This wonderful gem from The Occident, Nov. 1, 1864 lists none other than Jonas Melhado as Hatan Torah of Hebra Abodath Hakodesh, billed as “The new Portuguese Congregation in New York.” Depending on which Jonas Melhado we are talking about, this is likely either my direct ancestor or a cousin (I know of two with this name who came to New York around this time).“The new Portuguese Congregation in New York, bears the name of Hebra Abodath Hakodesh, and was organized the last 22nd of May. The officers are David de Meza, President; Levi J. Nathan, Treasurer; Moses De Silva, Vice President; Jacob Costa, Jacob Ferares, Jacob Baruch, Isaac Arobles, Trustees; David Mendoza, Mordecai Valentine, Moses De Meza, Auditors; Isaac De Caseras, Hazan; Moses M. Costa, Secretary; Isaac Rodriguez Lopez, Shamas; Jonas Melhado, Hatan Torah; David Sarfati, Hatan Bereshith; Levi J. Nahon, Baal Tokeah. The congregation numbers fifty members. They dedicated a Sepher on the 25th of September, and have two Sepharim since the Hinnuch. We do not quite understand whether these comprise the whole number owned, or are in addition to others previously in their possession. They meet for the present in the house of Mr. Joseph De Young, No. 97 E. Broadway. We have no doubt that, if they manage their affairs well, and in the fear of God, they will prosper in their work, and will be at the same time no injury to the old Sephardim Kahal, whose place of worship is at such an immense distance from all living in the southeast section of the city. We hope, therefore, that the new and as yet feeble Kahal may grow rapidly, and be soon in possession of a Synagogue of their own.”