In the Beginning: 1854
Each week The American Israelite will print an item from the first years.
To Rev. I.M.WIse:
Reverent Sir, — It becomes my pleasant duty to inform you, that at a meeting of the “Hebrew Young Men’s Literary Association” of Baltimore, held 25th inst., you were elected by a unanimous vote, to honorary membership thereof, which hoping you will accept.
I remain your obedient servant,
Aaron Friedenwald, Rec. Secretary of the H.Y.M.L.A.
Thanksgiving our friends for the kind attention bested on us, we accept the honor, and wish them the right spirit of progress, moderation, and love of science. We are aware, that the society contains so many active and well instructed me, that our humble co-operation can be of little consequence to them; still we offer our services to the society.
(Editorial Correspondence.)
— November 3, 1854
150 Years ago
Foreign Record
Italy. — Two Jewish ladies recently passed a Government Examination in Rome, and obtained certificates to enable them to become teachers in a communal school. This fact is noteworthy; in so far that this instance is the first of the kind that has ever occurred at Rome. Of course, previous to September, 1870, when the liberal government of Victor Emanuel succeeded the bigoted rule of Pius IX, in the Eternal City, such an occurrence as that recorded above would have been a matter of impossibility.
Items
Talk often in company, and in a way which shows that you understand what is said around you. But do not talk long. In that case you are apt to tire your hearers. There are many persons who, though they have nothing to talk of, never know when to leave off talking. There are some who labor under so great and insatiable a desire for talking, that they will even interrupt others when about to speak. We should in society never talk of our own or others domestic affairs. Yours are of no interest to them and theirs should not be to you. Besides the subject is of so delicate a nature, that, with the best intentions, it is a chance if we do not make some mortifying mistake, or would the feelings of some of the company.
— October 31, 1873
125 Years ago
Peddler Murdered in West Virginia
Jacob Sewall, a Russian Jew, was murdered in McDowell County, W. Va., near Welch. Frank Crockett and Melvin Trent are under arrest charged with the murder. Sewall left home with about $100 dollars in money and a valuable pack of goods, and the motive for the murder was undoubtedly robbery. He leaves a widow and two little children in destitute circumstances.
Every effort will be made to punish the criminals, and able counsel have been engaged to assist the prosecution. But life is cheap in these mountains, and killing a man is hardly regarded as a crime. Peddlers who go into these regions should do so at the risk of their lives, and should not travel alone when carrying valuables.
Jottings
- THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE was the only Jewish-American paper of which a copy was deposited in the cornerstone of the Newark, N.J., Jewish Orphan Asylum, which was recently laid.
- Judge Bacon, the English jurist, recently spoke from the bench upon a letter offered in evidence, which he said was “written in cursive Hebrew characters.” “I emphasize the adjective,” he continued, “because the last time I used it a reported quoted me as saying ‘cursed Hebrew characters” and he has been trying to square himself with the indignant Jews every since.
— November 3, 1898
100 Years ago
Jottings
- Anonymous letters are often received at this office, criticizing unfavorably the managers of institutions and others. For these, the waste-basket. If the class of writers who are given to doing this, will bear this in mind, they will save themselves and the editor unnecessary trouble.
- To designate Reform Judaism as “Reformed” is not only a misnomer, but the use of it casts an aspersion on Orthodox Judaism, which was and is perfectly respectable and in no need of reformation. In fact, it is high time that the title Reform for modern Judaism should be discarded. American Judaism would be far preferable.
- A shochet named Blitz has been sentenced at Zurich to ten days’ imprisonment and a fine or 100 francs for practicing Shechita, which is forbidden in Switzerland. It is difficult to believe at this late date, so highly a civilized country as Switzerland should retain among its statutes so intolerant a law, which exists in none of the more civilized countries.
- Not much actual “business” is done at the national conventions, of the various organizations. The executive boards practically always know what is best to do and the delegates usually adopt their recommendations. Nevertheless these meetings are by far not without their value. They stimulate the zeal of the delegates who usually are the leading men in the local branches, but what is of equal value is the personal contact, the conversations, the reunions, the new acquaintanceships, companionships, and fellowships that for many constitute the most alluring and inspirit part of such assemblages. It is for this reason that annual conventions are even better than those that meet at longer intervals.
— November 1, 1923
75 Years ago
Dr. Glueck Formally Takes the Helm of JIR, lately Merged with HUC
New York (Spl.) — Affirming his hope that the combined Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati and the Jewish Institute of Religion in New York “will become the equivalent of a great University of American Judaism,” Dr. Nelson Glueck, president of HUC-JIR, was installed as JIR president Friday evening, Oct. 29th.
The address was delivered by Dr. Stephen S. Wise, who founded the institute in 1922, and its president since that date. He urged Dr. Glueck to make the Institute “an ever increasingly effective instrument” towards “the strengthening and advancement of Judaism in America and throughout the world.”
Dr. Glueck said the merger opens a new chapter of the religious life of American Jewry.
Cincinnati Social and Personal
- Dr. David Philipson observed his 60th year in the pulpit of Rockdale Avenue Temple this week.
- Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity of the University of Cincinnati held a Halloween dance at the University YMCA on Saturday night, Oct. 30th.
- Mrs. Leah Marmer of the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary Post No. 438, entertained at her home Oct. 18th with an “Aid to Israel” Party. Proceeds will be used for medical supplies.
— November 4, 1948
50 years ago
Synagogues To Observe “2nd Yom Kippur”
Sunday, November 4, thirty days after the beginning of the Yom Kippur War, synagogues in Cincinnati and across the nation will conduct “Second Yom Kippur,” Yom Kippur Sheni Services.
The Cincinnati Board of Rabbis is sponsoring the Services in cooperation with the Rabbinical Advisory Council of the United Jewish Appeal.
The Services will repeat much of the Yom Kippur liturgy, including the shofar blowing and Yizkor service for this who have been killed in the war.
Services in Cincinnati will be begin at 11.a.m. at the synagogues.
Bas Mitzvah
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Funk announce the Bas Mitzvah of their daughter, Marian Gail, Friday, Nov. 9, at 8:30 p.m., at Ohav Shalom Congregation.
Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and attend a Kiddush following the services. Marian is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Funk of Cincinnati and Mr. and Mrs. Sid Segal of Orlando, Fla.
No Cards.
Bar Mitzvah
We invite you to worship with us on the occasion of the Bar Mitzvah of our son, Craig, Saturday, Nov. 3rd, at Adath Israel Synagogue at 9 a.m.
Craig is the grandson of Mrs. Cecelia Schwarz of Hackensack, N.J., and Mrs. David Barshay of Perth Amboy, N.M.
Gwen and Al Schlesinger
— November 1, 1973
25 Years ago
Hebrew Day School receives Torah
By Phyllis Singer
Editor
According to Jewish tradition, a synagogue receiving a Torah is supposed to celebrate with festivities and great joy. Such a celebration took place at Cincinnati Hebrew Day School Oct. 18, when the school received its own Torah.
Although the school has a synagogue in its building at 2222 Losantiville, until now, whenever the school needed a Torah for a special celebration, it had to borrow one, explained Rabbi Moshe Englander, the school’s principal. (Although daily services are held by the students, the Torah is not regularly read at these services, even on Monday or Thursday when it is read in the synagogue.)
“We have had a synagogue, and an aron kodesh (holy ark), but until now the ark has been empty,” Englander said.”Something was missing. That is how we felt about our ark until now.”
The Torah was presented by these school’s longtime benefactor Maurice Lowenthal, in memory of his wife, Hester, who died in 1993.
Maurice and Hester Lowenthal were among the original founders of Cincinnati Hebrew Day School when it was established as Chofetz Chaim Day School in 1947. Their daughter, Mitzi, and her husband, Ed Traurig, of Detroit, were present at the dedication. Mitzi was a student in the first class at Chofetz Chaim Day School. The Lowenthals remained active supporters of the school long after their three daughters had graduated and grown.
The celebration began with a walk escorting the Torah from the Cincinnati Community Kollel across the street to its new home at the day school. At the school, kindergarten students presented a musical programming, and winning essays on “What the Torah Means To Me” by Tova Berger, Bayla Kahn, and Tova Berger and Its Englander (joint entry) were read.
— November 5, 1998
10 Years ago
Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati hosts 17th annual meeting
The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati held its 17th Annual Meeting last week at the Mayerson JCC. The Foundation’s leadership reviewed the core themes and principles guiding its investments in our community, reported on its grant-making activity during the past year, and outlined some of the priorities the Foundation will focus on in the year ahead. The Foundation also paid tribute to one of its original Trustees, Benjamin Gettler, who passed away in June.
Jewish Foundation President Michael R. Oestreicher opened the meeting by reviewing the progress made by the Foundation since the sale of the Jewish Hospital. This included the development and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic plan for investing new community resources in five priority goal areas: Unmet Basic Needs, Jewish Education, Leadership Development, Continuous Jewish Involvement and Israel Connection.
Cedar Village names three individuals to senior positions
Three people have been appointed to senior positions at Cedar Village Retirement Community.
Carol Silver Elliott, Cedar Village’s president and chief executive officer, made the following appointments: Linton Sharpnack to chief operating officer; Rachel Festenstein to director of independent and assisted living; and Diane Slovin to special events and volunteer manager.
“We are thrilled to have Linton and Diane join Cedar Village and to have Rachel take on a new role,” Elliott said. “We have a strong and dedicated management team and these additions help to make that team even stronger.”
— October 31, 2013
