MORAIS, Sabato (mo-rah'-ees), clergyman, born in Leghorn, Italy, 29 April, 1824. After careful Hebrew and rabbinical training he went to London in 1845, and in 1846 was elected head-master in the Orphans' school of the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue. In 1851 he came to this country and settled in Philadelphia as minister of a synagogue, which post he has since occupied. He has been connected with all the Jewish movements of his time and has powerfully defended conservative Judaism. On the opening of Maimonides college, Philadelphia., in 1867, he was chosen professor of Hebrew and biblical literature. He has been a frequent contributor to the American Jewish press, principally on themes connected with Hebrew literature. He has been connected with Italian polities, became a Freemason to advocate liberty and unity in Italy, and was an intimate friend of Joseph Mazzini. His outspoken opposition to slavery led to his being chosen an honorary member of the Union league of Philadelphia during the civil war. He took an active part in the establishment of the conservative Jewish theological seminary of New York, opened in January, 1887, of which he was chosen president, and has been active in furthering Jewish charitable and educational progress in Philadelphia. In 1887 he received the degree of LB. D. from the University of Pennsylvania.