Christian community of this country, in the knowledge of the sacred volume and its literature. To meet a Jew who has paid attention to the geography, antiquities, natural history, &c., of the Old Testament, is of rare occurrence; but most of them pride themselves in a knowledge of the Talmud-many, indeed, who have never seen it, and others who have only read selections from it. The Talmud is a very voluminous work-treating of a great variety of topics-with many of its words and phrases absolete and uncertain-written in a mixed and impure language; and demanding pretty well a life time, to become thoroughly acquainted with it. An outline of its contents we shall now subjoin; in which, undoubtedly, our reader will feel an interest.

According to the Rabbies, Moses received two laws on Mount Sinai-one written and the other unwritten. The written Law is contained in the Pentateuch, but the unwritten Law was transmitted down from generation to generation by word of mouth, and that inviolate,

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