USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Cincinnati, the Queen City, 1788-1912, Volume II > Part 4
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Alfred M. Klein, 921 Walnut street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Krauskopf, 4715 Pulaski avenue, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jacob Kronacher, 9 West Third street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rev. Dr. Max Landsberg, 420 Main street, Rochester, N. Y.
Rev. Dr. J. Leonard Levy, P. O. Box 995, Pittsburg, Pa.
Max B. May, 518 Walnut street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Myer Oettinger, 421 Race street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jacob Ottenheimer, 533 Walnut street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Rev. Dr. David Philipson, 852 Lincoln avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Emil Pollak, 2648 Stanton avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Rev. M. Samfield, 81 Market street, Memphis, Tenn.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Silverman, 50 East 76th street, New York city.
Louis Stern, 32 West 23d street, New York city.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Stolz, 157 42d place, Chicago, Ill.
CONGREGATIONS.
The story of the growth of the Jewish congregations in Cincinnati is the best indication of the development and progress of Judaism in America. The evolution of the grand house of worship from the sometimes "shule," the change from the alley or back street to the prominent thoroughfare or hill-top location is not the sign of increased prosperity alone; the intellectual growth, the keeping abreast with the progress of the years, the emancipation from self-imposed con- fines-religious, social and material-are represented as well. Nor has Cincin-
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nati alone been affected by the wonderful changes brought about. The influence of the Cincinnati congregations has been national, nay, international. For it was in this city that the example was set which has been followed, to a greater or less extent, by the cities of the United States, and of Europe as well. The history of the congregations is the history of the Cincinnati Jews, one which they have just cause to regard with pride and satisfaction, as set forth at the beginning of this series of sketches. Although there were always the several factions here as elsewhere, there has ever existed that harmony, cooperation and unity of purpose which mark the work of great men, earnestly, sincerely and unselfishly performed. Such men were the founders and builders and leaders of the Cincinnati congregations, and to such other men have they be- queathed this rich heritage.
PLUM STREET TEMPLE, K. K. BENE YESHURUN.
The story of "Plum Street Temple" is so closely interwoven with that of Isaac M. Wise, the Hebrew Union college and Reform Judiasm in America that it becomes difficult to segregate the former and still preserve the most interesting features of its history. It will, therefore, be appropriate to let those voices long hushed in death give silent utterance to the words spoken two-score years ago, on Friday, May 12, 1865, the day upon which was laid the cornerstone of the great Temple.
The Israelite of May 19, 1865, states that "a member of the congregation" (the late Solomon Levi), read the following
HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATION.
The existence of the congregation extends back only twenty-six years (1839) and is the first Reform congregation west of the Alleghany mountains. It, first of all others, essayed to consolidate Judaism with the true philosophy and just demand of this age, and Americanize the synagog without encroaching upon her old landmarks and divine principles.
It was in 1839 that a few young Israelitish immigrants organized, under the title of "Killah Kodesh Bene Yeshurun." Their names are not fully known, as no record of transactions previous to September, 1841, exists. Among those were Jonas Levy, Mordecai Levy, Jacob Silverstone, Levy Thiedman, Joseph Simon and Alexander A. Cohen. Their first property was a burial ground, bought in 1840, near the Brighton house. A member of the congregation con- ducted the worship until 1841, when it was voted to pay $75 per annum for a public reader, Simon Bomberger being the first one elected. The congregation worshiped in a rented room for several years. In 1844, having a fund of $1,500 accumulated, a building committee was appointed, who were discharged for neglecting their business. In 1845 the lot on Lodge street was bought for $4,500, and it was resolved a synagog should be built by the next spring; and the build- ing was contracted for at $9,840. This year Mr. J. Marshuetz was elected reader, at $150 a year.
In 1847 Rev. James K. Gutheim was elected reader and preacher. During the year the funds of the congregation became exhausted in building, and the congregation embarrassed. Henry Mack was made chairman of the new build-
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ing committee, whose earnest appeals and indefatigable labor succeeded in com- pleting the synagog, but at an expense of $20,000. It was consecrated in October, 1848, the congregation numbering . one hundred and thirty-four members.
In January, 1849, a committee reported a plan for the establishment of a Hebrew institute, proposed by Mr. Henry Mack. The plan was accepted, and the Talmud Yelodim institute was established.
In 1849 Rev. H. A. Henry was elected minister of the congregation. Com- plimentary resolutions and a silver goblet were presented to Henry Mack for his activity in behalf of the congregation. In August, 1850, the resignation of Rev. Mr. Henry was accepted. In September he was reelected, but in Septem- ber, 1851, "he was again dismissed," and in October Rev. Mr. Rosenfield of Charleston, S. C., was elected minister, and continued his services until 1852. Mr. Samuel Levy acted as reader, gratuitously, until the spring of 1854.
At a general meeting in September, 1853, it was resolved, on the basis of a private letter from Rev. I. M. Wise, of Albany, N. Y., to Mr. Goodheart, to invite him to visit this city. He declined, but in October he was unanimously elected minister "during good behavior," without being personally known to the congregation. His election expressed the determination of the congregation to take sides hereafter with a party of progress and reform in Israel. Since that day the work has progressed finely. The divine service was entirely improved by the introduction of choir, organ and Minhag America. The Talmud Yelodim institute is an honor to the community. The congregation now stands at the head of western congregations in numbers and progressive measures.
The necessity for a new house of worship more eligibly situated, to accom- modate an increasing membership (having become pressing), in April, 1863, it was unanimously resolved to make preparation for the erection of a suitable temple. A committee, consisting of Henry Mack, Sol. Friedman, Max Mack, Jacob L. Miller, A. J. Friedlander, M. J. Mack, Simon Shohl and Sol. Levy, was appointed to devise means and look out for a suitable lot and procure plans for a new temple. Subscriptions to the amount of $20,000 were raised, and Messrs. Jacob Elsas, B. Simon and Simon Marks were appointed a committee to raise further subscriptions. The site for the temple was agreed upon and the purchase effected in May, 1863.
On Friday afternoon, May 12, 1865, with solemn and impressive ceremony the cornerstone was laid. A copper box had been prepared which contained the history and records of the congregation, copies of daily and denominational papers, constitution of the United States, list of the executive officers of the United States and the state of Ohio, coins and currency of the day. This box was deposited in its resting-place by the five oldest men of the congregation, I. Silverstone, S. Levi, S. Stix, L. Loeb, Sr., and A. Cohn, Sr.
Opening his discourse, which followed the sealing up of the cornerstone, Dr. Wise used these significant and prophetic words: "It consecrates this spot to the sanctuary of the congregation Bene Yeshurun for centuries to come, and coming generations will glory in the privilege of being members of this body, and descendants of those who selected and consecrated this spot to a house of the Lord of Hosts. . No rude hand, of either fanaticism or the foreign invader, will dare to desecrate this spot, holy to God and truth. Therefore, let
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also the congregation Bene Yeshurun exclaim, 'This is my resting place for- evermore !' "
On August 24, 1866, the magnificent structure, which had been completed during a period of terrible unrest and uncertainty in the country, was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, an event of such great importance in Cincinnati that the daily papers gave columns of their then most valuable space to an elaborate account of the proceedings and published in full the long history of the congregation and the addresses of Dr. Wise and Dr. Lilienthal.
Curiously enough the only printed description of the temple extant appears in the daily papers of May 13, 1865, the day after the laying of the cornerstone. The most elaborate account is from the Cincinnati Commercial, probably from the pen of Murat Halstead himself :
"The new temple will be the largest and most important structure of the kind in the United States, and if carried out as at present contemplated by the congregation, it will be exceedingly unique and elegant. The size upon the ground is about 130 feet by 125 feet, and the entire height will be about 90 feet to the top of the roof. .
After moving into the new home the influence of congregation Bene Yeshu- run became national and was felt in all questions of congregational reform.
Its fame was spread abroad by the fearless, energetic, enthusiastic work of its indefatigable and conscientious rabbi. During the years 1866-1900, he traveled in all parts of the country, dedicating new temples, delivering popular lectures, attending conventions and conferences. In these assemblies, Dr. Wise was always the moving spirit and his personality and that of the congregation became inseparable. Aided and encouraged by the congregation, Dr. Wise es- tablished The Union of American Hebrew congregations and The Hebrew Union college. In 1873, Dr. Wise received a call from the congregation Ansche Chesed, of New York, which elected him for life, but his congregation would not permit him to leave. His salary was increased to $6,000, and he continued to serve at that salary until his death, March 25, 1900. In 1889, the congregation dis- pensed with the services of the cantor and elected as assistant rabbi, Rev. Charles S. Levi, who served until 1898, when he was called to Peoria. In November, 1898, Dr. Wise selected one of his most favored and promising pupils, Rev. Dr. Louis Grossman, who had been at Detroit, Mich., for fourteen years. After Dr. Wise's death the congregation unanimously elected Dr. Grossman as the successor of Dr. Wise, which position he has been filling with the utmost satis- faction.
The value of the congregation's property is in the neighborhood of $350,000 and the annual expense of sustaining the temple and Sabbath schools is about $20,000. There are 400 members.
The present officers are: Rev. Dr. Louis Grossmann, D. D., rabbi; I. Wein- stock, cantor ; president, Jonas B. Frenkel ; vice president, Meyer Oettinger ; sec- retary, Max B. May ; treasurer, B. Bettmann ; warden, B. Kahn ; trustees, Nathan Drucker, Felix Kahn, Jos. A. Friedlander, Louis J. Goldman, Albert Moch, Elias Moch, Jacob Ottenheimer, Emil Pollak. Sidney E. Pritz, Fred Rauh, Sam Straus and Charles Shohl.
Vol. II-3
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CONGREGATION BENE ISRAEL.
The dedication of the new temple "Kahl ha Kodesh Bene Israel, which took place on the 14th and 15th of September, 1906, marks an important epoch in the annals and development of Judaism in Cincinnati and in the West.
The history of the congregation dates practically from the first coming to the territory west of the Alleghanies of any who bore the standard of Israel, when, in the year 1819, Joseph Jonas, David I. Johnson, Lewin Cohen, Barnet Levi and Jonas Levy united and held the first Jewish worship in this western country in the holy days of the fall of 1819.
On the 4th of January, 1824, a meeting composed of a majority of the Jews dwelling within the town took place, and two weeks later (January 18, 1824), there was laid the foundation of the present Bene Israel congregation in the adoption of a constitution and by-laws and the election of Joseph Jonas as presi- dent, and Phineas Moses and Jonas Levy as vestrymen.
Of those named above Phineas Moses lived until June 20, 1895, and he was the last survivor connecting the present generation with the noble band of Jewish young men who had, in 1824, united (in the language of the resolution then adopted) "for the purpose of glorifying our God."
In 1826 a frame building west of Main street, between Third and Fourth, was used as a synagog; in 1828 worship was held on Front street, between Main and Sycamore; in 1830 on Fourth street, between Sycamore and Broadway, and until 1836 the congregation assembled in some room rented for the purpose, the services being read by the members, who were also empowered to perform, and did perform the marriage ceremony in lieu of any regularly appointed minister.
On January 8, 1830, the general assembly of Ohio granted a charter to the society, thus incorporating the religious body under the name which it has since borne. In July, 1829, the congregation purchased a lot on Broadway, between Fifth and Sixth, and in 1834 a committee was appointed to build a synagog, with authority to raise funds, etc., and within a year of their appointment (on June II, 1835), the cornerstone of the synagog was laid with appropriate cere- monies.
Up to the year 1842 the history of the congregation may be considered as the history of the Jewish community at large, but in that year another con- gregation, its sister temple, "Bene Jeshurun," was organized.
Bene Israel congregation, in 1846, had a membership of one hundred and fifty, and in 1847 the property adjoining the synagog was purchased. In 1851 the lot on the other side of the synagog, on the corner of Sixth and Broadway, was acquired. The original charter limited the value of the property which the congregation might own, and on February 5, 1847, a new or amended charter was granted by the legislature, extending this limit.
Previous to 1847 the congregation was without a preacher. Its cantor per- formed the duties connected with that office, but in 1847 the Rev. James K. Gutheim, who later became the leading rabbi in the South, was elected as lecturer for six months. He had a short time before founded the Hebrew institute for the instruction of children, at this time the congregation was the central point
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of all charitable local endeavor. In 1849, for the first time, a choir was organized. In preparation for the erection of a new synagog the congregation temporarily, in 1851, worshiped in a room on Vine street, occupied by a small congregation known as the "Shaare Shomayim," which, in 1852, became merged in Bene Israel.
The month of May, 1855, inaugurated a new and most important era in the history of the congregation by the election of Rev. Dr. Max Lilenthal as its religious leader, under whose guidance the congregation, which had been strictly orthodox, began and prosecuted its movement toward reform. In September, 1855, a minority of its members who adhered to the orthodox policy seceded and formed the congregation Sheerith Israel.
1248132
On April 8, 1863, the board of trustees recommended the erection of a new temple, with family pews, organ, choir, etc., and at a congregational meeting held on November 8th of that year, these recommendations were approved. On November 13, 1864, a building committee was appointed, and in January, 1865, the lot on the corner of Eighth and Mound streets was purchased, the majority of the congregation then living in the western portion of the city. It was not, however, until the 5th of June, 1868, that the cornerstone was laid, and on August 27, 1869, the new structure was dedicated with inspiring solemnity, impressive sermons being preached by Rev. Drs. Max Lilienthal and Isaac M. Wise.
On April 5, 1882, death brought the work of Dr. Lilienthal to a close, but the influence of his example survived to encourage and inspire in like work.
In October, 1888, Rev. Raphael Benjamin was elected rabbi of the congrega- tion and continued in that position and as its earnest religious leader for six years, when he was succeeded by Rabbi David Philipson, the present incumbent, under whose guidance the progress of the congregation has been ever upward and further upward.
The names of those whose labor has been generously given to the advance- ment of the congregation, who have served it in offices of trust are prominent upon its records and in the memory of its members-and among those whose work lives after them is Morris Goldstein, who served as its cantor from 1881 until death closed his earthly career, in 1906, one of whose beautiful composi- tions the choir rendered at the dedication of the new temple. Victor Abraham, Esq., president of the congregation in 1900, in the course of his report to the congregation, called the attention of the members to the necessity of a change of location of its temple, and thus gave the first official sanction to the move- ment which culminated in the splendid structure on Harvey avenue.
The congregation meeting to which the report of President Abraham was submitted (held on the evening of October 28, 1900), concurred in the foregoing suggestion of his report and authorized and directed the appointment of a com- mittee to investigate the advisability and practicability of the proposition and to report to a special meeting of the congregation.
The committee submitted to a meeting of the congregation held on October 27, 1901, a report finding that a change of location of the temple was advisable and practicable, and the meeting by unanimous vote adopted the report. On November 1, 1901, Sol. Fox, Esq., then president, announced the appointment of the committee to solicit subscriptions for the new temple.
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The next general meeting of the congregation was held on October 12, 1902, and in his report President Fox reported the progress made by the committee and recommended the appointment of a committee of nine on sites and construc- tion, which was promptly done.
On March I, 1903, a meeting of the congregation was held to consider the report of the committee, and the purchase of the present lot at Rockdale and Harvey avenues was authorized.
On July 28, 1904, ground was broken on the site of the new temple with proper services. On April 16, 1905, the cornerstone of the new temple was laid.
Beginning at 3:30 o'clock on Friday afternoon, September 14th, and continu- ing throughout the Saturday and Sunday following, the temple was dedicated, the program being one of the most elaborate and memorable of any similar occasion in the country.
The lot on which the building is located covers an area equal to a city block, which gives the temple a park-like surrounding, and also affords means for landscape gardening, trees, shrubbery and flowers.
The congregation has 475 members. The value of the property is about $250,000 and the annual expenditure is $26,000.
The officers of the congregation are: David Philipson, D. D., rabbi; Rev. Joseph Mandelberg, cantor.
CONGREGATION BETH TEFFILA.
Kehilah Kedoshah Beth Tefilla (House of Prayer) congregation was founded in 1869, by Schachne Isaacs and several associates, who were dissatisfied with the unorthodox tendencies shown by the congregations then existing in Cin- cinnati. It has ever since adhered closely to the orthodox standards of its founders, and is at present the largest and one of the oldest congregations west of the Alleghanies still adhering strictly to these tenets.
The first place occupied was in two small rooms, on Richmond street and Central avenue, where the congregation met regularly for its three daily prayers, for about two years. At about this time the number of orthodox Jews in Cin- cinnati was greatly increased through immigration, and accordingly the congre- gation sought more suitable quarters at Eighth street and Central avenue.
In July, 1881, through the efforts of Schachne Isaacs, it was enabled to move into a house of worship on Carlisle avenue, between Central avenue and John street, that had formerly been a Baptist church. It so happened that after the building was purchased its former occupants asked for and received permission to use it one Sunday. When the leaders of the congregation were severely criticised for granting the permission, they replied, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations" (Isaiah 56, 7). This inscription was placed above the door, and from it the congregation received its name. For twenty- five years the regular services were held daily in this building.
In September, 1906, the building at Eighth and Mound, formerly occupied by the B'nai Israel congregation, was purchased and rededicated. The building was erected twenty-eight years ago at a cost of $180,000, and stands on a lot
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100 by 135 feet. Several changes were made in its arrangement to adapt it for the orthodox services, including the erection of an Almemar, and the arrange- ment of a separate place for the women.
The congregation owns a cemetery of four acres, near Lick Run, west of Price Hill, which they have held for the past thirty-five years. The total prop. erty of the congregation, including buildings, cemetery, Sefer Toras, etc., amounts to $100,000, on which there is a mortgage of $15,000.
Several other organizations have grown up in connection with the congrega- tion and meet regularly at the synagog. These include a Chevrai Mikrah (Bible class), Chevrai Shas (Talmud class), and a Chevrai Kadisha.
The present rabbi is Abraham J. G. Lesser.
The present organization of the congregation consists of a board of trustees, elected annually. The officers are: Abraham Isaacs, president; Abram Baer, vice president ; Louis Fridman, secretary ; Chas. Shaengold, treasurer; M. Fein- gold, financial secretary.
CONGREGATION AHABETH ACHIM-SHERITH ISRAEL.
Toward the end of the year 1847 a number of Jewish men of Cincinnati expressed themselves as believing that there should be a congregation in the upper (west end) part of the city, and in spite of the numerous difficulties these men set to work earnestly to carry into effect such a plan, with the result that in a short time the idea became an established fact. Several preliminary meet- ings were held, and on February 18, 1848, it was finally agreed to incorporate the congregation under the name Ahabeth Achim, "Society of Brotherly Love." At that meeting were present L. Goldsmith, Samuel Weil, Chas. Kahn, Henry Kahn, M. W. Fechheimer, H. Winter, I. Bloch and M. Westenberger. The first step was to provide a place in which to hold services, and after a short interval a hall on the second floor of a building on the northwest corner of Pleasant and Fifteenth streets was secured and furnished. S. Eppinger presented the new congregation with a Scroll of the Law, and on the following Friday evening the first services were held. Leopold Goldschmidt was the first cantor, giving his services free for the first year.
Even before there was any thought given to the question of a new building the matter of a cemetery was brought up, and on May 15, 1848, Chas. Kahn, Simon Kahn, Samuel Kahn, Henry Winter and Moses Westberger, on behalf of the congregation, secured three acres of land, to be used as a burial place, on Ludlow avenue, in Clifton. Later more land was acquired, and finally the ceme- tery was improved, until it is now one of the finest in the country.
The membership of the new congregation increased so rapidly that in the following year (1849) it was found absolutely necessary to have better quarters, and accordingly a piece of property, 40 feet front on Race street, between Fif- teenth and Liberty, was purchased for a building site upon which, owing to the strained finances of the members there was erected a frame building, which was shortly afterward dedicated as a place of worship.
From 1849 to 1864 there is little to record in the history of the congregation, as the records themselves chronicle nothing of importance. However, the his-
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torian of the congregation, Joel H. Steinberg, vouches for the statement that during that period the congregation was strictly orthodox and the daily lives of the members in strict conformity to orthodox rules of living. The watchword of that time was "Young man, go west," and many followed the instruction. This would have seriously impaired the membership had it not been that still more moved into the city. Indeed the membership increased to such an extent that in 1864 a lot was leased on the corner of John and Melanchton streets (now Bauer avenue), and two years later the temple was erected which up to the time of the consolidation was known as the John street temple. The new build- ing cost $47,000, which, together with the ground lease, proved a very heavy burden to the congregation, and it required many years of active work to cancel these heavy obligations. But it was done in time, and in 1898, the time of the 50th anniversary celebration, the congregation had all its obligations paid and was free from debt.
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