Summary

In November of 1657, Rabbi Moseh HaCoen Mendes pens a letter to Menasseh ben Israel. He expresses condolences for the death of Menasseh’s son, having arrived in London shortly after the man had left to escort the body to Holland. The writer has been told the Menasseh is “not well in body” and that the holy man had quarreled with the Jewish community in London (26). The narrator addresses the Menasseh as an “esteemed friend” he has known since childhood (26).

The rabbi heard of Menasseh’s belief that his London mission had failed, but disagrees, believing that a “hardy sapling” of faith had been planted (27). The rabbi believes London will be a safe haven for future generations of Jews, “surely in the lives of those now borne in their mother’s arms” (27). The rabbi had left Amsterdam willingly, despite being infirm and impoverished. Having...