In the Beginning: 1855
Each week The American Israelite will print an item from the first years.
Unattended Synagogues and Chanting Ministers
Nothing appears more ridiculous than a spacious hotel without guests; but nothing can be more teasing than a large table covered with silver and porcelain, and very little food for the hungry. Some of our synagogues, especially in New York and Philadelphia, represent either of the above spectacles; some are unattended, and others offer no food to the mind.
The cause is, that our very pious old-fashioned new lights, who see danger and treachery in every improvement, and have become serfs of usages instead of being Jews — have not the slightest idea, not the remotest conception of a synagogue according to Jewish doctrines. I go to the synagogue to read my prayers; I am a Jew, and know what Judaism means, because I can read my prayers. Is not precisely such the language of our modern ignoramus? As long as the mere reading of Hebrew prayers exercised an efficient influence on the mind, it was standing rule in Israel, that Hazan, who officiates over the reading of the prayers, must be a learned, pious and virtuous man, with a spotless character, then the moral influence of the man added materially to the devotion of the worshipper.
— May 4, 1855
150 Years ago
Gnosticism and Mr. I. Ralston Skinner’s Theory
Ever since Gnosticism has been looked upon merely as being on a level with mysticism, as something beyond logical explanation, a mere offset of theosophical speculations. Even during the long run of the medieval period, gnosticism has been considered by almost every philosophical writer as a matter worthy but of being doomed to oblivion; for, have not patristic writers and Christian theologians long ago, at the primitive era of Christianity, endeavored with all efforts to refute the gnostic doctrines and principles because of their advancing truths running just in opposition against the newly raised dogma of the family relations within a dive trinity?
Local and Domestic
In hastily preparing our last issue for press, the article entitled “Gnosticism,” etc., by Rev. Dr. Goldhammer, unfortunately became detached, one portion of it appearing on the second page, and the other on the sixth page, in consequence of which, wishing to do the author justice, we republish the same in proper shape.
— May 5, 1876
125 Years ago
– The faculty and the governors of the Hebrew Union College are jubilant because of a rare distinction which has fallen to one of the students of the institution and which is the strongest endorsement possible, if endorsement is still necessary, of the scholarly methods pursued and the good work done by teachers and pupils in the institution. About three months ago the acting President of the College, Prof. M. Mielziner, was informed that Mr. Jacob H Schiff of New York, a contributor to the fund for the establishment of a fellowship at the American School of Oriental Study and Research in Jerusalem had named the Hebrew Union College as one of the institutions whose students should be eligible to take the examination for the fellowship.
– Instead of erecting their own houses of worship, it would be well for the smaller Jewish communities to rent suitable premises, and devote the money to engaging a competent minister and to other current expenses. The possession of dead brick and mortar does not make a congregation; on the contrary, it only too often involves a financial burden which saps its vitality. Better worship is rented quarters and pay a rabbi an appropriate stipend than to have a fine temple and a poor preacher.
– The services held at the United Jewish Cemetery on Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, last Sunday on the occasion of the dedication of the moment to the memory of the confederate soldier, Felix Moses, were remarkable in more ways than one. In the first place it was a fellowship service, Jew and Christian participating in prayer and reminiscence. Then, as Prof. Lyon remarked in his interesting resume of the life of the plain man who did his duty honestly and earnestly as he knew it, the large assemblage had gathered to do honor to the memory not of a general nor an admiral, not an officer nor a celebrity, but of a common soldier, the type of thousands in both armies who fought for the cause they considered right and who in most instances were unknown and unsung.
— May 9, 1901
100 Years ago
Jottings
The Gates of Mercy Congregation of Bombay, India, is contemplating engaging the services of an English speaking minister. This is a good opportunity for a young rabbi who wishes to see the world. Applications for the posit if addressed to this office will be promptly forward. A branch of the Jewish Liberal Union has recently been established in Bombay.
Much Ado About Nothing
The indomitable reporter has landed another “scoop.” This time it is James waterman Wise, son of Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, who got himself into the limelight by announcing to the world that he had given up his intention to become a Rabbi, and that he had quit the Jewish Institute of Religion at which he was preparing for a rabbinical career.
— May 6, 1926
75 Years ago
Bar Mitzvah
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Greenfield, of 3964 Dickinson Avenue, announce the forthcoming bar mitzvah of their son, Sheldon, Saturday, May 12, at Louis Feinberg Synagogue.
A reception will be held in his honor Sunday, May 13, from 8 to 11 p.m. at Feinberg Synagogue Center. Relatives and friends are invited. No cards.
Dr. Julius Gordon Is To Talk At Dinner Honoring Gamorans
Dr. Julius Gordon, rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth, St. Louis, will speak on “Survival and Revival,” at the eighth annual dessert banquet of the Friends of Hebrew Culture of Cincinnati, Tuesday, May 8, at 8:15 p.m. at Wise Center.
The affair will be a farewell testimonial to Dr. And Mrs. Emanuel Gamoran, who are moving to New York City.
Dr. Jacob R. Marcus, professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, will be toastmaster. Dr. Moses Zalesky, director of the Bureau of Jewish Education, is arrangements chairman.
— May 3, 1951
50 years ago
Bar Mitzvah
Sue and Larry Warm invite family and friends to attend the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Richard Mark, on Saturday, May 15, 10:45 at Temple Sholom. Kiddush will follow the services.
Rick is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Fielder and Dr. And Mrs. Irwin S. Warm.
Bas Mitzvah
Julie Lynn, the daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Laszlo Berkowitz (Judith Mitman), celebrated her Bas Mitzvah Saturday morning May 8th, at Temple Rodef Shalom, VA.
She is granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Mitman.
Psychiatrists To Meet May 9 In Cincinnati
“Psychosomatic Medicine” is the theme of this year’s psychiatric meeting Sunday, May 9, at Emerson A. North Hospital.
The meeting is sponsored by the Ohio Psychiatric Association and the Ohio State Medical Association with great support from Emerson Hospital.
Featured speakers include Dr. Harold Bloomfield, director of Psychiatry and Transcendental Meditation Program at the Institute for Psychophysiological Medicine in San Diego and Dr. Bernard Engel, associate professor of Behavioral Psychology at John Hopkins in Baltimore.
— May 6, 1976
10 Years ago
Skirball Museum at HUC to feature artwork commemorating the Holocaust
A painting by Greta Schreyer will be featured at the Skirball Museum Open House of Recent Gifts and Acquisitions on Monday, May 9 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Mayerson Hall on the historic campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Also on display with Schreyer’s work of art will be stunning examples of antique and contemporary Judaica; a suite of 12 lyrical prints by Israel’s painter laureate, Reuven Rubin; colorful paintings by Jewish modern masters; brilliant stained glass ad important portraiture related to Cincinnati’s Jewish history — all recent additions to the Skirball Museum’s collections.
— May 5, 2016
5 Years ago
Moving on: Shep Englander to become CEO of Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, FL
Shep Englander has resigned from Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFEDC), which he has headed for sixteen years, effective June 30, 2021. He has accepted a position as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in Florida (JFEDSM). Danielle Minson, previously Chief Development Officer and currently President of JFEDC, will be Interim CEO.
— May 6, 2021
