In the Beginning: 1855
Each week The American Israelite will print an item from the first years.
The Knowledge of the Hebrew Language
In our last article on this subject, we believe we have proved that, as regards the student, the Hebrew language should be studied in preference to other ancient tongues. We now say, the Jews especially ought to study the language of their ancestors. There is no other nation in existence, the Brahmins probably excepted, who having a history of about four thousand years, still have preserved their language, religion, traditions and national character. If the nobility of Europe are proud of a genealogy of two, three or even four centuries, we can boast of a much higher antiquity. If their ancestors fought against the Turks, the Saracens or the Saxons, our ancestors fought against the Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks and Romans, and again with them against many other nations. If other nations boast that they have overcome their enemies by the edge of the sword, we can boast of having conquered the world with our ideas and principles, so that the groundwork of all civilization is taken directly from our sacred shrine. We need not go back very far in the history of European nations to come to the ages of obscurity, ignorance, superstition, violence and injustice. Where is that period in our history?
— February 9, 1855
150 Years ago
The Jews In Toronto
January 20th was a red letter day in the history of the Jewish congregation of Toronto, by reason of the dedication of their synagogue to the solemn worship of the Almighty. The Jewish congregation was first organized in this city some twenty years ago, by Mr. L. Samuel, and at that time about forty members were enrolled. Their place of meeting was in a room over Love’s drug store, where they have since continued to worship. At the time of the financial crisis of 1858-9 many Jews left the city, and for several years no progress was made; but with better times came increase of numbers, till, at this time, the congregation numbers about 250 souls. The undertaking for the erection of a synagogue commenced with the collection of subscriptions in April, 1874, and up to the opening of the new building, $6,000 had been collected.
Local and Domestic
HAMILTON, O. — Dr. Kitsee, of Pittsburgh, lectured here on the Existence of the Creative Force, to a fair and highly appreciative house. The audience was highly pleased with the lecturer’s arguments. The congregation passed him complimentary resolutions, which appear in the DEBORAH.
— February 11, 1876
125 Years ago
Death of Prominent Italian Jews
Italian Judaism has suffered severe losses during the last two months. December 12, 1900, there died in Salonica, Moses Jacob Ottolenghi, the principal of the Talmud Thora. He was a native of Leghorn and about 60 years old. It was due to his pedagogical ability and his devotion that the school, originally opposed by the orthodox — who considered all modern pedagogic methods and all secular education sinful — became eminently successful, and numbers today 1,800 pupils and has a staff of seventy teachers. Ottolenghi was quite an accomplished Hebrew poet, and wrote Hebrew text-books for religious instruction, of which a guide for confirmation, which he introduced there, is especially interesting.
Jottings
– Owing to lack of space we were forced to omit the article on “The Hebrew Conception of Animals.”
– It is claimed by those in a position to know that there are now over 400,000 Jews in New York City, more than one-third of the entire number in the United States.
— February 14, 1901
100 Years ago
Jottings
The Jewish Forum, a monthly Jewish magazine, celebrated its eighth anniversary on January 31st with a dinner in honor of the editors and directors. There was a very large attendance and a number of prominent speakers.
Only 31% of Jewish Children In Russia Are Healthy
Moscow, (JTA) — The appalling state of health of the growing Jewish generation in Soviet Russia was pointed to by figures made known by a specially appointed medical commission. In a statement issued by this commission, it was declared that the physical state of the Jewish children is lower than that of the Russian, Polish and other nationalities. The commission examined 1,500 Jewish school children in the city of Homel. Only 31% were found to be comparatively healthy. Twenty-four percent are suffering from lung diseases; 19.4% from improper blood circulation and 49.9% are anemic.
Tribute To Dr. Kaufmann Kohler
Dr. Kaufman Kohler was a heroic figure in the history of Judaism in America. Born in Germany, in Furth, the stronghold of Bavarian Orthodoxy, pupil of Samson Raphael Hirsch and of Abraham Geiger, son-in-law and disciple of David Einhorn, and President of the Hebrew Union College for eighteen years, he linked Orthodoxy with Reform and the first generation of Reformers in Judaism with the present generation. Possessed of a fine, scholarly mind and with a thorough Rabbinic training and a modern academic education, he interpreted Judaism with authority. He stood in the front ranks of modern Jewish scholarship, particularly in his chosen field of Jewish theology, wherein he was the acclaimed master.
— February 11, 1926
75 Years ago
Isidor Schifrin Is Nominee To Head The JCC For Second Year
Isidor Schifrin has been renominated by the Nominating Committee to be president of the Cincinnati Jewish Community Center for the second consecutive year.
All officers were renominated. They are Sigmund M. Cohen, first vice president; Morris Effron, second vice president; Milton J. Schloss, third vice president; Miss Esther Schreibman, secretary; Emil Hirschfeld, treasurer.
For re-election to the board for 3-year term: Sigmund M. Cohen, Hyman A. Goldberg, Stanley Jaffe, Herman Lass, Miss Esther Schreibman, Mrs. Louis Stillpass and Edward J. Weisbaum.
Robert N. Rosenthal Is Named President Of Big Brothers
Mr. Robert N. Rosenthal was elected President of the Big Brothers Association at the meeting of the Board of Trustees Tuesday, February 6. Mr. Rosenthal, a business executive, has served for the past ten years as an active participant in Big Brother work.
Other officers elected were: Vice President – Mr. Gilbert Bettman, Secretary – Mr. Walter G. Seinsheimer and Treasurer – Mr. Anthony L. Ach.
The Board meeting was held at the home of the retiring President, Mr. Alfred G. Schwab.
— February 15, 1951
50 years ago
Bas Mitzvah
– We are very pleased to announce the Bas Mitzvah of our daughter, Lisa Jennifer Borden, at Temple Sholom, February 14th at 10:45 a.m.
She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Berman and Mrs. Sam Borden and the late Mr. Sam Borden. A kiddush will follow the ceremony. No cards.
Mrs. Stanley Glasser
Mr. Bernard Borden
– Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Rothchild are happy to announce the forthcoming Bas Mitzvah of their daughter, Natalie Ruth, on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 9 a.m. at Northern Hills Synagogue, 715 Fleming Road. Family and friends are cordially invited to join us at the Kiddush following the services and that evening from 7:30 – 11:30 at a reception in Natalie’s honor at 8366 Sunrise Ave., Finneytown.
Natalie is the granddaughter of Mrs. Julius Cohen, and the late Julius Cohen, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Rothchild, all of Cincinnati.
Jerome S. Teller Is Named Chairman of Lawyers Division of Campaign; Women Pacesetters Plan Meetings
Jerome S. Teller, long-time Jewish community service worker, will serve as head of the Lawyers Division in 1976, it was announced by Morris G. Levin, general chairman.
Serving with Mr. Teller as associate chairmen are six attorneys: Ronald J. Goret, Louis H. Katz, Jack C. Rubenstein, Ronald H. Stern, Harold H. Wagner and Aaron M. Wiesen, all campaign veterans.
— February 12, 1976
10 Years ago
Mayors Join AJC Campaign Against Anti-Semitism
Local mayors gathered at the Mayerson Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, February 3, to be acknowledged for their participation in AJC’s Mayors United Against Anti-Semitism Campaign. Mayors John Cranley, City of Cincinnati, Bo Bemmes, City of Reading, Lee Czerwonka, City of Blue Ash, and Tom Muething, Amberley Village were recognized for signing a statement which expresses concern over the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and elsewhere.
— February 11, 2016
5 Years ago
JCC meal program delivers record number of meals during pandemic
Over the last few months, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed so much of our everyday lives — from our jobs to how we interact with one another and everything in between. In some cases, those changes are relatively small: wearing masks when in public, working from home whenever possible and trading in-person gatherings for virtual game nights.
— February 11, 2021
