In the Beginning: 1855
Each week The American Israelite will print an item from the first years.
Outlines of a Plan for the Zion College
We are not authorized to make any official communication on behalf of the “Zion College Association,” nor has the association adopted any plan of operation, as legislation on the subject is reserved for the representatives of the different societies who will take matters in their hands; we merely state our own views on the subject, and lay them before those who will legislate in the matter.
If the university is intended to be what it must be, to come up to German universities, a seat of professional learning, consisting of the four faculties, there must be in existence a scholastic establishment, to form the link in the chain of education between the common schools public schools, bearing schools, academics or whatever they are designated on one side, and the university on the other side. There must be a preparatory school to the university to render the same services as the gymnasiums do in Germany. But an American establishment of this nature must differ from a German one, as America differs from Germany.
— March 30, 1855
150 Years ago
Varieties
The St. Louis Temple Congregation (Dr. Sonneschein), has joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, which is certainly of great importance to the success of the cause, whereas the congregation counts over two hundred contributing members. There is one more congregation in St. Louis to come into the Union.
Union in Israel
Every Israelite who feels for the prosperity of his religion, knows that “Union in Israel” is an absolute necessity, not only for the purpose of maintaining a College for the education of Rabbonim, and of establishing a Young Ladies’ Seminary, which shall be under the guidance of mothers in Israel, but also of reinstating the observation of the Sabbath in its pristine glory.
To observe the Sabbath as G-d has commanded it, must become the watchword of every true Israelite. This shameful disregard of keeping the Sabbath must cease. It will not do; it is a blot on our good name as men and Israelites, and it has a demoralizing effect upon the family, which if not stopped will uproot that beautiful Jewish family inner life for which we, as a people, have, for ages, been so preeminently distinguished for.
— March 31, 1876
125 Years ago
5661—Passover—1901
The opening of the new century several months ago was made the occasion of many dissertations on the achievements of the nineteenth and of prophecies on the possible accomplishments of the twentieth century. Quite the most frequently recurring note in the review of the century that has just sunk into the lap of the past was that it was the century of freedom, that liberty had made greater strides among men than during any like space of time previously, that thought had become emancipated to a greater degree and that throughout the civilized world men had passed out from the thralldom of bondage of all kinds, political, intellectual, social, religious, into the promised land of equality and unhampered opportunity. No one can nor would for a moment deny that generally speaking this contention is true.
– It is an old story that Jews must not only be as good as other people but must be better. What can be done by others with impunity is accounted heinous if it is a Jew that does it. Centuries of misrepresentation have done their work, and the Jew who does not show himself above all suspicion is regarded as potentially, even if he be not actually, a bad man. In view of this state of affairs, it behooves Jews to remember that they are judged by what is worst among them, and not by their best or by their average.
Jottings
Max Ring, the German poet, died in Berlin on March 28, in his 84th year.
— April 4, 1901
100 Years ago
Jottings
– The Oxford University Press announce “The Legacy of Israel,”edited by the late I. Abrahams, Edwyn Bevan and Charles Singer. It will contain an Introduction by the Master of Balliol and an Epilogue by Mr. C.G. Monteflore. The plan of this book is probably the last fruit of Dr. Abraham’s scholarship.
– Several applications for the importation of Passover wine from Palestine have been denied by Assistant Secretary Andrews, in charge of prohibition enforcement. He held that the wine supply in this country is sufficient in quantity and quality for sacramental use. The applications were received principal from members of Orthodox Jewish congregations who sought the Palestine wine for Passover.
Einstein’s Writing To Be Translated Into Hebrew
Vienna, (JTA)—The works of Professor Albert Einstein will be translated into Hebrew. Professor Einstein has authorized Dr. Jacob Greenberg, well-known mathematician, to undertake the translation of his works on the theory of relativity. Dr. Greenberg has published a number of books which were commented upon by Professor Einstein. He is the author of the article on Einstein for the new Hebrew Encyclopedia now being prepared in Berlin.
— April 1, 1926
75 Years ago
Bar Mitzvah
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rubin, of 567 Prospect Place, announce the forthcoming bar mitzvah of their son, David Paul, Saturday morning, March 31, at the Ohav Shalom Synagogue, 425 Forest Avenue.
A reception will be held in his honor Sunday, April 1, from 7:30 to 11 p.m., at Ohav Shalom Synagogue. Relatives and friends are invited. No cards.
Feinberg Synagogue Centennial Plans Are Announced
Centennial Year activities of the Louis Feinberg Synagogue will be continued with a reunion of all living men and boys who became bar mitzvah in the Adath Israel congregation, on Saturday morning, March 31 according to Louis Weiland, general chairman.
— March 29, 1951
50 years ago
Bar Mitzvah
Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Meyers Jr., 4081 Rose Hill Avenue, Cincinnati announce the forthcoming Bar Mitzvah of their son, Philip, Saturday, April 3 at 10:45 a.m. at Rockdale Temple.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to worship with the family and attend a luncheon at the Temple following services.
Levi Gives Greetings for The Centennial
Edward H. Levi, US Attorney General, speaking at a dinner in honor of the Centennial of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, noted that “because of the linkage of these celebrations, it seems appropriate that we recall a letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport (R.I.) in 1970.
“President Washington spoke of a government which gives to bigotry no sanction and to persecution no assistance; where all possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship…; where ‘everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
Mr. Levi conveyed congratulations of President Ford in a message applauding HUC-JIR’s accomplishments during its first hundred years and his best wishes for its second century.
— April 1, 1976
10 Years ago
Rabbi Terlinchamp named Board President of The Amos Project
Rabbi Miriam Terlinchamp, rabbi of Temple Sholom, has been selected board president of The Amos Project in the city of Cincinnati for the two year term 2016-2018. The Amos Project is largest faith-based organizing body in Ohio with 55 congregations in Cincinnati, including 3 synagogues. The Amos Project is named for the biblical prophet Amos, who fearlessly preached in pursuit of justice for all. It is a non-profit organization working together on issues that impact poor and working families. The Amos Project is a member of The Ohio Organizing Collaborative, which is a statewide branch of social justice in Ohio with a goal to bring about racial, social and economic equality.
— March 31, 2016
5 Years ago
Jewish Home of Cincinnati selects Nina Perlove to lead their grant-making initiative
The Board of Trustees of the Jewish Home of Cincinnati, Inc. (JHC), previously known as the Cedar Village Board of Trustees, is announcing plans to expand its footprint in the Greater Cincinnati community as a resource for supporting Great Cincinnati’s Jewish seniors. Since 1997, The Jewish Home of Cincinnati, Inc. owned and operated Cedar Village, a continuing care retirement community located in Mason, Ohio.
— April 1, 2021
