In the Beginning: 1855
Each week The American Israelite will print an item from the first years.
Let you be ever is pure, you cannot associate with bad companions without falling into bad odor. Evil company is like tobacco smoke — you cannot be long in its presence without carrying away a taint of it.
— January 5, 1855
150 Years ago
Items
- The Hanover Street Congregation of Baltimore has increased the salary of its rabbi, Rev. Dr. Szold, from $3000 to $4500.
Editor’s Note: When adjusted for inflation, Rev. Dr. Szold was receiving the equivalent of $80,800 dollars, which was increased to $121,200 dollars when the congregation increased his salary. - Miss Therese Meyer, the lady who has received a medal at the Exposition of Vienna for superior skill in handling the sewing-machine, is a young Jewess of Columbus, O., and not of Cleveland, as stated in the official report.
- Stockton, Cal. — In consequence of some misunderstanding in the congregation, not explained fully, the synagogue and school of the congregation Rayim Ahuvim have been closed and the minister dismissed. What is the matter there? May not the public know something about it? If so, please let us know particulars.
- Little Rock, Ark. — The Chanukah Festival was observed here in an appropriate manner. The Sabbath-school scholars held an exhibition and acquitted themselves creditably. Rev. Jacob Bloch delivered an oration on the significance of the occasion. During the evening the Rev. Mr. Bloch was presented with an elegant silver pitcher by his Sabbath-school class as a token of esteem and appreciate of his efforts on their behalf. The occasion was a most enjoyable one.
Amusements
Wood’s Theater. — The charming Protean actress, Lotta, is drawing immense houses. She is as lively and full of fun as ever, and makes the house boil over with enthusiasm.
— January 2, 1874
125 Years ago
Mr. Walters, a rich and religious farmer and Populist, is a member of the Kansas legislature. The last bill represented to that august body proposes to make the Decalogue part of the laws of Kansas. This seems to be a superfluous piece of legislation, as there is no state in Christendom which does not acknowledge the Decalogue as the ground work of all laws; unless Mr. Walters intends to introduce the Sinai Sabbath in place of the Pope’s Sunday Sabbath, which we apprehend he will not be able to carry out just now, when Jewish rabbis talk of the Sunday Sabbath, and many fanatics can not get Sunday laws stringent enough to suit them.
Jottings
- To all of the supporters of the Israelite, subscribers and advertisers, Christian or Jewish, and to all of our friends and countrymen we wish that the year 1899 may prove a happy and prosperous one.
- It has been reported in the daily papers that Rabbi Wise resigned from the Board of the University of Cincinnati on account of declining health; which is not exactly true, for his health is quite good for a man of his age.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Wise was 79 when this note was published, and indeed he was in fairly good health. He died in March of 1900.
— January 5, 1899
100 Years ago
The duties of the rabbi of the Jewish Reform congregation are today much more numerous and onerous than they were a few decades ago. In many of the congregations the dual service has been introduced, that is, the Sabbath and Sunday services, requiring two sermons weekly, or a sermon and a lecture. The congregations, as a rule, are very much larger, perhaps double and triple what they were, taking more and more of the rabbi’s time for marriages and funerals. Then, it is expected that the rabbi will visit the home where death has entered, and many of them try to visit their flock on joyous occasions, such as a betrothal. From this it will be seen that the modern rabbi who conscientiously tries to fulfill his duties — which practically all of them do — has his hands full, and every possible assistance should be given him, not only by the officers of the congregation, but by each and every one of the members, and besides, allowances should be made for involuntary short-comings.
Missionary Work for the Israelite
Hardly a day passes on which the Israelite does not receive an application from a Y.M., or Y.W.H.A., a Jewish home for aged, or hospital, a library, a prison or from some Christian clergyman asking for a copy of this publication to be send them weekly, free of charge. It is manifestly impossible for the publishers to bear the expense which would be entailed in complying with all of these requests. One of the Israelite’s friends suggests the establishment of a “Good Will Fund,” to be used to supply the demand as outlined above. The publishers would be glad to furnish the papers for such a purpose at practically the cost price. The establishment of such a fund would result in the doing of missionary work and the Israelite invites contributions.
— January 3, 1924
75 Years ago
Record of Dr. Philipson’s Enrollment at UC in 1879 is Discovered
Dust-covered 69-year-old records including the name of Dr. David Philipson, rabbi emeritus of Rockdale Avenue Temple, among other prominent figures, were among four old books uncovered in the wrecking of Old McMicken Hall on the University of Cincinnati campus recently.
Enrolled at the University in the fall of 1879, according to the records, was Dr. Philipson, who was then 17 years old. He had come from Wabash, Ind., to study at Hughes High School and the Hebrew Union College as well as UC.
These facts come from the oldest of the books found, “Entrance Certificates of the University of Cincinnati,” which carries the names and biographical data on 533 students who were accepted for admission in 1879-80, 1880-81.
The books will be retained by UC as an important part of its records of early history of the University and city.
Rockdale Congregation’s 125 Years are Recalled in Souvenir Brochure
A number of symbolic pages from the minute books of K.K. Bene Israel, the Rockdale Avenue Temple, are being reproduced in a souvenir program booklet, prepared by Nelson Ronsheim and marking the 125th anniversary celebration of the congregation, Jan. 21st – 22nd.
Governor-elect Frank J. Lausche and Mayor Albert D. Cash have accepted invitations for the dinner of Saturday, Jan. 2nd. Gov. Lausche’s acceptant is contingent upon the pressure of official business.
The principal address at the dinner will be delivered by Rabbi Louis L. Mann, of Chicago. Former Mayor Murray Seasongood will be toastmaster. There will be brief remarks by Dr. Leon Saks, retiring president of the congregation, who will turn over the gavel to Charles N. Ascheim, the next president.
The coming celebration is attracting widespread interest, and congratulatory messages have already started going in from all parts of the United States. Many out-of-town visitors are expected on the basis of letters received by the committees, working on details of the observance.
— January 6, 1949
50 years ago
Bar Mitzvah
- Dr. and Mrs. Philip Nedelman are happy to announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Neil Ira, in Braintree, Mass. on Saturday, Jan 12, 1974.
Dr. and Mrs. Nedelman, formerly from Cincinnati, now make their home at 110 Alida Drive, Braintree, Mass. Neil is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Nedelman and the late Isadore and Eva Sobel, all of Cincinnati. - Zeev and Ruth Beer cordially invite you to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Naor, on Jan 5th at Roselawn Synagogue, 9 a.m., and to join the Kiddish following the service. No cards.
Naor is the grandson of Mr. Wilhelm Dressel and the late Toni Dressel.
Sol Richmond Dinner Sunday
A community testimonial dinner in honor of Mr. Sol Richmond will be given by the Yavneh Day School, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center.
Mr. Nachum Eden, dinner chairman, announces that Sol Richmond, a founder of Yavneh, will be recognized for his support and deep commitment to Jewish values and Jewish education.
Dr. Mike Meyer, an H.U.C. faculty member and Yavneh parent, will be the main speaker for the evening. A musical program will be given by Cantor Chaim Feifel and the Habonim dancers.
— January 3, 1974
25 Years ago
Atrium at Jewish Hospital named in honor of Falberg
In recognition of 22 years of service to The Jewish Hospital, the board of trustees recently dedicated the Warren C. Falberg Atrium at The Jewish Hospital in Kenwood.
The Warren C. Falberg Atrium was formally dedicated on Dec. 22 by Jack Cook, CEO of the Health Alliance. “Warren made a difference in the community and at the hospital; we are proud to honor him in this way,” said Cook.
During his 22-year tenure with The Jewish Hospital, Falberg held the titles of CEO, president and SEO (senior executive officer). He oversaw monumental changes that included the acquisition of the former Otto C. Epp Memorial Hospital — now The Jewish Hospital in Kenwood — in 1988, The Jewish Hospital’s inclusion with the Health Alliance in 1996, closing of the Jewish Hospital in Avondale and subsequent move of services to Kenwood in 1997.
More than 100 people attend Acharai Chanukah party
More than 100 people recently attended the Mens’ and Women’s Acharai family Chanukah party at Crest Hills Country Club.
“We provided a wide range of activities so that everyone could find something they liked,” stated Sara Moskowitz, event co-chairman. “We made Chanukah crafts, decorated cookies, played dreidel, and of course, ate a lot of food.”
— January 7, 1999
10 Years ago
BBYO to ‘Occupy the JCC’ to raise money and awareness for Philippine typhoon victims
By now, nearly everyone has heard about the devastating typhoon that claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people in the Philippines this past November. And while many felt anguish for the innocent victims of this catastrophe, how many were actually moved to do something about it? In Cincinnati, however, a group of BBYO teens weren’t content to just sit on the sidelines. They decided to help spread awareness and raise money to aid those affected by hosting a special program called Occupy the JCC, a regional “lock-in” which will take place from January 11th – 12th at the Mayerson JCC.
The January 11th overnight is open to all Jewish teens in the KIO region, regardless if they are members of BBYO, and is the first event of the school year in which 8th graders are invited to attend.
Insiders preview of Koresh Dance Company at the Mayerson JCC
Artistic Director Ronen Koresh and dancers of Philadelphia-based Koresh Dance Company will be at the Mayerson JCC on Thursday, January 3 at 7 pm, in advance of the company’s residency with the Contemporary Dance Theater at the Aronoff Center, Jarson Kaplan Theater.
At their appearance Thursday, dancers will perform excerpts of Koresh Dance Company’s original choreographic works. Afterwards, Ronen will speak about how his Israeli roots have influenced his choreography and demonstrate his use of movements, patterns and musical choice that draw from his early training in Jewish folk dance and ongoing connection to the life and people of Israel.
— January 10, 2014
