[June 8, 1776, cont.] Rostrum or Pulpit looking to
the Repository to which the
Ascent is by 3 Steps On this is a
large Table covered with Red Tapestry
fringed with Silver Lace on each
Corner of this also is a Candlestick
and Candle like the Former, the
Rostrum is Facing the Repository of
the law none of the Candles are light
in the day Time, but a Glass Lamp
hangs from the Roof facing the Repository which is
kept constantly burning both night &
Day-- The Priest was a handsome
Young Man of about 25 dressed like
in a black Gown resembli Such as
is worn by Bachelors of Arts, when
he entered the Synagogue he first wal=
-ked to the Repository and unlocked the
Door then came down & went into
the Repository Rostrum & began to
read, all or what we should call Sing
and Soon after the People all joined with
him tho they did not observe good
Time in their Singing (as I then thau=
-ght it to be, tho afterwards I was
infor-
-med it was the propper way of their
Rea-
-ding). Sometimes this Singing would cross
or rather alter into jabering & the
Priest
would mutter his Hebrew much faster than
I could read or Speak English. this was
done all Siting. afterwards the Priest
arose & Stood [illegible]
Still Singing with his Eyes