Draft:Penina Moise

Penina (Nina) Moïse

Penina (Nina) Moïse (23 April 1797, in Charleston, South Carolina – 13 September 1880, in Charleston, South Carolina) was an American poet.

Biography

Penina Moïse was one of nine children born to French parents of Jewish origin, Abraham and Sarah Moïse, who came to Charleston from the island of St. Eustatius in 1791 after fleeing a Black slave insurrection. Her father was an Alsatian-born merchant, and her mother was born into a wealthy Sint Eustatius family. Her siblings were: Cherie, Aaron, Hyman, Benjamin (born in the islands), Rachel, Jacob, Abraham, and Isaac (born in the United States).

She went to work at 12 to support her family when her father died. She studied on the side, developing her literacy and scholarship, and began her prolific writing career in 1830. She was the author of hymns used in Jewish religious services, contributed verses to the Home Journal, the Washington Union, and other publications, and published Fancy's Sketch-Book (Charleston, 1833), a book of poems, and Hymns Written for the Use of Hebrew Congregations (1856), a compilation for her synagogue, Beth Elohim.

Family Members

Parents

Abraham Moïse (1762-1838): Penna Father was a prominent figure in the early 19th-century Jewish community in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born in 1762 in Alsace, France; he immigrated to the West Indies and lived at Cape Francois, Santo Domingo. When a black slave insurrection broke out in 1791, Abraham and his family fled to South Carolina. He became a successful merchant with a small shopkeeper and later an auctioneer. At the time of their arrival in South Carolina, were 53 families in the congregation at Kahla Kadosh Beth Elohim, which convinced the father and family to stay. Their family also lived in a house on Queen Street, in the city's heart.

5 Coming Street where Penina lived and wrote several of poems

Sarah Moïse (1774-1842): née Sarah Lindo, was Penina's mother. She was born in 1774 and came from a distinguished Sephardic Jewish family with deep roots in the American Jewish community. The Lindo family was known for their cultural contributions and active participation in the Jewish community. Her original Jewish community was on the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius in the Netherland Antilles. Sarah's activities need to be better documented; her role as matriarch in a prominent Jewish involvement suggests involvement with communal and religious life.

Siblings

Penina's Father

Isaac Moïse (1800-1857):was a prominent figure in the Jewish community and a successful businessman, also played an active role in Charleston's civic and religious life. Married to Hetty Lopez, and together, they had several children who continued the family's tradition of community involved with the Jewish Religion.

Abraham Jr. Moïse (1799-1869): Younger brother to Penina, was born in the United States. Abraham's contributions and details about his life are less documented. He and another prominent Jewish figure, Isaac Harby, commissioned Penina to write the new hymn. He was married to Moses Caroline Agnes and died at the age of 69. He had a daughter, Sarah Louisa Moïse (named after his mother), who passed at the age of 13 months and 11 days.

Rachel Moïse (1796-1872): was deeply involved in the Charleston community. Like her siblings, she was committed to educational and charitable causes. Rachel was married to Solomon Moses, and they had several children. Rachel's home was a center of cultural and social activity in Charleston. She was born in the United States, not the Caribbean. She lived until the age of 75.

Jacob Moïse (1810-1894): Was a well-respected physician and a leader in the Charleston medical community. He was known for his dedication to his patients and his contributions to medical education. Jacob married Rebecca Catherine Cohen, and they had eight children who followed the family's tradition of service and professional achievement.

Aaron Sr. Moïse (1783-1852): Penina's older brother, was born in the Caribbean. Like Cherie, detailed records of his life and contributions are limited. Aaron is buried alongside his family at the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Coming Street Cemetery.

Cherie Moïse (1781-1823): was Penina's older brother. He was born in the Caribbean. He married Esther Cohen, and they had two children, Rachel E. Levy and Cordelia Cohen. His death place was Manhattan, New York, and he is now buried with his family on the coming street.

Benjamin Moïse(1790-1824): Born in Santo Domingo, was one of Penina's older brothers. He passed away at the early age of 34, never married, and did not have a spouse. He is buried alongside his family in the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim.

Hyam Moïse (1785-1811):Was an older brother to Penina. He was born in Port Au Prince, Haiti, and information on this family member is limited. He died at the early age of 26 and was never married.

Early Life Education

The spiritual home of Penina Moïse,The Beth Elohim, where she became a pioneering figure in Reform Judaism

Penina left school at age twelve after the passing of her father, Abraham. One of her brothers, Isaac, had severe asthma, and her mother was regularly sick with varying illnesses. Because of this, Penina deemed herself the family nurse and spent her days caring for her family rather than attending traditional school. Despite that, she still chose to study and write in her free time in the evenings. She would regularly read and write in the dark, which contributed to her vision issues and eventual blindness later in life. During the Civil War, her family fled to their Charleston, South Carolina home. She, one of her sisters, and her niece returned once the war ended and lived the rest of their lives in poverty. Moïse became the Superintendent of Congregation Beth Elohim’s Sunday school. Later in life, she opened her academy alongside her sister and niece, which focused on educating young Jewish girls in America.

Literary Inspirations

Hymns

Penina Moïse contributed significantly to Jewish hymnody, particularly within the Reform Judaism movement. Her hymns are known for their accessibility, spiritual depth, and lyrical beauty. Here are some critical aspects of her hymns

1. Religious Reform: Moïse's hymns serve the needs of the evolving Reform Jewish liturgy, which sought to modernize and make Jewish worship more accessible and meaningful to contemporary congregants. Hymns such as "The Hymnal of the Reform Congregation of the United States" include many of her works used to inspire and unite congregants in prayer.
2. Themes and Content: Her hymns address themes of divine worship, ethical living, and communal solidarity. They often call for moral introspection and a deepened spiritual connection with God. Moïse's hymns frequently incorporate Jewish prayers and scripture elements, adapted into poetic and singable formats integrated into synagogue services.
3. Impact and Legacy: Moïse's hymns played a crucial role in shaping the liturgical music of American Reform Judaism. They were widely adopted and appreciated for their simplicity, emotional resonance, and theological depth. Her work in hymnody helped establish a distinctly American Jewish religious culture, bridging traditional Jewish themes with contemporary American sensibilities.

Poetry

Penina Moïse's poetry uniquely blends religious devotion, personal introspection, and cultural commentary. Some of her more profound insights into her poetry are:

1. Religious devotion: Much of her poetry explores faith, divine providence, and the Jewish experience. She draws inspiration from the Hebrew Bible and Jewish Liturgy, infusing her works with spiritual and moral reflections. Some of the best examples are found in poems like "The Maccabee," where Moïse celebrates Jewish heroes and historical events, highlighting the resilience and faith of the Jewish people.

   

   Penina Moïse Poem about blending faith and creativity in the spirit of American Jewish Literature.

2. Personal Introspection: Moïse's poetry often delves into personal emotions, such as grief, hope, and resilience. Her works express a profound sense of introspection and a quest for understanding life's challenges through a spiritual lens. Some examples are "The Forsaken" and "The Prayer," where she reflects on her inner struggles and reliance on faith to navigate personal hardships.
3. Cultural Commentary: Her poems addressed contemporary issues, including social justice and the Jewish diaspora's experience in America. She used poetry to comment on the cultural and social dynamics of her time. One example is "Lines," which addresses the fragility of life and the solace found in faith. It also comments on the societal expectations of women in her era.
4. Literary Style: Moïse's poetry is characterized by eloquent and lyrical language. She often employed traditional poetic forms, such as sonnets and elegies, and utilized rich imagery and biblical allusions. Her tone ranged from reflective and contemplative to celebratory and devotional, always maintaining a sense of reverence and spiritual depth.

Publications

1. Lines XVI: This poem explores themes of introspection and personal reflection. It dives into the complexities of human experience, exploring emotions and the passage of time.
2. Lines for the Fourth of July: This poem celebrates American independence and patriotism. It highlights freedom's significance and the values underpinning the nation's identity. Moïse's Jewish heritage and American identity converge in a tribute to the country's foundational principles.
3. Lines XIX: This poem offers insights into contemplating life's transient nature. It reflects on the fleeting moments and the deeper meanings behind everyday experiences, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and appreciation.
4. Lines of a Broken Tea Cup: This poem uses the metaphor of a broken tea cup to explore themes of loss and impermanence. It reflects on how objects, like moments in life, can break and change yet hold memories and significance beyond their physical form.
5. Lines IX: This poem dives into themes of introspection and moral reflection, examining the inner conflict between human desires and higher ethical standards. It highlights the struggle to maintain personal integrity and virtue in facing life's challenges.
6. Lines XIV: This poem reflects on themes of resilience and hope. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in adversity, encouraging readers to find strength within themselves to overcome challenges.
7. Lines XX: This poem contemplates the passage of time and the impermanence of life. It explores how moments of joy and sorrow are fleeting and urges readers to cherish their experiences and the people around them.

While these are some of the notable poems by Penina Moïse that we could locate, it is essential to note that she authored many more works that are not readily available online. Her extensive contribution to poetry reflects her profound literary and cultural impact.

Fancy's Sketch Book by Penina Moïse, is one of the earliest collections of poetry by a Jewish-American woman, showcasing her unique voice and perspective.

Books

1. Fancy's Sketch Book(1833): This is Moïse most significant collection of poems, which includes various themes from her personal experiences and reflections on society, politics, and anti-semanticism. It was one of the earliest published collections of poetry by a Jewish-American author.
2. Hymns Written for the Use of Hebrew Congregation(1856): This collection was written explicitly for her synagogue, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, in Charleston, South Carolina. It includes hymns used in Jewish religious services and reflects her profound spiritual and cultural contributions to Jewish liturgy.
3. Secular and Religious Works of Penina Moïse with a Brief Sketch of Her Life(1911) : This book was published posthumously. It is a collection of her poems, hymns, and a brief biography. It showcases both her secular and religious poetry, highlighting her role as a pioneering Jewish-American literary figure.

Hymns

1. Great Arbiter of Human Fate: This Moïse work is published in five hymnals. It was used for the Jewish congregation book, which contained hymns written for Hanukkah and reflected on the themes of divine intervention and the Maccabean revolt.
2. My God, My Father, and My Guide!: The hymn is included in one hymnal book for Jewish congregations. It expresses deep personal faith and reliance on God. It is a prayer of trust and devotion, often used in individual and communal worship.
3. Lift, Lift the Voice of Praise on High: This hymn was published in 1 hymnal for Jewish congregations. It encourages the congregation to raise their voices in praise of God, celebrating his greatness and benevolence.
4. God of the Sabbath! to Thy praise: Published in 1 hymnal Jewish Congregation book. This hymn is dedicated to the Sabbath, emphasizing its sanctity and the rest and spiritual renewal it brings.
5. God of my fathers! in Thy sight: Published in 1 hymnal Jewish Congregation book. This hymnal reflects on the continuity of faith from generation to generation, expressing the enduring relationship between God and Jewish worship.

Penina Moïse wrote 190 hymns for her congregation, the Beth Elohim. The 1932 Reform Movement Union Hymnal included over 10 of her hymns. Her works "Great Arbiter of Human Fate" and "My God, My Father, and My Guide!" are celebrated for their eloquent expression of devotion and have become integral parts of the Jewish liturgical tradition. These hymns inspire congregations by emphasizing faith, resilience, and divine guidance. In 1842, Beth Elohim published a hymnal, and 60 of its 74 songs in the hymnal were Penina Moïse hymns.

Literary Criticism

Moïse's hymns dealt with many contemporary debates around religion, politics, and their intersection. Her poems have been primarily discussed in the context of women's literature of the nineteenth century and, more specifically, Jewish women writers. Her hymns shaped her local community and showcased American discourses in the newly founded republic. As a Southerner, I did not invest in topics such as abolition or women's suffrage. Instead, her poems and hymns focused almost exclusively on religion and education. As the Charleston Reform began, Moïse's hymns adjusted to that topic. At the same time, authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson started to emerge and lead contradictory movements to the Second Great Awakening. Moïse's hymnals offer a conglomerate of these discourses and how they impacted her life. While her writing progressed with age, so did the contents of her work. Moïse began writing more secular pieces that dealt with womanhood and their duties. While many of her pieces remained sentimental, she also wrote a few pieces discussing women's fashion and etiquette in a more sardonic tone. Despite writing on numerous topics, Moïse's most common theme was evangelism. Much criticism surrounding her work focused on the contents rather than the writing style itself. Moïse targeted Jewish Americans with most of her poetry and hymnal work. She also wrote pieces about Jewish Americans' "rights" as citizens. She had many works that discussed "Jew Bills," which questioned the right of Jews to hold office despite the founding father's separation of church and state. Moïse's hymns reflect the American Jewish identity of the nineteenth century, one of confusion and feeling lost.   

Legacy

Contributions to Jewish Liturgy:

1. Hymn writing: Her hymns are sung in present-day Jewish worship, particularly Reform Judaism. Her work significantly shaped the liturgical music of her time
2. "Hymns written for the Use of Hebrew Congregations": Her collection of hymns, published in 1842, was the first by an American Jew and a woman and is a cornerstone of her legacy
3. Cultural Impact: Moïse broke gender barriers within the Jewish community by being the first woman to write hymns for an American Jewish congregation. These pioneering Jewish liturgy and literature efforts inspired countless individuals and continue influencing Jewish American religious practices.

Inspirational Figures

1. Emma Lazarus: She was inspired by Penina Moïse's pioneering Jewish poetry efforts and commitment to Jewish identity. Penina's work provided a model that Emma could use to explore her Jewish themes, which became central to her poetry and activism, including her sonnet "The New Colossus."
2. Grace Aguilar: was a prominent Jewish writer who was influenced by Moïse's ability to incorporate deep-seated Jewish heritage into her poetry. Aguilar's work similarly focused on Jewish identity, religion, and the role of women in Judaism, mirroring the approach the Moïse pioneered.
3. Rebecca Hyneman: An American Jewish poet, was influenced by Moïse's exploration of Jewish themes and her role as a pioneering female Jewish poet. Hyneman's work is similar to Penina's, deeply committed to Jewish identity and heritage.
4. David Yulee: David was the first Jewish U.S. senator and became inspired by Moïse's dedication to Jewish faith and the ability of her poetry to articulate the Jewish American experience. Moïse's poetry and hymns helped shape the cultural and religious identity Yulee embraced in his political career.
5. Fanny Neuda, A German Jewish Writer known for her prayer book for Jewish women, was influenced by Moïse's ability to combine religious devotion with literary expression. Neuda's work similarly sought to provide spiritual support, particularly for Jewish women.

Posthumous Recognition

1. Historical Societies: The Jewish Women's Archive honors Moïse's life and works, highlighting her role as a pioneering Jewish poet and hymnist. The archive provides extensive biographical information and discusses her impact on Jewish American history. Another society is the Southern Jewish Historical Society, which recognizes Moïse for contributions to Jewish culture in the American South. She is celebrated as one of the significant figures in Southern Jewish history, and her works and legacy are discussed in various publications and lectures. Furthermore, her impact on South Carolina was vase so the South Carolina Historical Society commemorates Moïse as an influential figure in the State's history. Their records acknowledge her achievements in literature and her contributions to Jewish religious life.
2. Induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors: In 1999, Penina Moïse was posthumously inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors, recognizing her as one of the State's most significant literary figures.

Later Years & Death

In her later years, Moïse faced significant health challenges in the 1850s, which involved the deterioration of her eyesight that was most likely due to cataracts, causing her to spend the last twenty years blind. Despite this impairment, she remained dedicated to her literary and community activities. She cared for her widowed sister Rachel Levy and Rachel's daughter Jacqueline after the civil war. At the same time, she continued to write, often with the assistance of others who transcribed her works. Some contributions made were to the Reform Jewish Congregation at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina. She was pivotal in writing the congregational hymn book "Hymns Written for the Use of Hebrew Congregations," one of the first Jewish hymnals in the United States, composing numerous hymns and poems. Moïse, Rachel, and her niece established a small private girls' school in their home in Charleston to support herself and her family. Despite her blindness, she taught using remarkable memory and continued to inspire many young students.

She died in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 13, 1880, at the age of 83. She is buried at the Coming Street Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina, alongside all of her family members, including her parents and siblings. This cemetery marks the oldest Jewish burial ground in the South.