Congregation Beth Israel of Houston, Texas, 1854-1954

The Centenary History

Congregation Beth Israel of

Houston, Texas

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ANNE NATHAN COHEN J HCU .~“z‘c:A.:gt1. ;_.;; §,;1j§~€ARY

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“Let us congratulate the ﬁrst congregation of Texas . . . “Let us hear often from the new society all that is good and pleasant.”

——TheOccident, Philadelphia, Pa., March 16, 1860

H DEDICATION

The lives of countless devoted men and women have enriched the history of Beth Israel during its ﬁrst 100 years. For them, some living, others whose memory we bless, we are eternally grateful.

None made such noteworthy contribution to the’ spiritual or material development of our congregation as did Dr. Henry Barnston. Nor has any exceeded either his gifts toward the cultural enhancement of the whole com munity or his example of brotherhood and mutual appre ciation among men and women of all faiths.

Through the half century span of January, 1900, to December, 1949, as Rabbi and as Rabbi Emeritus, Henry Barnston dedicated his whole being to this his congrega tion. His great intellectual capacity, coupled with his strong religious conviction, inspired his constantly growing ﬂock. Three Temples were built under his spiritual leader ship to accommodate those whom he led in their increasing devotion to Judaism.

His love for Beth Israel was matched only by our love for him. Gratefully do we dedicate this Centenary History of Congregation Beth Israel to the memory of our beloved departed Rabbi Emeritus, DR. HENRY BARNSTON.

MAURICE N. DANNENBAUM, General Chairman of Centennial. FOREWORD

The Centenary History of Congregation Beth Israel has been written within the frame—work of the Minute Books, dating from August 4, 1861, until the present time. Other sources are listed in the Appendix.

Mr. Adie Marks has planned the format of the History and has arranged for details of publication.

Photographs of historical places and manuscripts were made by Mr. Carroll Jacobs, Mr. Bob Lowenthal, and Mr. Dan Hardy.

I am grateful to Dr. Schachtel for his untiring aid and understanding, and I would like to thank Mr. Maurice Dannanbaum, the Chairman of the Centennial Commit tee, for reading the manuscript. Mr. Leonard Gold, the Executive Secretary of the Congregation; Mrs. Rose Brill ing, the Secretary for the Sisterhood; Mrs. Ruth Robinson, the Principal of the Religious School, and the many mem bers of the Congregation whom I have questioned con cerning their ancestors and related historical matters have been a constant source of assistance in the writing of this book. To them and to all who have aided in the forma tion of this history, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks.

ANNIE NATHAN COHEN, April 15, 1954 Original Charter

An Act to incorporate the Hebrew Congregation of the City of Houston Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas Section 1st. That Henry Fox, S. L. Hohenthal, S. Meyers, M. Jacobs, G. Gerson, A. Cramer, S. Rosenfield, R. Cohen, A. G. Rottwitz (of Paris), G. H. Simon, C. Cowen, Jacob Stern (of Jefferson), L. Jacobs, A. J. Raphael, Julius Paris, Th. Harris, Jacob Alexander, A. Shnelin, C. David son, M. H. Levy, Wolf Bachrach, Moses Richman, B. Wolf, Isaac Elssasser, Charles Duffius, J. Colman, J. J. Rosenfield, Samuel Foy, W. Cohen, D. Weiner, Felix Wolf, and their associates and successors, be, and they are hereby created a body corporate in the City of Houston, for religious pur poses, capable of suing, and being sued, to have a seal, and to pass all necessaryby-laws, rules and regulations for the government of said Congre gation, not inconsistent with the laws and Constitution of this State. Section 2nd. That said Corporation may have and hold real estate and other estate not to exceedFifty Thousand Dollars, and to elect such officers and managers of said Corporation as they may deem proper, and this Act of Incorporation shall extend for twenty years. Section 3rd. That this Act take eflect and be in force from and after its passage. Approved December 28, 1859. Department of State. Austin, Texas, December 25, 1859.

I, the undersigned Secretary of State of the State of Texas, do hereby certify that the above is a correct copy of the original Act on ﬁle in the Department of State, the day and year ﬁrst above written. (L.S.) E. W. CAVE,Secretary of State I. 1854-1870 EARLY HISTORY 1. Beginnings and Background. 2. "Cemeteries . . . came first.” 3. "They managed to care for their Poor." 4. The War and the Congregation. 5. . . this Minhag-matter. . .” 6. Rabbis, Readers, and Lay—Leaders. 7. “ ‘. . . to teach the Children . . . the Mosaic Religion.’ ” 8. “ ‘the new Hebrew Temple of worship, called Beth Israel.’ ”

II. 1870-1908 THE FRANKLIN AVENUE TEMPLE 1. “We ﬁnd such items as ‘Bricl<—work’and ‘Marble Tablets.’ " . . and eventto plant trees.” “Determination triumphed over the times." Rabbis and Ritual Lay—Leaderson Franklin Avenue

oxux.>_wN End of the Gas—LightEra

III. 1908-1925 THE “ROMANESQUE” TEMPLE l. " ‘. . . to the reformed community as the key—stoneto the arch.’ " 2. . . We narrate . . . directly.” 3. . . about two milesSouth of the Synagogue..."

IV. 1925-1954 THE GREAT EXPANSION Background to Expansion History and the Mausoleum . . the source of . . . generations” “The course of Ritual . . . has been orderly . . .” A Matter of Principles The Two Chief Rabbis The Congregation in the Community Building and Dedication

§°9°.\'.°‘.V‘.“‘.°°!"!‘ “ ‘. . . a Congregation goes forward on the . . . hearts of its people.’ " DR. HENRY BARNSTON Rabbi of Beth Israel, 1900 to 1949

I— 1854-1870 Early History

1 — Beginnings and Background N the Houston Daily Telegraph of June 11, 1870, along with certain xx advertisements concerning “English Bareges” and “Eliptic Hoop Skirts,” there appeared an item under the title “New Synagogue." ,“We understand that the Rev. Mr. Jacobs, Chief Rabbi of the New Orleans Portuguese Synagogue, is expected in Houston upon Monday's train, to officiate in laying the foundation of the new Israelitish Church here. The ceremony will likely take place upon Thursday next.” There, in a paragraph, penned in the diffuse style of the period, we find the fruition of sixteen years of genesis and struggle that marked the early history of Congregation Beth Israel. Records of the first five years apparently are non-existent. In the writ ings of Dr. Henry Barnston of Houston and in "The Settlement of the Jews of Texas,” by Rabbi Henry Cohen of Galveston, we read of the beginnings. In his paper on the "History of the Jews of Houston” Dr. Barnston noted that in 1844 "the Jews of Houston acquired a cemetery, whilst ten years later the Congregation Beth Israel was formed. In 1859 it had twenty-two members." Rabbi Cohen's pamphlet supplies the infor mation that “the first Jewish cemeteryin Texas was established in Houston in 1844, and the Israelites of the .same city built the first synagogue in Texas exactly ten years later.” In the Minutes of a “regular meeting of the ‘HCBI’1 held on Sunday, June 17, 1866,” reference is made to “the congregation as a body corporate, duly chartered by the Legislature of the State of Texas, by an act approved December 23, 1859." (Later Minutes, we Will find, contain a copy of this Charter, and indicate that the name, "The Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel,” appears in an incorporation of the institution in 1873.) .7 Thus we have available only secondary sources” regarding the organi zation and character of the first Jewish congregation in Texas until we come—with dramatic suddenness—upon a document that thrusts this small band of congregants into vivid perspective. Beginning on August 4, 1861, with the disarmingly simple statement that “the committee for repairing the fence of our graveyard reported progress,” the Minutes of Congregation Beth Israel start recording its singular and lively history. Before entering the well-illumined circle of that small band of He brews———asthey liked to call themselves ——itwould be helpful to review

1. Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel. 2. Another secondary source of information regarding Congregation Beth Israel prior to 1861 may be found in the files of The Occidcnt, a Philadelphia weekly publication in which the Congregation advertised for a leader in 1859. (See Notes, Part 6, of this chapter for details.) something of their environment, for they were ——as all men are ——a product of their times. Texas3 on March 2, l86l, formally declared herself in union with the Confederate State of America. The City of Houston had voted over whelmingly for secessionin January, despite the fact that the man whose name she bore, "Old Sam,” in a melancholy and majestic statement, had refused to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. The first effectof the war on the civilian population of Houston was the blockade of Galveston and the Texas coast by the Federal fleet. Soon Confederate notes made their appearance in town, and cotton shipments from the interior were stopped by local merchants because of the threat of invasion from the sea coast. As prices went up and the Federal blockade tightened, people used ground, dried okra for coffee, castor oil for lamps. and Wrapping paper in place of stationery. Many local stores were empty; it was a diflicult time for the merchants. In May, 1862, there was a widespread evacuation of Galveston Island. The refugees came in boats up Buffalo Bayou, as well as by wagon and train, with passengers riding on top of the crowded coaches. Houston, already crowded with soldiers, made room. Although ships occasionally ran the blockade, food prices continued to rise. Flour was $10 a sack: tea, $5 to $6 a pound. However, butter was only 20 cents a pound, and eggs, 25 cents a dozen. By October, Galveston Island was occupiedby Federal troops. Houston, overflowing with soldiers and refugees, faced the threat of invasion along with a series of disastrous fires and an epidemic of yellow fever. December of 1862 found spirits at a low ebb. On the edges of the Confederacy, cut off from the main-stream of the war, Houston waited. On New Year’s Day, 1863, there was a change. Galveston was recap tured for the Confederacy by General Magruder with the help of the famous flotilla of “cotton—clad”bayou boats. A few days later 350 Federal prisoners were marched down Main Street. But prices rose higher. Flour now sold at $50 a hundred pound sack; milk, at a dollar a quart. Confederate money had depreciated until mer chants charged as much as $100 for a pair of boots. Despite all the hard ships, a certain cheerfulness now was apparent, as the women cut carpets into blankets for the soldiers, used linen cloth for bandages, and made party gowns out of crude homemade materials. In September of ’63 there was great excitement over the fact that Dick Dowling, the young Irish proprietor of the Bank of Bacchus Saloon on Congress Avenue, had with a half dozen of his men a large part in repulsing the Federals at the Battle of Sabine Pass. This action, according to Confederate sources, forestalled the capture of Houston. In January, 1864, old houses were torn down for firewood. Salt had

3. This historical background concerning Houston is authenticated in the book, “Houston, A History and (iu¥e,”0 CXIS. compiled by workers of the Writers’ Program of the Work Projects Administration in the State f

almost disappeared, and hogs ran wild in some sections of the town. Rumors of invasion were prevalent again, and military police patrolled the streets of Houston. Despite all this, there is a rather interesting expression in Albert Hans ford’s Texas State Register to the effect that the war might be considered “in some respects a favorable time for Houston” . . . "the roar of the cannon was not heard. . . Building only ceased for want of material. . . To the end of the strife, the city increased while other places less favorably located declined.” Although Houston was spared the devastation that characterized the greater part of the South, the city did experience a comparatively mild period of Reconstruction. Shortly after the fighting ceased,there was a brief episode of prosperity when cotton bales which had been stored inland were dumped on the local market, but by 1867 the merchants were complaining of lack of trade, and in September of that year Houston suffered her worst yellow fever epidemic. However, a year later, trade was brisk again, and by 1870, when Texas was formally readmitted to the Union, the city was described by a correspondent of the New Orleans Times as having "ten or twelve thousand inhabitants. . . four railroads ...two foundries, two cotton factories, several saw and planing mills, and two beef packeries . . . and proposing and actually at work to cut a ship canal down the channel of her tortuous and narrow bayou to the bay.” It is not surprising, then, that the cornerstone laying of the "new Israelitish Church,” as announced in the Daily Telegraph, was in June of the same year. Now let us go back nine years to the smaller town that sprawled out from the muddy bayou where the first preserved records of Con gregation Beth Israel begin. An examination of the legible gravestones in the old section of the cemetery, as well as information derived from descendants of congregants, reveal that the membership in 1861 was predominantly of West Euro- ‘ pean origin. However, alongside the grave markers engraved with “Dutchy of Rosen,” “Alsace,” “Bavaria,” “Native of France,” are stones marked "Posen,” "Born in Russia,” and “New Orleans" (La.). One of the early rabbis, the Rev. Samuel Raphael, came to Houston from England in 1860, making the journey from Liverpool to Galveston in ten weeks by “full-rigged ship.”4 Another religious leader of the time, Rabbi Zacharias Emmich, was educated at Frankfort-on-the-Main and lived for a time in Cincinnati before coming to Houston."’ But now we enter abruptly into the activities of Congregation Beth Israel by way of its Minutes, beginning on what was probably a warm Sunday in August, 1861. The first over-all impression of the congre

4. “Standard History of Houston, Texas, from a Study of Original Sources," edited by B. H. Carroll, Jr., LL.B., M.A., Ph.D. (Published by H. W. Crew 6: Co., 1912.) 5. Information received from his descendants. Additional information from descendants: Rabbi Emxnich was the first formally-ordained rabbi to nerve Congregation Beth Israel. gants can be expressed in one word: vitality. They were always mending their graveyard fence, making new rules, changing the ritual, alternating their readers. The Synagogue was the center of their lives, and they did not hestitate to bring any part of their harried existence to it. It was their place of worship, their zealously guarded shrine, the sounding board for all the frustrations and hardships of the times, their catharsis. There is no censorship in the Minute Book. Page after page of flowing script, at times carefully and exquisitely penned, at other times scrawled in haste and possibly upon emotional involvement of the writer in the matters at hand, unfold the realistic story of their lives. Quarrels, grudges, problem children appear intermittently in the pages along with the care of the Synagogue, the concern for the burial ground, the be ginning of Jewish and secular education for their children,“ and ritual changes, whose course groping from Orthodoxy toward Reform was at times as tortuous as the winding bayou that flowed near their doors. Although the congregants were none too prosperous during the block ade, and their treasury was frequently empty, they always managed to take care of their poor. And it is interesting to note that, as a rule, about a week after a dispute is recorded in the Minutes, some peaceable solution has been found, and many a member, asked summarily to resign, is graciously reinstated at a subsequent meeting. Undoubtedly, these early congregants were a rugged lot. They would have to be, struggling as they did against the menance of fire and yellow fever, most of them merchants, heavily involved in the unstable economy of their time. The wording of the Minute Book is trenchant. They "discharged" committees; they “laid a motion on the table"; they “expelled" members. They could also write with sensitivity and dignity their resolutions of thanks or condolences upon the death of a beloved and respected member. And although their insistence that the rules and regulations of their by-laws be carried out to the letter is always apparent, this was done within the distinctively parliamentary framework of their meetings. In a word—they were living, and so was the Judaism they practiced. 2'. "Cemeteries . . .Came First” Cemeteries always came first wherever Jews gathered together in groups, and the Houston congregation was no exception to this axiom of their history. As has been noted by early historians of Texas Jewry, the graveyard of the Houston group was established in 1844, ten years before the first Synagogue was organized. The Minute Book of Con gregation Beth Israel picks up the threads of the cemetery story in 1861 and weaves an interesting tapestry against the colorful background of the times.

6. Free schools did not become an active force in Houston until after the Civil War. (Information from Standard History of Houston, Texas.” by B. H. Carroll, Jr.) It is significant that the first statement in the Minutes referred to the committee on the mending of the graveyard fence. The protection of the hallowed resting place of their dead from cows and other animals that roamed the streets of Houston was of primary concern to the con gregants. The wooden cemetery fence, evidently sagging and rotting in the humid climate, appeared to be a constant source of worry to the group of twelve or more men who met almost fortnightly during the fall of ’6l. The Minutes of October 19th contain the following information: “The committee appointed to have the G.Y. fence repaired and a new one made and also to have a Metor house7 built beg for further time, which was granted." On November 4th the committee reported that the fence was finished “except the Metor house which is to be built." This was accomplished by January of the following year, when a committee appointed to examine the “fence round the graveyard and also the Metor house" returned a satisfactory report. The president was “therefore instructed with full powers to settle with the carpenter for the work, by unanimous vote of the members.” The Minute Book in January, 1864, records the results of two years’ exposure to the South Texas climate: "We (the committee) have examined the fences surrounding our graveyard, and found the same in such bad and dilapidated condition that it is a shame and a disgrace to the Cong." At the same meeting it was decided that a sum of $1000 be appropriated for building a new fence to the graveyard. (This was during the period of inflation, as well as at the time when hogs ran wild in some parts of Houston.) In April of ’64 reference is made in the Minute Book to "adding a portion to the fence on the graveyard, so as to enclose the house thereon.” The Minutes of July 9, 1865, find the “fence around the graveyard. . . in such dilapidated condition that something ought to be done towards it, either by repairing, or building a new one entirely." In August, the committee on the graveyard fence requested two weeks’ additional time to report. At a called meeting in October, the committee on the graveyard fence failed to appear, They were fined $2.50 apiece, “discharged,” and a new committee was appointed. At this time a motion was made by Henry S. Fox, a prominent figure in Houston financial circles, to erect an iron fence around the graveyard. The vote resulted in a tie, and the president of the congregation voted against the motion. There is an interesting resolution pertaining to the graveyard in the Minutes of a “special meeting" held on June 13, 1868. It reads as follows: "Resolved: That the board of oflicers are hereby authorized to select a certain spot of ground on the graveyard for interment of strangers.

7. Mortuary chapel. said spot to be called the Strangers’ Row, and the same be not less than 60 feet from the present graves. "All those which are not members of this cong. shall be considered strangers among us, and in case of death the place selected for their interment shall be strictly carried out." The resolution, which carried, was incorporated into the by-laws. There is an additional resolution pertaining to the graveyard in the same meeting to the effect that no tombstones or grave fences shall be put up without permission of the board of officers “and contrasigned by the Secterary." At a “regular quarterly meeting" held on October 6, 1868, a group of congregants asked that they be recognized by the congregation as a committee to put an iron fence around their "burying ground.” This request was granted. A year later, in June, funds Were being raised and turned over to the "Iron Fence Committee.” It is evident from sub sequent entries in the Minute Book that this fence was actually erected some time between the June meeting and one held in March "of 1871, when there was some discussion of payments due on the cost of the iron fence. Thus, roughly within the period of the early histroy of Congre gation Beth Israel (1854-1870) we ﬁnd their graveyard had attained the protection of enclosure by iron.

3. . . They Managed To Care For Their Poor” During the early history of Congregation Beth Israel We find evidence in the Minute Book of vestiges of the control of secular life, which characterized the European Jewish community. It is apparent from the beginning that Beth Israel congregants asserted their independence and desire to integrate into the general community. An illustration of this occurs when on September 12, 1861, an attempt is made to enforce a ruling on members to the effect that their places of business should be closed on the Sabbath. The wording of the resolution leaves no doubt of the intense sincerity of the members responsible for it. I . .We are the children of the most High in whose image He in His great infinite mercy has created us. He, being our Creator, our Preserver, our Guide and Leader, our Benefactor, our Judge, and our Consolation. . . we, humble and insignificant creatures as we are, ought at least strive to imitate Him as much as we possibly can, knowing, when we do so, we do what is right and just and will bring us nearer to salvation. And has He not created Heaven and Earth and worked 6 days incessantly and has He not rested on the seventh day and con strained us through His faithful servant Moses to do likewise . . ." The Minutes of subsequent meetings reveal that some of the mem bership did not go along with the resolution; there is considerable discussion about the matter, but in the end independence of action prevailed. There is no doubt that the fact that the congregants brought ‘their personal problems into their meeting place is also a carry-over from the time of the Jewish community courts. And although the Minute Book contains such legal terminology as “evidence by witnesses" and “charges," the procedure it reveals is strictly parliamentary. There is a period in the early sixties when the congregational meetings were particularly oc cupied with personal disagreements among members. This time paralleled the most trying period of the war, when the city was over—crowded with refugees; many stores were empty, and fire and yellow fever ravaged the community. There is even an interesting Houston-Galveston dis pute between a local party and some Island refugees who had joined the congregation for the duration. A “problem child" was involved, and the matter reached what appeared to be a satisfactory conclusion with the Galveston member's being fined $30, probably in Confederate money. Just as the congregational meeting to some extent substituted for our present child guidance agencies, so did it also serve as a center for the care of the indigent. We find repeated instances of this recorded in the Minute Book. On April 7, 1862, at a “regular meeting," a petition for relief was received by the members present. After considerable discussion, Mann heim Jacobs, who later became president of the congregation, made the motion “to appoint a family which duty it shall be to see that he (the person asking for relief) is taken care of and provided with the necessary things of life and that this family should draw from the secretary whatever it may need to accomplish this charitable act." The motion was carried, and an interesting Variation of the “foster home” plan, prevalent in contemporary social work, was initiated by Mr. Jacobs. In August, ’62, it was decided to tax members $4 a month for the support of poor families. There is an entry in January, 1864, that indicates the formation of a relief organization apart from the con gregation. It reads as follows: "A motion was . . .made by Mr. Reich man3 to take over 1500 $ stock in the Mutual Aid Assoc. for the benefit of the Jewish needy families, which was passed." There is a notation in the Minute Book of December 16, 1866, that indicates the congregation paid two bills amounting to $22.50 for the “Benevolent Society,” whose treasury “was exhausted." However, we find that in October of the following year the congregation authorized the secretary to "borrow from the Hebrew Charitable Society $355 U. S. cy. as the congregation treasury is exhausted.” (This was during the period of

8. “J. Reichman . . . came from Germany and took a prominent part in (Houston) civic affairs, first as Alder man, and subsequentl for many years as City Secretary." (From The Hixtary of the Jews of Houston, by Dr. Henry Barnstonj Reconstruction when the merchants were having their difliculties and while the city was undergoing its worst yellow fever epidemic.) However, on February 23, 1868, the Minute Book reveals that the congregation paid “by order of the president" a bill for the board of “two Rev. Gentl. from Jerusalem for 5 days, amounting to twenty dollars." Thus, a stabilizing post—war economy is indicated by Beth Israel’s gesture toward two gentlemen from Jerusalem. 4. The War And The Congregation During its One Hundred Year History, Congregation Beth Israel has had from its inception a record of military service by its member ship. The early history from 1854 to 1870 was no exception. Indeed, it is gleaned from Rabbi Henry Cohen's “Settlement of the Jews in Texas" that such service pre-dates the organization of the congregation by some eighteen years, when Eugene Joseph Chimene, whose family plot lies in the cemetery, fought for Texas Independence in the Battle of San Jacinto.9 Dr. Cohen also cites the military serviceof Henry Weiner of Houston in the Mexican War. Mr. Weiner, who was a member of Beth Israel, fought in the Battle of Buena Vista.9 Since Houston was spared invasion and the devastation that befell most of the cities of the Confederacy, it is to be expected that direct references to the War Between the States would be infrequent in the Minute Book. (It already has been indicated how the secondary effects of the war such as the blockade and unstable economy were reflected in the activities of the congregation.) On May 7, 1862, however, a meeting was held in which the war was mentioned frequently and from which we derive some interesting historical data. We find recorded in the Minutes of that day a statement concerning members who had enlisted in the Confederate Army. It reads as follows: "G. H. Simon is a member of this Cong. free of all dues, and all members serving in the Confederate service from the time of their en listment to the expiration of their term." So far as we know, no records were kept of the members who served in the Confederate Army. However, a newspaper story in the Houston Chronicle of November 13, 1943, lists Louis Colman, a veteran of the Battle of Gettysburg; Wolf Bacharach, a member of the Confederate Infantry, and Isaac Billig and Isaac Elssasser, as members of the Confederate Army. The facts of history sometimes have a curious, indirect way of re vealing themselves. We find in the same May 7th meeting in ’62 an entry concerning a protest made by 13 members of the congregation which reads in part: "that strange efforts are made to force upon them at this precarious state of the country, and of the almost exhausted treasury of the Cong. the service of a Chasan at a fixed salary." There

9. Information from family records. was nothing unusual about this disagreement among the members, which appears to have been settled amicably at a subsequent meeting, but of importance to us is the fact that the protest begins: “To the officers and members of the H.C.B.I. the undersigned charter members of the above named cong. original and founders thereof..." and ends: “Re spectfully Yours, Henry Fox, L. Meyer, R. Cohen, M. Reichman, I. Elssasser, I. L. Hohanthal. Wm. Cohen, W. Billay, M. L. Westheimer, Felix Wolf, A. Cramer, Ch. Salamon, Isaac Emmich." This is the first record we find in the Minute Book concerning the charter members of Beth Israel. There is a discrepancy between the thirteen members listed above and the twenty—two charter members listed in the Minutes of May 27, 1923.10 The last entry of business at this May meeting, which was con cerned so directly with the conflict beginning to tear the country asunder, also is not Without its historical significance: “Motion was introduced to suspend all meetings until the war is over, was laid on the table.” 5. ". . . This Minhag Matter. . .” We come now to a particularly significant phase of the history of Congregation Beth Israel during its early period, the changes in Ritual. In the pages of the Minute Book we find emerging a pattern that is consistent with later developments in the congregation, for even in the days spent under the pressures of the Civil War there is apparent a basic trend toward Reform. When the Minute Book begins in 1861, Beth Israel was an Orthodox congregation. This is quite evident from a number of referencesto customs followed by the congregants, probably one of the most obvious being the separate listing of “Ladies" and "Gents" seats. The first such entry appears on August 28, 1861, in the Minutes of the second meeting recorded, and contains the information that there were 48 seats sold to gentlemen, 43 to ladies. In the same Minutes we come upon the state ment: “On motion a fine is imposed on those who enter the Synagogue at any time uncovered or smoking.” The implication of this ruling is that there were those in the congregation who were not complying with these customs, and fines subsequently reported in other entries of the Minute Book indicate that this was so. In the Minutes of April 7, 1862, reference is made to the use of a Chupa. There is some discussion of the expense (probably for con struction) and of how much “strangers," as non-members Were some times called, should be charged for its use. (It was decided that a charge of $15 should be made, $10 of which should go to the congregation's treasury and $5 to the “Shamus.”) On October 22, 1865, it was decided “that a committee be appointed to advertise in the Jewish literary

10. See Chapter Three. papers at Philadelphia, New York and Cincinnati for a chazan and lecturer." In April of 1866 the advertisement in the Israelite was "changed so as to read, for a lecturer, reader, and teacher." At this same meeting on April 7th there is another more direct reference to the Ritual in the following statement from the Minute Book: “A question sprang up before the meeting to decide about the future minbag (custom of prayers) by the congregation, where, upon a considerable debate, it was agreed to leave that question with the congr. to decide thereon after the new Synagogue was finished.”“ But it was evident that this Minhag matter was disturbing some elements of the congregation, because on May 6th, about a month later, there is a “called meeting” at which time “several resolutions were in troduced, regarding change of Minhag of the congregation which caused a great deal of debate." Another resolution was then introduced to change the constitution and by-laws in regard to the present Minhag of the congregation after a new Synagogue shall have been built. A great deal of debate ensued thereon and no definite conclusion was arrived at when it was finally left for the future to decide upon." At a "Regular Meeting of the 'HCBI’ held on Sunday, June 17, 1866,” the secretary I was “authorized to inform the editor of the Israelite to leave the Words ‘Polish Minbag’ 12 out in the advertisement for reader, etc.” During the summer of 1867 we find the first reference to the "Minhag America” in the Minute Book. The story it reveals is again one illustra tive of the slow, devious path in the direction of Reform. The regular meeting of the “HCBI" held on July 7, 1867, must have been quite a session. Twenty-six members were in attendance on what was probably a very warm morning in July. After some routine business, a debate arose on whether or not the “Minhag should stay unchanged.” “When the votes were called 6 voted for it and 17 against it. Mr. A. Harris (whom we will find in 1873 to be appointed the first delegate of Beth Israel to the U.A.H.C.) moved, sec. by Heyman, that the Minbag America be adopted...l5 voted for it and 7 against it and it was declared that Minhag America is adopted." However, We discover that after a number of other matters are discussed, there is a notation: "It being late the meeting adjourned until 3 o'clock..." At this time, two of the members” who had voted for the change in the Minhag asked for a reconsideration of the motion with the result that “the Minhag was left standing as it is, and no change made.” There is no record of how many members attended the afternoon session. At a “called meeting of the ‘Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel’ held in their meeting rooms on Sunday, September 6th, 1868,” With 18 members present, “it was moved by H. S. Fox and duly seconded that ll . Section 8 of Chapter 1 concerns the Synagogue proper. 12. "Polish Minhag" often was used as the term for the German-Ashkenazic rather than Sepbardic custom of prayers. 13. Mr. S. Meyer and one unnamed member.

--E‘Iv\"r'.~'‘. an organ be introduced into the Synagogue; after a long and excited debate upon this question, the chair put the motion before the house to lay previous motion on the table, which was carried." Barely a month later, at a “called meeting" 14held on October 18. 1868, with 29 members in attendance, it was "moved by Hy. 8. Fox and duly seconded that we take the sense of the meeting whether the 'Minhag America’ shall stand and be enforced henceforth." The vote was: For Minhag America, 26 votes; Against Minhag America, 2 votes. It was then immediately moved and “duly seconded that a com mittee be appointed to wait upon ladies members and others and ﬁnd out who would assist in establishing a choir. Carried." In this same meeting “upon motion of Z. Emmich duly seconded the secretary was instructed to order from Block ‘E5Co. in Cincinnati one set of Machzorin of the Minhag America for the use of the congregation." At a meeting held on March 1, 1869, an attempt was made to have the Minhag America “at once repealed." “Pending this question it was moved by H. S. Fox and duly seconded by Emmich to lay the previous motion on the table, which was carried." Continued opposition to the Min/Jag America by a minority in the congregation is indicated in the Minutes of a meeting held in August of the same year when a committee was appointed to “investigate the robbery“ of the Minbag America Prayer Books, Property of this Congregation from out the Schoolhouse." At this same meeting, a motion "to take the sense of the meeting" on an organ being placed in the Synagogue during the “coming holidays" was defeated 8 to 6. Another consideration of the August 29th meeting pertained to Ritual matters and resulted in the following High Holy Day procedure: “It was decided that we observe the Yom Tophim according to the Minbag America, but for the benefit of those wishing divine worship on the day after Rosh Hashonah, the Synagogue should be kept open during that day." Thus, some beginnings of the Reform movement, as actually lived and laboriously recorded in the Minute Book of Congregation Beth Israel. 6. Rabbis, Readers, and Lay Leaders By now it should be evident that we are dealing with a group of rugged indivdualists whose lives were an inseparable part of the early history of Congregation Beth Israel. These people actually come to life in the pages of the Minute Book; their determination, their zeal for the preservation of their faith, their emotional involvement in the affairs of the congregation come through to us clearly. No adequate history of this period would be complete without calling the names of the rabbinic and lay leaders of the time.“

H. “By invitation a good.many ladies and non-members attended” this meeting. 15. Script here is indistinct. The word is most likely “robbery." 16. The Ocrident, Philadelphia weekly ublicarion, March 15, 1860: “Most af our brothers there (Beth Israel) amarecitllaa’ y.’ prosperous, pecuniary condition, several are well educated men and keep the Sabbath and festivals

11 The Rev. Zacharias Emmich” is the first rabbi whose name appears in the Minute Book. As has been previously noted, he was from Frankfort on-the-Main, where he received his rabbinical education. Rabbi Emmich served the congregation intermittently during its early history. From the Minute Book's records on Beth Israel's ritual changes in the direction of the Reform movement, it is apparent that Zacharias Emmich had an active part in bringing about such changes. (See part 5 of this chapter.) He also was one of the pioneers in the Religious School Movement. The Rev. Samuel Raphael, who came from England by “full-rigged“ ship" with his wife and six children, served the congregation during the Civil War period. The value of his leadership in those trying times is evidenced in resolutions passed by the congregation and recorded in the Minute Book following the Rev. Raphael's death. . . That in the death of the Rev. 8. Raphael the congregation lost one of its chief pillars, the community at large a Very good pious man whose sole aim it was to obey the commands of the Almighty, and his family lost a kind husband and a good father . . .May 10, 1863.” The name of I. Posner occurs frequently in the Minute Book. On July 9th, 1865, there is a notation that he was “resigning his office as min ister." However, he is usually referred to as “Mr.," although he served the congregation intermittently as chazan and reader during its early history. The name of the Rev. B. E. Jacobs appears in the Minute Book in August, 1866, when he was elected “Chazan, Reader, etc." But by No vember of the same year, we find a notation that there is a new “Reader," Mr. Reis. On April 7th, 1867, we find a motion, unanimously carried, "that the secretary is hereby authorized to telegraph to New York for Rev. Dr. L. Steiner to come out if possible before Pesacb.” The Rev. Steiner came, and was elected Rabbi for two years. However, at a called meeting on September 27th, 1867, we discover that the reverend gentleman had died at 4 o’clock on the day before. Suitable resolutions were passed by the congregation with instructions that copies be sent to the Houston Tele graph, the Israelite in Cincinnati, and “to the relatives of the deceased at Vienna, Austria." . In March of the following year, the name of the Rev. L. Laski appears in the Minute Book. However, on April 19th, 1868, a letter was read from this gentleman resigning his post, and at this same meeting the sec retary was instructed to write the Rev. de Levante. In June Rev. de Levante was elected unanimously "as Lecturer, Teacher, Chasan, Reader, and Mohel for the term of one year . . . at the rate of two thousand dol lars per annum in currency." The Rev. de Levante remained with Con gregation Beth Israel until the end of January, 1869. During his tenure

17. The Occidenl, Philadelphia weekly publication, March 15, 1860: “The Rev. Z. Emmich was engaged March 1 as Cbazan, Shocbet and Mohel of Congregation Beth Israel of Houston. . . His reputation . . . is very good and he is well spoken of.” 18. Standard History of Houston, Texas, by B. H. Carroll, Jr.

~,—vrr-aavrxnw~: of office, there occurred an instance of conversion to Judaism by a woman and her children. This is recorded in the Minute Book of August 2nd, 1868. In March of 1869, the congregation decided to advertise in the Israelite for a “Minister and Teacher,” and at this time Zacharias Emmich offered his services “gratuitously to the congregation to ofliciate during the coming Passover Holidays.” Over a year later, when the cornerstone set ting for the Synagogue on Franklin Street was announced, the Chief Rabbi of the New Orleans Portuguese Synagogue had been asked to officiate. It is obvious from the start that the lay leadership of Beth Israel was vigorous. The names of Isaac Colman, Henry Fox, Henry S. Fox, Morris H. Levy, A. Kottwitz, Mannheim Jacobs, Gustave Gerson, Sol Rosenfield, John Rosenfield, M. L. Westheimer, Adolph Harris, Emmanuel and Moses Raphael appear frequently in the Minute Book. They served as oflicers, trustees, committee members. Their contribution to the survival of the congregation during the Civil War period is inestimable. When the Minutes of the congregation begin for us in 1861, the presiding officer was S. L. Hohenthal. Other presidents during the early history (1854-1870) were S. Meyer, A. Cramer, I. Posner, H. Wiener, I. Colman, I. Elssasser, M. Jacobs, and S. Rosenfield. Although most of the congregants were merchants, we know from records of the time that A. Cramer was a tobacconist; Henry S. Fox be came president of the Houston National Exchange Bank, and M. L. Westheimer had a farm and stables on what is the present site of Lamar High School in Houston. The street, now crowded with traflic that winds its way past the Lamar school and the River Oaks residential district, is known as “Westheimer Road." In 1868, Morris Levy was one of a civic-minded group who formed the Houston Ship Channel Company. J. Reichman was an alderman of the city, and Henry S. Fox was an original director of the Houston Board of Trade and Cotton Exchange.

7. “. . . To Teach the Children the Mosaic Religion” There will be no attempt to go into a detailed study of the finances of Congregation Beth Israel. The Minute Book reveals that during the early history funds for the maintenance of the congregation were raised from the annual sale of seats, the levying of dues on the membership, and occasional voluntary contributions. As has been indicated, the times were unstable, and the sporadically precarious financial state of the congregation closely paralleled economic conditions in the Confederacy. The last sections of this chapter will be concerned with the early development of the religious school and the maintenance of the Synagogue and its premises. In the Minute Book of August 30th, 1863, we find the following notation: "A motion was made and duly seconded, and carried that an

13 addition of 10 feet be added to the old building to be used for purposes of school and meeting room. A motion was then made and carried that three months dues be paid in advance that we may thereby meet expenses." Almost a year later, on March 6th, 1864, there is some additional information regarding the religious school. It is interesting because of the sudden entrance of "the ladies” into the picture, as well as the appearance of a note of dissatisfaction regarding school books. Let us go to the Minute Book again for the details: “A Sunday School having been inaugurated by some of the Hebrew ladies here for the purpose of instilling the principles of our religion into the minds of the Hebrew children, the ladies had the temporary use of the Synagogue for that purpose by the permission of the president. A motion was made by Mr. S. Meyer that the school should be closed, to which amendment was made by Mr. S. Rosenﬁeld that it should not be closed, but be removed to the school house, and that the day of instruction be changed from Sunday to our Sabbath, which was carried. A motion was also made by S. Sterne that the very objectionable Catechism (now before us) should be utterly dispensed with, which was, of course, passed." A committee was then formed to “wait upon the ladies" for the pur pose of organizing a school in “a proper manner.” A week later, at a “special meeting” of the congregation, it is revealed that the ladies were unwilling to cooperate in a joint effort regarding the religious school. Another motion was made to “wait upon the ladies’ association with the intention of prevailing upon them to allow us to unite with them in carrying out the intended objects of the Hebrew school, and that we also wished to become joint members thereof.” For whatever reasons they may have had, the ladies evidently held out for independence of action, because on March 20th, at a “special meeting of the Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel, the president stated that the object of the meeting was to organize, if possible, a Hebrew Sabbath school, for the instruction of the Hebrew children,” and the committee on cooperation with the ladies was “discharged.” A new one was formed "to organize a Hebrew Sabbath school, independent of the ladies, and to report thereon as soon as practicable." (It appears possible that some of the ladies involved were from families who were not members of the congregation. At any rate, the “ladies association” seems to have been an organization independent of Beth Israel.) On April 17th, less than a month later, the religious school committee made its report. Because this may be considered the beginning of the Beth Israel Sabbath School, it is quoted in full. “To the Oﬂicersand Members of the Heb. Cg. 'B.I.’, “Gents: “We, your committee appointed to take into consideration in what manner this Cong. can establish a Sunday school, have had the same under

14 consideration, and would respectfully offer the foll. resolutions: the adop tion of which, will in their opinion bring about the desired object: "Whereas, the Rev. Z. Emmich has kindly volunteered to teach the children of the Jewish Faith the Mosaic Religion; "1. Be it resolved, That this Cong. kindly and gladly accept the Revd. Gentleman’s offer. “2. Be it resolved, that the Lady members of the Cong. as well as all who feel an interest in such an institution be invited to attend the organization of said school. “3. Be it further resolved, that the Cong. agree to defray the expenses of publishing such books as may be deemed necessary for the School. "4. Be it further resolved, that the trustees of the Cong. be and are hereby declared trustees of said school. “All of which is submitted. M. Reichman A. J. Kottwitz J. P. Rosenﬁeld S. Meyer Committee.”

This report was adopted “paragraph by paragraph.” “All resolutions were adopted excepting the third, which after much debate was rejected." In this same meeting, one of the members was “notified that he close and keep closed the gate in fence leading into the school yard, and that if he does not do it we will” . . .A committee was appointed to investigate the matter. “Also duly moved and passed, that the building committee be and are hereby instructed to confer with a builder, to find out the expense that might be incurred in enlarging the school room, ceiling it, and filling it up generally in a proper manner.” On May 29th at a regular meeting of the congregation, the building committee reported that they had "conferred" with a carpenter on the enlargement of the school room and that he had agreed to do the Work for $4000 (probably Confederate money) . A motion was made and carried at this meeting that two windows be added to the school room. And the member who had been notified to keep his gate closed in the school yard fence “reported himself that the committee might nail up the door.” In the Minutes of a meeting called on June 23rd, 1867, we find a motion by A. Harris to the effect that a “Board of Education" be created "whose duty it shall be to establish a school under the name and style of the Hebrew and German English School.” (This was during the time When private schools were prevalent.) In October of the same year, the following entry was made in the Minute Book: "A petition was read from Mr. J. Phillips asking permission to teach children in the little schoolhouse of the congregation, which was referred to the board of trustees, Who granted the request on condition that said Mr. Phillips would instruct

15 indigent children gratis, and that he could use the house gratis on above conditions, as long as the same is not needed by the congregation." By December it appeared that progress on the school building had been made. In the Minutes of the 29th of that month, “Mr. J. Cramer, chairman of the building committee, handed to the president the sum of $149 coin for the benefit of the building committee.” The thanks of the congregation were then given to “Mr. Cramer and his associates for using their influ ence in raising the above amount to assist this congregation in carrying out this plausible undertaking in building and finishing a school house, where the poor as well as the rich children may receive their education.” In April of the following year the Minute Book contains evidences of a discussion to the effect, that “about 35 to 40 children” might be sent to the school "if the services of a competent teacher would be obtained." At this same meeting it was suggested that non—Jewish children be ad mitted to the school. In June the chairman of the board of education "reported progress as regards rules and regulations to be adopted for the government of the school house,” and he was authorized to make arrange ments for the purchase of 60 chairs and desks for the school house of the “newest improved styles.” In July they were still examining benches and desks “commonly used in school rooms.” And we find in the July 5th Minutes a notation of a bill for “advertising Hebrew School 3 times: $2.50.” During this period, the Rev. de Levante was in charge of the school, which appears to have been used for secular as well as religious purposes. A trend away from the secular use of the school house may be found at the close of the early history of Beth Israel, when, in August of 1869. the Minute Book reveals that an offer to rent the school building for a "Young Ladies’ Seminary" was rejected by the congregation. 8. . . The New Hebrew Temple of Worship, Called Beth Israel” Dr. Henry Barnston's “History of the Jews of Houston" supplies the information that the early congregants of Beth Israel "worshipped in a small room on Austin Street between Texas and Prairie Avenue." This evidently was in the fifties and possibly the beginning of the sixties. Dr. Barnston adds that some time before 1870 a frame building on La Branch, between Texas and Prairie, was used. We know from the Minute Book that in April of 1862 the congregation owned property on which the Synagogue was located. Then we find, as in the case of the cemetery, grave concern of the members to do with the maintenance of fences, although the entry of the April 7th meeting has a somewhat different angle: “Their being some misunderstandings in regard certain privileges giving to strangers” by our members to fence up a portion of the property belonging to the congregation the following have been appointed with

19. Non-members.

16 r, 9 Iov.‘I"57“'I’4 ' ‘I.’

Wrvuukv ,

I 2

I w full powers up till August the 8th to take charge of all the property belonging to the Hebrew Congregation, and see that all is kept in repair, and that no person should impose upon our rights. Committee, I. Posner, G. L. Hohenthal, A. Raphael.” There follows, in the Minute Book, the copy of a letter by the president, A. Cramer, to a Dr. Cowling, asking him most “respectfully” to remove a fence, with which he has “divided" Synagogue property, at his “earliest convenience.” We quote in full Dr. Cowling's answer, duly recorded in the Minutes of May 2nd, because of the insight it gives us into the atmosphere of the times. "Mr. A. Cramer. “Houston, April 14, ’62 "Sir! In reply to your letter allow me to distinctly state that I should never have thought of putting up a fence on the property of the con gregation or any other person’s property unless express permission had been given me to do so. In this case I was told” twice by Mr. Salamon and by Mr. Meyer that the congregation had agreed to allow the fence, the only object of which was to prevent my calf from going near the Synagogue. I have received permission to allow it to graze in the lot, and also to have the use of the old house on said lot on two conditions, first that I should attend all poor Hebrews who came along and re quired medical attendance free of charge; 2nd, that I should allow my servants to clean up the Synagogue, the latter part of the agreement have been fulﬁlled. I think it very unjust having gone to the expense of putting up the fence in good faith that I should so be called upon to pull it down. Having acted in good faith in this matter I should hope the Cong. will act in like good faith with me. “Respectfully, “Jas. Cowling.”

“Good faith” prevailed, and Dr. Cowling was allowed “said priv ileges” as long as "the committee for safety of the property" might “deem proper." The vitality of the congregation is amply illustrated by the fact that although (as we have noted in Section 4) during the spring of 1862 there was some discussion of holding no further meetings until the war was over, by October of the same year, before a meeting attended by 32 members, Isaac Colman moved that "ten commissioners be elected to look about for a suitable piece of property, not less than 6 lots to build a suitable ediﬁce for a Synagogue...” His motion carried, and the "commissioners" were appointed. However, in the Minutes of April, 1863, there is a notation of a bill of $3 paid for the "hanging of the front door of the old Synagogue." In August of that year there is a reference to the “enlarging” of the Synagogue, as well as a notation to the effect that the work should be

20. Script indistinct. “Told” is the sense of the letter. finished “by 4 days before Rosh Hashonab” along with instructions that a committee should "procure sufficient benches for the Synagogue." At an October meeting of the same year, “the Hebrew Ladies of Houston" were given a “vote of thanks. . . for their liberality and kindness in donating two chandeliers with everything complete for the use of the Synagogue." Thanks were also given to Mrs. B. Cowan "for the very fine mantle for a Sepher Torah generously presented...” And in the Minute Book of January 17, 1864, there is a reference to the need for mending the fences surrounding the Synagogue. In September a notation Was made concerning repairs on the "roof and pillars" of the Synagogue. It is in August, 1865, that we find another reference to the “feasibility” of building a new Synagogue, "when a general debate ensued, pro and con, and it being late already to consider the matter thoroughly, it was moved by I. Colman, and seconded, that the members” deliberate more "calmly” on the subject at a later date. There was a “called meeting” on March 4th, 1866, "to take into consideration the present dilapidated condition of the Synagogue." A motion to repair the building was lost, after which it was decided to appoint a committee "to ascertain the best means for building a new Synagogue." The committee Was asked to report in two weeks. At this time a report was made in which an estimate of the cost of a new building was given at “about $15,000 species.” At the March 18th meeting, it was also decided to appoint a committee “with full powers to raise funds by subscriptions, issuing of bonds or otherwise, and without unnecessary delay, build a new Synagogue in the City of Houston, and they shall have additional power to change the present locality of the Synagogue if in their opinion it is deemed beneficial or necessary to do so.” By June the congregation had purchased from the City of Houston three lots "on the south side of Buffalo Bayou" for the “sum of two thousand dollars.” Thanks were “tendered to Mr. I. Colman for the trouble and pains he has taken in raising the funds for the grounds.” (All but $800 had been taken from the congregation’s treasury, this remaining amount having been raised by subscription through the efforts of Mr. Colman and his "building committee”) In a meeting held on December 16, 1866, it was revealed that the "late lamented Mrs. Rosanna Osterman” of Galveston "with the prompti tude of a benevolent heart and philanthropic feeling" did “bequeath this congregation the sum of $2500 towards the building of a Synagogue.” And it was resolved "by this congregation, that we as a body pledge ourselves to commemorate the names of Mr. and Mrs. Osterman, deceased, as long as this congregation shall exist, and that we devote a special prayer for their departed souls during every Holiday." We find that in June of the year 1869, at the same meeting in which there was discussion of an iron fence for the graveyard, there is a resolu tion to the effect that "a commitee of five be appointed with the presi dent of the congregation as chairman, said committee to be designated the ‘New Temple Building Committee’ with power to receive proposi tions, plans, specifications and subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a house of worship of brick masonry..." The committee consisted of S01 Rosenfield, Sam Sterne, Henry Fox, M. H. Levy, A. Cramer, I. Colman, with Mannheim Jacobs, presiding. And now once again we turn to the musty files of the Houston Daily Telegraph, this time to the account of the cornerstone setting of the Franklin Avenue Temple. We find the story dated June 17, 1870, under “City Items." "The great public event of the week was unquestionably the laying of the cornerstone of the new Hebrew Temple of worship, called Beth Israel, yesterday afternoon. Not only have our Hebrew fellow citizens looked forward to the occasion with happy anticipations, but all classes of Houstonians have taken a warm interest in its inauguration. . . About 4- o'clock in the afternoon it was evident from the gathering of groups of people and vehicles around our splendid Masonic Temple upon Main Street and the refreshing strains of music borne flitting on the breeze as they marched to and fro that something unusual was astir. By and by bodies of men with banners and emblems headed by bands of music made their appearance marching in procession order up to the building last spoken of. As they arrived, marshals on horseback took charge of them and arranged the swelling throng into the successive order as per the published programme. In the van marched the police and Schmidt's Brass Band; immediately following were the different fire companies, whose bright red and blue uniforms relieved the more sombre hues of civilian dressed processionists and lent a charming picturesqueness to the scene; then the cornerstone itself in a wagon followed, and after it in large numbers came the venerable order of Odd Fellows and several other representative organizations, including the Hebrew Benevolent Associa tion, delegates from the churches of the Cong. Beth Israel. The mayor, the aldermen, various other city officials came next in carriages, and at the close, in a long line marched various Masonic bodies bearing the insignia and emblems of that ancient and worthy brotherhood. The processionists could not have been numbered less than 1000. Marching down Main St., along Congress, then down Travis to a Franklin St., then wended their way along the latter street to the block upon which the new temple is now building. . . A handsome grandstand erected for the occasion, inside the enclosure, served as a rostrum. . . The procession having been halted in open order, the oficers of the Grand Lodge passed through their stations upon the stand." The Telegraph proceeded to give a detailed description of the actual setting of the cornerstone, Which was "of goodly proportions swung upon the tripod.” Mannheim Jacobs, the president of the congregation “in a neat and brief speech” thanked “not only the Grand Lodge for their presence but all who were there."

19 2 The stone having been "laid with due Masonic honors,’ the oration of the day was given by the Rev. H. 8. Jacobs, Chief Rabbi of the Portuguese Synagogue of New Orleans. The Rev. Jacobs spoke at length; among other subjects, he discussed "Light” and "Truth,” that were emblazoned on the breast-plate of the High Priests of Israel. These blessings, he said, should be preserved for the good of all men, Jew and Gentile alike. The Telegraph concluded its enthusiastic account with the statement that “the auspicious ceremony passed 011’without a mishap of any kind. and the proceedings were altogether of the most magniﬁcent and success ful character.” Thus, we come to the end of the early history of Congregation Beth Israel. It has been a long and devious path from the year 1854, clouded in obscurity, to that bright day in June, when our congregants marched in triumphant procession to the music of Schmidt’s German band.

'20 II ——1870-1908 The Franklin Avenue Temple

1)! 1. "We Find Such Items As 'Brick—work’and ‘Marble Tablets

xx Congregation Beth Israel concerning the completion of the NFranklin May 10, Avenue 1874, Temple. there was Following an entry a in brief the annoucement MinuteBook that of the “duties” of the committee “elected. . . on April 24, 1870 . . . styled the Temple Finance and Building Committee” had been fulfilled, there is a detailed statement of “receipts and expenditures of funds in the erection of Temple Beth Israel of Houston." It is evident from the eight pages of accounts that the building was actually contracted for by the committee. Payment and receipt, made in both currency and coin, are listed in detail. We find such items as "brick work,” “marble tablets,” “laying carpets,” “gas (light fixtures)" in the expenditure column, and under “Statement of Receipts" the following notation: "Received as donations by members of congregation and resident Israelites: (Currency) $110.85 (Coin) $3853.15 “Received as donations by Gentiles and non-residents: (Currency) $1215. (Coin) $765.” There Were, of course, other sources of revenue, such as the Rosanna Osterman legacy,‘ receipts from a number of "Grand Purim Balls," and the “old synagogue" brought $750 in coin; the “School House property,” $1900 in the same exchange. The “total cost of building” was $4-116.13 in currency, $15,964.72 in coin. (There Was a “total indebtedness" of nearly $4000, most of it in currency.) It is not surprising that the pages of the Minute Book display a suitable eloquence in paying tribute to the men, whose labors over a period of four years culminated in the Temple on Franklin and Crawford: “Resolved: that a vote of thanks be and the same are hereby tendered ...for the praiseworthy manner in which they have performed the arduous and responsible duties...and for the artistic and substantial building which is at once a pride to our religion and an ornament to our city. . .with the assurance that their work will live when the framers of this resolution shall be no more.” The “artistic and substantial building," one of the early brick struc tures of Houston, is “no more,” but the names of the men who con

1. See Chapter 1.

21 tracted for the brick work and other items with such painstaking care, and for whom the resolutions were passed, are recorded in the Minute Book: L. M. Rich (Chairman) “Hy. S. Fox, Sol Rosenfield, John Reichman, Adolph Cramer, Adolph Harris, M. Reichman, Finance Committee. Robert Cohen, Building Committee.”

As we enter the second period of Congregation Beth Israel’s Cen tennial History we find, once again, the unmistakable mark of the times upon the people now worshipping in their new Temple, still close to the heart of the city and the muddy bayou that moved sluggishly toward the Gulf. And the times were good when the Temple on Franklin was erected. In the early seventies a number of Southern “colonels" emigrated with their families from Virginia, Kentucky, the Carolinas and Tennessee, and imparted to the city a new elegance, evidenced in brilliant “dress parades,” during which ladies rode in barouches, and gentlemen escorted them on thoroughbred mounts. It was a time of mock “tournaments” with jousting “knights," and a “queen” was crowned annually. Young men went sculling on the bayou, and a select group drilled with regu larity in a “company" known as the “Light Guards.” These colorful activities paralleled the city’s commercial and physical expansion, which included the deepening of Buffalo Bayou 25 miles, to a place known as Morgan’s Point. In March of 1876, free public schools were opened. There were electric lights by the end of ’82, ten railroads, telephones, a mile of plank “paving," eighteen blocks of graveled streets, and two blocks of stone pavement. Nevertheless, two years later “vagrant cows" were still a problem, and it was considered dangerous to walk on Milam Street after dark. From 1882 until the early part of the nineties we find an exceptional period in the history of Houston? It has been described as a “time of lethargy and inaction." 2 The Minute Book of Congregation Beth Israel gives copious proof of this assertion, as we discover a strained and difficult existence reflected in its pages, now inscribed rather carelessly, with none of the elegance and charm that permeates the Early History records. Historians note an upward trend in the fortunes of Houston after the turn of the century. Two major events, the Galveston storm of 1900 and the discovery of oil at Spindletop near Beaumont, marked the century as it turned. We will find that the people who went to temple on Franklin Avenue felt directly and indirectly the impact of

2. "History of Houston,” by B. H. Carroll, Jr.

22 these events on their lives, as the city spread away from the deepened bayou and prospered. “Vitality" was used to express the prevailing mood of the initial period of Beth Israel’s history. No one word can possibly give us the feeling about this second period, which is more complex and covers a wider range in time. It can be described as progressing from a time of energy in the early seventies through a period of lethargy to the beginnings of an expansive trend in the first years of the new century. During the years from 1870 to 1908, the congregation makes the complete change from Orthodoxy to Classical Reform; the "Synagogue" becomes the “Temple,” although the former expression still persists informally in the Minutes. Activities surrounding the Temple lose their extra-religious aspect. The congregants no longer use their meetings as a sounding board for their trials and vexations. Decorousness and dignity replace the warmth and excitement that were found in the early Minutes. The integration of the group proceeds, and the congregation’s chief con cern is with religion and the organization thereof. Themes from the Early History that have to do with religious matters continue with undiminished significance. The cemetery is still a major concern of the congregants. The school connected with the Temple now functions solely as a center for religious education. The Ritual history shows indications of a continuing pressure from the con servative element, but there is a "cleavage"3 in 1887. (Four years later. the first Orthodox Synagogue in Houston is chartered.) Rabbinical leader ship finally becomes stabilized with the arrival of a gentleman from England. The congregation no longer acts in the role of the modern social agency, since organizations in the community are being formed to care for the indigent with their problems. (Nevertheless, we still find in the Minutes a number of references to Philanthrophy.) Beth Israel has taken on a new function, that of acting as a central religious body for small congregations and individuals in outlying communities. The congregation during this period joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations‘ until “hard times" forced a temporary severance of this affiliation. Now, let us go back to the first years of the Temple on Franklin Avenue, launched with such fanfare and destined for some trying times during its thirty-eight years of existence.

2. “. . .And Even To Plant Trees” In the month of May, 1877, the Minutes of Congregation Beth Israel indicate that certain measures of economy were deemed necessary. Nevertheless, at the same meeting in which “the services of the sexton"

3. “Golden Book of Congregation Adatb Yexhurun.” (The W. P. A. History of_ Houston_also records this “cleavage” and indicates that the members who seceded were of Polish and Russian extraction.) 4. The Congregation at a Special Meeting held June 8, 1873, “endorsed” the Union and ‘appointed Adolph Harris, their first delegate. In a meeting on May 10, 1874, Beth Israel members voted to 10111the Union.

. 23 were “dispensed with . . . and all expenses of the Temple (except actual repair and insurance)” were stopped “for the present," a committee was appointed “for the purpose of raising funds, by subscription or other wise, to purchase an addition to the cemetery." By March of the following year there is an entry revealing that progress had been made. “The following motion prevailed . . . that a committee . . . be appointed with full power to purchase Block 20 adjoining our cemetery; to present our claim to the city council for reimbursement for that portion of our cemetery used as the San Felipe Road and to employ a civil engineer to stake off the block in lots 20 X 20 to be sold to members for $25 per lot subject to such rules and regulations as may hereafter be adopted by the congregation." A word of caution was injected by Henry S. Fox, Esquire, who moved "that the grounds be not purchased until the money is raised to pay for it or well secured notes.” This same gentleman, now president of the congregation, was in the chair at the June 2nd meeting, at which the following rather in teresting proceedings took place: "The drawing of lots for cemetery was now in order. . . Some dis satisfaction arose as to the delay in waiting for members to make selections ...when the following mode was adopted. The president appointed a committee. ..to select 19 lots from the whole number and place 19 numbers of lots (the ones selected) in a hat from which each of the purchasers present shall draw one number which shall be the number of his or her lot.” This ingenious method of selection proved satisfactory to the pur chasers, who are listed with their lot numbers.5 In November, 1881, there was some discussion of "draining” the burial grounds and on planting trees. The Minutes reveal that ll members attended this semi—annualmeeting, and the only standing committee report given was that on the cemetery. In May, 1882, with a total membership of 48, the congregation mustered an attendance of 24 at the annual meeting, and this timepthere were no committee reports. Obviously, the period of lethargy has begun. There are a number of references in the Minute Book to "hard times" that seemed to go along with “the inclement weather.” But despite their diﬁiculties, the congre gants planted their trees, for there is a notation in December, 1885, that the “trees on the cemetery need trimming, and now is the time to do it." In September of 1886 "the chairman of the cemetery committee was instructed to have the most necessary repairs made on fence and bridge of cemetery." The cost of graveling all walks in the cemetery was discussed at a meeting in March two years later, and in July estimates

5. This list includes 5. Rosenfield, Hy. Fox, L. M. Rich, A. Harris, Joe Sigle, M. Rosenfield A. 5. Fox, R. Cohen, E. Raphael, T. Keller, L. M. Jones, L. Roos, H. S. Fox, A. Cramer, J. Cramer, Roos, Mrs. Bertha Wolf, Mrs. Hortense Jacobs.

24 were obtained for both the graveling and draining of the cemetery. A year later it was reported that the cemetery was thoroughly cleaned of weeds and that drainage ditches had been dug. In August it was decided to employ a regular caretaker for the burial grounds. Considerable improvements were made in the cemetery during the summer of 1890 at a cost of $515. Four years later the gravel walks were replaced with cypress boards, and we ﬁnd in the Minutes of January 26, 1896, a notation about "curbing of the walks," as well as the in formation that more space was needed for single graves. After the turn of the century, there are references to a "Resting Lodge" in the burial grounds, as well as numerous discussions of mem bers keeping the curbing of their lots in line so as to preserve “the beauty of the cemetery." Thus, in the detail of cemetery care, as recorded in the Minute Book, the second period of Beth Israel's history begins to emerge. "The diflicult times” and “inclement weather" were upon our congregants-, but they had built an iron fence during War and Reconstruction, and now they managed to care for their burial grounds and even to plant trees.

3. “Determination Ttiumphed Over The Times” In November of 1873 an enrty was made in the Minute Book of Congregation Beth Israel concerning the purchase of "seventy-five copies of Wise’s- Sabbath school books.” The reference to Isaac Mayer Wise, as well as the number of books ordered, gives us an indication of the nature and size of the religious school at this time. Some six years later the Minutes impart the information that the school has a good attend ance and that Hebrew classes have been "inaugrated . . . thrice weekly.”° We learn also that a melodeum had been acquired by donations from the students. However, there was some question as to whether the congre gation could raise the $50 in payments, still due. But by November, 1884, despite the “diflicult times,” preparations were being made to build a two-story building to house the religious school. The words of the Minute Book are revealing. "Mr. A. Harris, Chairman on Building of School House, read his report, the synopsis of which is that the committee could not make much progress, because the contributions toward the building fund were as yet in an unsatisfactory state, very little having been collected thereon, but they determined to have the cornerstone laid on October 24th last, being the Centennial of Sir Moses Montifiore . . .” Determination triumphed over the times, and Montifiore Hall was completed by May of the following year at a cost of $3622.50. (We discover from subsequent entries in the Minute Book that it is the spring

6. Rabbi Voarsanger taught at this time. (See Section on Rabbis.)

25 of 1891 before the incumbent president of the congregation, E. Raphael, announces with “pleasure . . . that Montifiore Hall is . . . entirely out of debt.”) Indications of a flourishing school are to be found for a time in the mid—eighties,one of the high points being during Rabbi Max Heller's brief sojourn in Houston,7 when a November, '86, notation in the Min utes tells of "an able corps of teachers . . . many pupils enrolled . . . and . . . the school . . . the best we ever had." The “able corps" consisted of Misses T. Goldsmith, Pearl Rich, Harriet Levy and Cora Jacobs. However, we continue to find references to the “stringent times"; Rabbi Heller departed for New Orleans, and by March, 1887, Congrega tion Beth Israel found it necessary to close down its religious school, a low point, indeed, in its history. In November, 1887, the religious school of Beth Israel reopened, and the following February, despite the "long, continued inclement weather . . . it was resolved that a masquerade ball be given for the children on Purim evening." In October there is a notation of “66 scholars enrolled." And “for the fall term of 5651 (1890)/’ there is a report “giving the number of pupils enrolled 96, viz: 50 girls and 46 boys," with the addi tional information that progress was being made in all classes except Catechism. At this time, the board of the congregation planned to visit the school “in a body," and “parents and friends" were urged to attend school sessions. During the nineties, the Sabbath School picnic was an undertaking of suflicient importance to warrant calling a special meeting of the board of the congregation. One such meeting took place on May 17, 1892, in the officeof S. Rosenfield and Co. The Minute Book gives us an indication of elaborate preparations to be made: a""'It was agreed to hold the picnic next Sunday, 22nd inst. (at Volks fest Park) and Mr. Jake Keller was appointed to arrange for transporting teachers and scholars by engaging six streetcars, to start from the corner of Franklin and Jackson at 8 o’clock a.m. and leave the grounds at 7 p.m.; also one large wagon to carry the baskets, etc., to the grounds. "Mr. Abe M. Levy was requested to make arrangements for music and Mr. D. G. Rosenfield was appointed as committee on refreshments." A variation of the conventional “Sunday School” picnic is to be found in the gala affairs that took place on the shores of Dickinson Bayou, about half-way between Houston and Galveston, when congregants from both cities came with their children for a day of recreation and fellowship in the spring of the year. The Minute Book makes reference to a number of these events around the turn of the century. At a March 28, 1897, board meeting, held in the oflicesof the Central Trust Co., there was a brief notation made in the Minutes that “a con firmation class has been formed of 4 girls.” The school appears to be

7. See Section on Rabbis.

26 “progressing nicely with good attendance" at this time, but no definite figures are given. However, in June of the same year, the Minute Book contains a more enlightening report on the religious school by the “Super intendent,” Rabbi Gustave Loewenstein:3 “Dear Sir: I take great pleasure in handing in this final statement of the condition of the Sabbath School during the past year . . . The year as a whole has been most successful. The children seemed to catch the proper spirit in the very beginning of the year and this spirit was maintained throughout the entire term. The behavior of the students has been most excellent and there has only been one child expelled for misbehavior. “We started the year with six undergraduate classes and one post graduate class, . It develops from the Rabbi's report that the latter class was disbanded because of scarcity of trained teachers and that the confirmation class. “for reasons best known to the children themselves and their parents, fell through, and the year 5657 saw no confirmation ceremony in our congre gation." The gentleman then recommends that “hereafter the board set the age of 14 years as the minimum age at which children are permitted to enter the confirmation class." Eighty pupils were in the school at the close of the term, “about a dozen" of whom were the children of non-members. Rabbi Loewenstein adds that “We feel that the instruction should be given to all alike, since we are all Jews and have the same belief." (In a sub sequent entry in the Minute Book, we find that by September, 1902, it has been decided by the board of the congregation "that children of members only shall have admittance to religious instruction at the Sunday School, but children of indigent parents shall enjoy the same privilege") In May of 1898 twelve children were confirmed at Beth Israel by Rabbi Loewenstein. On October 26, 1902, there is a notation of an enrollment of 79. Thus, we find that, quantitatively, the school has de clined slightly from the 1890 peak of 96 students. (In this connection, it may be recalled that the Orthodox congregation, Adath Yeshurun,. was organized in 1891, and possibly accounted for some of the decrease.) As has been previously noted, the new century brought many changes in the lives of the people who worshipped in the Temple on Franklin Avenue, and the religious school was soon to show signs of expansiveness. The Minute Book of April 24, 1904, contains the following resolution: "That for the promotion of learning among the pupils of its religious school, Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel, of Houston, Texas, does hereby give two gold medals a year . . . to be awarded under rules and regulations to be made by the rabbi and religious school committee. One such medal shall be awarded to the pupil making the greatest advancement in the study of the Hebrew language . . . The other of such medals shall be awarded to the pupil of the school making the greatest advancement in the study of the Bible. .

8. See Section on Rabbis.

27 There is a charming and rather unusual insertion in Minutes the fol lowing year. It speaks for itself: "To Master Maurice Hirsch: "The report of the Religious School Committee. . . on your general standing as a pupil in connection with your noble act to surrender the Gold Medal for Special Merit to a girl school mate without contesting, was of such high character to call forth the special action of the board of oflicers of the congregation . . ." A number of elaborately framed resolutions follow, which reveal that the young student, having tied with "one of his female associates” for the medal for excellencein the study of Hebrew, “did generously and volun tarily request that the medal be awarded to his associate." At the annual meeting of May 5, 1907, it was reported that the num ber of students had reached 140. And so, we end the religious school saga in the second period of Beth Israel's history at a high point, in an aura of gallantry and gold medals, indicative of the changing times. 4. Rabbis and Ritual The history of Rabbis and Ritual in the Temple on Franklin Avenue is a dual theme, the former exerting pressures that at times provoked a dramatic response from the congregation. We will find that these matters were duly recorded in the Minute Book. There was to be, at the same time, an important environmental devel opment which indirectly affected our congregants in their change from the Orthodoxy of their Early History to the Classical Reform, prevalent from the turn of the century to the present time. The large Russo—Polishimmi gration, that began in the eighties, had its effect on the City of Houston, and, as has been noted, an Orthodox Synagogue was chartered in 1891. The Orthodox element of Beth Israel thus had a religious center to fill their needs,9 and we will find that the cessation of pressure from a conservatively-minded group on the affairs of the Temple enabled the membership to make the complete change to Classical Reform in unadulterated form. But now we go back to the first days of the Temple on Franklin Avenue, to an entry in Minutes which is headed: “Called Meeting Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel held in the new Temple on Sunday, June 30th. 1872, at 2 o'clock p.m.” The main business of this sessionwas the wording of an advertisement for a new "minister." We find that an amendment “That the minister should be a mohel. Lost" and "that he shall be a teacher. Carried.” There is a further notation that during the “discussion on this subject the president imposed" some fines on three of the more articulate members. Despite the efforts of the congregation to acquire a minister, it is May

9. "The Golden Book of Congregation Adatb Yeihuvun.”

28 .'7:1

of the following year before definite arrangements have been made with the Rev. J. D. Meyer of Plattsburgh, New York. And there is further delay, when this gentleman was advised, while on his journey South, to “lay over in Dallas awaiting further development about reported cases of yellow fever.” (Minutes of October 5, l873.) We know the gentleman did eventually arrive, for in July of the following year, he was re-elected “by acclamation.” There is an interesting episode, regarding‘ ritual matters, that is de scribed in the Minute Book of October 5, ’73. It reads as follows: “Long and heated arguments ensued pending the deliberation as to the propriety of placing an organ into the Temple which had been done by the Temple Finance and Building Committee; many motions Were made and lost, and general confusion prevailed. After the restoration of order a motion was duly seconded that the action of the Temple Finance Committee be sustained.” It was, and, presumably, Beth Israel services have been accompanied by organ music from that time to the present. In November, 1876, the following significant resolution was offered by Hy. S. Fox, J. Elssasser, and A. Cramer: “Resolved: ‘That any member of this congregation wishing to take off their hats during divine worship shall not be interfered with by any oflicer.’ ” And Wefind that “a motion to defer the same was lost." It was then decided to refer the resolution to the “Temple Committee,” and in May of ’77 there is a notation that this committee reported “no action” on the “resolution . . . permitting members to sit in the Temple bare-headed . . . whereupon a discussion arose which resulted in a majority vote to lay the same on the table. Mr. Fox voting nay.” At the same meeting it was decided that the “embarrassed” financial state of the congregation necessitated dispensing with the services of a minister, since there were no funds with which to pay his salary. We find, however, that by June of the following year a “Committee for the Support of Minister” had collected $1,361, and the Rev. Jacob Voorsanger was elected. This gentleman was re-elected for two years at the Annual Assembly of May 11, 1879. In this May llth Assembly it was moved by the persistent Mr. Henry S. Fox “that the Shamus be instructed to have all non-members visiting the Temple for services to take off the hat before entering the Temple.” This motion carried. (We may presume from it that at least some of the membership at this time worshipped with uncovered heads.) And by May of '81 the same gentleman had put through a motion “that no male child shall be permitted to enter this Temple for divine worship with head covered.”

29 There is a reaction two years later, when the membership vote down a resolution requiring both members and visitors to remove their hats dur ing services. By May, 1884, it is obvious that a conflict is stirring within the congregation which will culminate in the first “cleavage” in Beth Israel's history. A motion was made at this time to the effect “that the minister shall appear for services at Temple with gown, taleth and covered head.” The motion was lost, and in the “aye" voting column is the name of P. S. Nussbaum, who became the first president of the Orthodox congregation of Adath Yesburun. A special meeting was called in June of '86 to act on the resignation of Rabbi Jacob Voorsanger, who had accepted a position with Temple Em manuel of San Francisco. After some rather pointless discussion, the resig nation was accepted, and "suitable resolutions” were ordered drafted “regarding the valuable servicesrendered by the Rev. Mr. Voorsanger dur ing his eight years ministration of this Congr.” And on a July morning "at 9 o’clock sharp,” members of the board "assembled" at the Voorsanger residence to accompany the departing Rabbi and his family to the depot. It had been arranged to "procure two or three carriages, the same to be paid pro-rata by the members attending." From further referencesto the reverend gentleman in subsequent entries in the Minute Book, it appears that this gracious gesture on the part of the board was but one of the many evidences of a long and continued friendship between the new Rabbi of Temple Emmanuel and the members of the congregation he had served in Texas. Rabbi Max Heller’s stay in Houston was brief, barely six months in time, but his influence on the congregation was deeply felt. His reorganiza tion of the religious school already has been noted, and we find also during his ministry the adoption of some interesting "Rules of Order." They are attached in printed form to the Minutes of September 26, 1886, and read as follows: "1. Every one entering the Temple must repair to his seat in a noise less and becoming manner. "2. All conversation is strictly prohibited. “3. Every one must endeavor to be in his place in the Temple before the commencement of the service, and there remain until its conclusion. "4. Persons entering the Temple during the sermon, while the choir is singing, or the congregation is standing, shall remain near the door, and not repair to their seats until the respective exercise is ended. "5. Every person must conform strictly to the regulations, as to the time when the congregation is standing or sitting. "6. Parents are in all casesresponsible for the behavior of their children. "7. It is strictly forbidden to gather together in the vestibule or near the Temple, prior to, during or after divine service.

30 "8. Children under the age of six years are not permitted to be brought into the Temple. "9. The foregoing rules apply equally as Well to the ladies as to the gentlemen." A list1° of Temple “ushers" makes its appearance in the Minute Book at this time. Those named are Sam Raphael, Jules Hirsch, Ed Kiam, and Isaac G. Gerson. There was at least one protest by a member against enforce ment by the ushers of the “Rules of Order.” A "lady relative” of the member had complained of being insulted by a “self-styled usher," as she attempted to take her seat on Yom Kippur during a part of the service when late comers were required to remain near the door. (Minutes of October 17, 1886.) When Rabbi Heller left for New Orleans, the Beth Israel congregation made numerous and elaborate resolutions concerning his departure; there is one in which we find a somewhat wistful reflection on the times: “Resolved that we regret the smallness of our numbers and inadequacy of our resources, which preclude the possibility of our offering such induce ments as would be commensurate of (Rabbi Heller’s) sterling worth.” Attached to the Minutes of July 24, 1887, is the clipping of an adver tisement which gives the information that “Congregation Beth Israel of Houston, Texas, desires to engage a first-class Reader, Sabbath-school Teacher, and Leader of Choir. Ritual according to Minhag America. All services to be conducted in Hebrew and English. Single man preferred. Salary $1,200 per annum and perquisites. Expenses will be paid to success ful candidate." In November the Rev. Isaac Kaiser arrived, and he served the congregation until October, ’89, when he Wasnot re-elected. In April, 1890, we find the board in communication with Rabbi Wolf Wilner, a native of Strassburg, Prussia. He appears to have been a most pre cisegentleman, for he sent his “platform, which is his guide in the Temple and the school,” before accepting the position with Beth Israel. In June, “on motion of Mr. Leo Levy, the president was authorized to offer Rev. Dr. Wilner the Board of Ofiicers meeting room in Montifiore Hall for his oflice.” A year later, we find a serious protest concerning the Reverend Doctor recorded in the Minute Book. At this time, “the president (Henry Fox) stated that he has called this meeting by a request of ten members of the congregation to take action on their petition that there shall be no deviation from our adopted ’Minhag America’ . . .” A motion was made by D. G. Rosenfield “that the minister shall appear on the pulpit for divine services without head covering and talith and read the prayers from Minhag America as printed therein." It was-decided to abide by the rules of the congregation adopted August 26, 1883. Unfortunately, we have no record of these rules, which were in an “ofiicers record book" and do not appear in the Minute Book of approximate date. At a subsequent meeting, a compromise motion was offered by J. Alltmont to the effect

10. A single usher, J. Harris, had been appointed in August, 1884.

31 that "Rev. Wilner be permitted to appear for services with covered head, but without talith.” But the secretary failed to record whether or not the motion was passed. However, despite the many gaps in our information, we may safely draw the conclusion that all was not well in the relationship between Rabbi and congregation, and by June of 1892, we find that the Reverend Dr. Wilner had departed from our midst.“ In November, the Minutes indicate that the Rev. Dr. M. Rosenstein was serving the congregation, and there appears to have been a period of relative calm in ritual matters at this time. On January 22 of the following year, “the secretary submitted and read a communication from a number of Rev. Gentlemen" concerning the coming publication of the Union Prayer Book. In August a member of the board, Mr. F. Halfl‘, “submitted for inspection a copy of the daily prayer book as adopted for the British Empire by Chief Rabbi Dr. Nathan Marcus Adler” with the hope that it would be used by the Houston congregation. No action was taken on this matter. The Minute Book of August, 1896, contains the information that the Rev. Gustave H. Loewenstein (a recent graduate of the Hebrew Union College) was elected “as Minister, Reader and Teacher of this Congrega tion.” In September of the same year, "Mr. E. Raphael gave notice that at the semi-annual assembly in November he will offer resolutions for the introduction of the Hebrew Union Prayerbooks for our Temple Services.” It was decided at this general meeting that ten copies should be ordered. We find, however, that in March, 1898, “several complaints have been made, especially by ladies who attend the Sabbath services, of the use of the Union Prayer Book.” And Rabbi Loewenstein was “instructed not to use any other Prayerbooks than those authorized by the congregation, Viz: Minhag America.” November, ’98, found our congregants with another "minister-elect,” Rabbi Abraham Lazarus. This gentleman arrived the following January “at a very early hour of the morning (4:30 a.m.) ” He had traveled from Toronto, Canada, and was met at the depot by the president of the con gregation, Mr. H. J. Dannenbaum, and F. Halli‘. The same Minutes that record the arrival of the new Rabbi contain the information that once more the Union Prayer Book is to be recommeded for use by the congrega tion. A month later, after hearing a talk by Rabbi Lazarus on the subject, the board declared itself unanimously in favor of the adoption of the Union Prayer Book. The General Assembly evidently concurred, for in June forty “sets” were ordered, and it is to be presumed that the matter was settled. Rabbi Lazarus died on August 31, 1899. The congregation mourned the loss of their minister, and it was said of him “that no truer servant of

11. Dr. Wolf Wilner returned to Houston in 1907, when he became the rabbi of Congregation Adath Yeslmrun. He served this Congregation until 1923. (“Golden Book of Adatb Y¢.rImrun.”) Dr. Wilner tool: part in the Dedication Services of Beth Israel’s third house of worship in 1908. (See Part III, Section 1.)

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MmM sh 1—l.Cww ’s Mau xnxmcoI.mnm%uB..HTm God ever stepped the soil of this land; that he never held man accountable for an opposite opinion, but looked upon Jew and Christian alike as the children of a good God." Once more, the board of Congregation Beth Israel met for the purpose of securing the services of a rabbi, and there is a small clipping attached to the Minute Book of October 22, 1899, concerning this matter. Follow ing the requirements set forth for the position of minister is a forthright statement which reads: "Congregation BETH ISRAELis Reform and uses the Hebrew Union Prayer Book.” Thus, in a sentence from a yellowed advertisement, we find an end and a beginning. The congregation received “some fifteen applications” as a result of the advertisement, and it was decided to elect the Rev. Henry Barnstein of London. He arrived in Houston on the 24th day of the first month of the new century. 5. Lay Leaders on Franklin Avenue The fact that Congregation Beth Israel was able to reach the twentieth century intact is due in large measure to the lay leadership that sustained the organization during the mid-period of lethargy, evidence of which has been cited from the Minute Book. Perhaps the most dramatic and certainly a climactic reaction to “the times” is here quoted in full. It was found in printed form attached to the Minutes of April 25, 188 6. It addresses the membership of Beth Israel. "Dear Sir: “The annual meeting of the Congregation Beth Israel, will take place next Sunday, May 2d, 1886, at 3 p.m. at the Montifiore School House. “The Board of Trustees most respectfully desire to impress upon you the absolute necessity of your attending the aforesaid meeting. The ques tions, which will have to be solved, do not merely apply to the disposition of routine business, but will afiect the condition and the very existence of the congregation. "The times, as you are fully aware, have been critical, and our congre gation has sufferedin common with all public institutions in this city. The congregation’s condition, as it exsts at the present hour, needs a full, com plete and earnest discussion, in which all members should participate, as they are directly concerned. “The Board of Trustees beg to express the hope that the love of our holy religion is still strong enough to cause a rally in our midst. Henry Fox, Prest. Simon Kottwitz, Sec'y. Jacob Harris, V. Prest. J. A11tmont,_Treas. John Reichman Sam Sterne Sol Rosenfield A. Haber." Joe Sigle

33 The appeal from the nine men on the board of trustees brought a total attendance of 17 to the annual meeting of Congregation Beth Israel of 1886. Some routine business was conducted, and the Rabbi, Mr. Voor sanger, asked for an increase in Temple attendance. Although this may appear to be something of an anti-climax to the spirited proclamation made by the board, the important and dramatic fact is that the congregation managed to survive throughout other poorly—attended meetings, a closed religious school, and a chronically "embarrassed” treasury. Among the leaders of the Franklin Avenue Temple were the Presidents A. Harris, D. G. Rosenfield, E. Raphael, F. Halff, H. Prince, Henry S. Fox, J. Kahn, Jules Hirsch, and Henry J. Dannenbaum. Mr. Harris was the congregation’s first delegate to the Union of American Hebrew Congrega tions, having received this appointment in l873. Sol Rosenfleld was the first president of the Temple on Franklin Avenue. Sam Sterne and J. Reichman also served in that oflice. And Henry Fox, to be distinguished from Henry S. Fox, president of the Houston National Exchange Bank and Ritual history maker, was the presiding oflicer of Beth Israel at three different times during the diflicult years. (The print of a pencil sketch of the former gentleman was attached to the Minute Book at the time of his death. It is a clipping from the Houston Daily Post of December, '98, and reveals a countenance of dignity and strength as Well as the fact that Hous ton had lost one of its “old citizens and one Whose sterling qualities contributed much to the upbuilding of this city.” Henry Fox, who had lived in Houston forty years, Was a native of Prussia, a successful merchant, an elected alderman of the second ward, and a charter member of his congregation.) E. Raphael, an active participant in congregational affairs, was presi dent of the Houston Clearing House Association and an original trustee of the Rice Institute. He was a descendant of that pioneer Rabbi who had come to Texas in a sailing vessel from England. Sons of another member Whosename appears in the early history, M. H. Levy, now come to promi nence as members of the board of Beth Israel. Both Leo Levy and Abe M. Levy served in that capacity during the Franklin Avenue period. The Levy Bros. store and the large Victorian Levy home on Main Street Were, for many years, landmarks in the City of Houston. (The store, under new management, continues today.) J. N. Taub, another pioneer business man of Houston, was active in congregational affairs. H. J. Dannenbaum, who served Beth Israel as president, had a distinguished law career, and was made Judge of the 61st District Court, as well as Special Assistant to the U. S. Attorney General under William Howard Taft. The name of L. M. Rich has already been given as the chairman of the building committee for the Temple in '74. He was an active participant in congregational matters until his death in 1908. He had lived to the end of his Temple’s era.

34 6. End of the Gas Light Era During the years that Beth Israel occupied the Franklin Avenue Tem ple, a chief source of revenue for the support of the congregation was the annual “renting” of pews and seats.” There are printed insertions con cerning these events in the Minute Book. One such event was to have taken place “at 4 o’clock sharp on Sep tember 9, 1900.” We find penned on the printed notice of this announce ment that "on account of the devastating storm which raged on Saturday the 8th inst. by which the roof of the Temple was blown off. . . the rent ing of pews and seats took place on the 16th inst.” This abrupt notation of the 1900 storm, one of the great disasters in our national history, is followed in the Minute Book by details of the damage, resolutions "for the Galveston storm sufferers,” and a communica tion from a member in Columbia, Texas, who wrote that because of losses “sustained . . . by the overflow of the Brazos River. . . and the September storm" he was unable to pay his dues. The Temple on Franklin Avenue had sufferedanother form of physical violence when, in the fall of l890, “a set of rowdies” had “again com menced to throw brick-bats and other missles into the Temple, by which panes of glass are broken and other damages done.” The secretary was "instructed to address a communication to. . .the chief of police” and ask “that he protect the Temple property." This he apparently did.” We find references in the Minutes to the hazard created by the swaying of a lighted chandelier, to the reduced “consumption of gas by the perpetual lamp,” and to initial arrangements for heating the Temple during a cold winter in ’89. Although the Age of Electricity came to Houston in the early eighties, the Temple on Franklin Avenue remained in essence a part of the Gas Light Era. In the first decade of the new century it became apparent that Congre gation Beth Israel had outgrown the “artistic and substantial building” that was at once a pride to their religion and an ornament to their city. The Minute Book of May, 1907, contains a printed attachment, headed by the names of “Rabbi Henry Barnstein, Ph.D." and President Jules Hirsch, listing a membership of 169 and a “New Temple" committee. It is evident that the expansive trend in the congregation’s history has begun. A tropical hurricane, a deepened bayou, and a wild gusher had altered the destiny of the city whose hardships Beth Israel had shared. Now, in its welfare, shall they fare well.

12. "The Ladies Aid Society,” founded in 1895, contributed to the support_of congregational activities” . Prior to this time, "the Ladies,” both individually and in groups, had raised funds by means of lawn parties,” bazaars, and other endeavors. 13. Deterioration of the neighborhood in which the Temple was located rather than anti-Semitism is probably the indirect cause of these incidents.

35 III ——1908-1925 The “Romanesque” Temple 1. . . To The Reformed Community As The Keystone To The Arch" T is fitting that Dr. Henry Barnstonl should describe for us the next cgentleman abode of CongregationBeth declared to be “the Israel, handsomest which Temple this somewhat in the States restrained and one of the finest in the South . . . built in Romanesque style, with arches. . . and a dome.” The young Rabbi gives us the additional information that "brick and light stone with concrete are the building materials, and the total cost of the structure, which includes a high basement, a main audi torium, and a gallery, is about $50,000 . . . A feature of the edifice is the stained glass windows, ten in number, five of which are memorial windows, exhibiting scenesfrom Israelitish History and Jewish Ceremonial.” The congregation had migrated south on Crawford Street, following the city’s residential trek away from Buffalo Bayou, and on October .19, 1908, in a threatening rain, the new “Romanesque” Temple was dedicated in a formal consecreation service. The files of the Houston Daily Post give us a detailed account of the dedicatory ceremony, in which five Rabbis participated. Seatedon the "pulpit platform" were Dr. Barnston, Dr. Wolf Wilner. then Rabbi of Adath Yeshurun Congregation, Dr. Henry Cohen of Gal veston, Rabbi Max Heller of New Orleans, Rabbi A. T. Godchaux of Cincinnati, two ex—presidentsof Beth Israel, Henry S. Fox and E. Raphael, the incumbent president, Henry J. Dannenbaum, Abe M. Levy, chairman of the building committee, L. Tiras, who represented the Jewish Literary Society?‘ and Miss Libbie Solman of the religious school. The Daily Post continues with the information that "among Christian clergymen . . . in the audience” were representatives of Trinity Episcopal Church, Christ’s Church. St. Paul's Methodist, and the Westminster Presbyterian Churches, and that “from the Galveston Jewish community there was in addition to the Rabbi of B’nai Israel congregation its president, Robt. I. Cohen and Mrs. Cohen." All the rabbis spoke, and ‘their remarks were printed in full. Two excerpts from "The Dedication Sermon," delivered by Dr. Barnston, are particularly revealing: "I feel sure that this building will give a fresh impetus to our religious enthusiasm. . . Already in 1901 I felt its necessity, but when I broached the matter my congregants for the most part shrugged their shoulders. The old building was good enough for their fathers; therefore, it was good enough for them. Finally matters reached a climax. Young men came to me after the Day of Atonement, telling me they were unable to attend services

1. Dr. Henry Barnstein changed his name to “Barnston” during the First World War. For purposes of simpliﬁcation, we use the name “Barnston," except when we quote directly from the Minutes. - 2. Paper by Dr. Henry Barnston: "History of the Jews of Houston.” 3. “The Jewish Literary Society” was a Houston cultural organization, founded in 1906.

36 because there was no room for them in the old temple. In other words, our stiff-neckedness was driving young people from the fold. I then felt that Wehad to have a larger building, no matter what sacrificesthe project might entail. And in spite of repeated setbacks, financial troubles, differences of opinion, actual active opposition, and, worst of all, stolid and stony indifference, we are today dedicating this handsome edifice, which stands to the reformed community as the keystone to the arch . . . “And now a word of appreciation and gratitude to the many friends who have stood by us when we needed them most. “To the Masons, for the generous offer of their hall, in which We conducted services for so many months; to the Jewish Literary Society for a like concession; to the Rev. J. Moore and the Shearn Church for the Alhambra hall; to Mr. H. Baldwin Rice, mayor of Houston, for the use of his house for our Sunday School sessions; to Rabbi Wilner for the use of his scroll." Thus, as we enter the third period in Beth Israel’s history, we hear in Dr. Barnston’s own words the voice of rabbinical leadership that, in the past, had been a sporadic thing. There are other distinct changes apparent in this third phase of the congregation’s development. The calm course of ritual matters is almost startling in its contrast to that of the turbulent past. The "hard times" have given way to an increasing prosperity, that seems to create its own momentum in the Southern air. In an atmosphere of vigor and growth, Congregation Beth Israel expands peacefully, almost effortlessly. The “Romanesque" period lasts scarcely more than a decade. With rabbinical and ritual matters stabilized, the congregation now faces a new problem, that of organization to meet its new growth, and Wewill find that this third period is one of transition from a relatively small and numerically static group of nearly fifty years’ standing to the highly or ganized institution that is a prerequisite of the modern urban congregation. Before entering into the detail of the Minute Book records, it would be well to give a brief account of some background matters relating to the City of Houston during the period from 1908 to 1925. The city's population was estimated at 100,000 in 1909. By 1920, the census figure had reached l55,000. In the intervening years, the Port of Houston had been oflicially opened; another war had been fought; eight oil fields, developed in the vicinity; there had been an outbreak of "Spanish influenza” and one lone case of yellow fever. By December, 1925, the city's building permits for the year had reached the $30,000,000 mark, and we will find that there was one for Congregation Beth Israel among them. 2. . . We. . .Narrate Directly” Because of the relative brevity of this period in the congregation’s his tory, as well as the considerably less-complicated progress of events, We will narrate directly from the Minute Book, rather than use separate parallel themes as has been done in past chapters.

37 The first "General Assembly" of the congregation to be held in the new Temple was on May 2, 1909. At this time, the religious school was said to be "in excellent condition both as to numbers and attendance, and very satisfactory as to its corps of teachers." It was also suggested at this time that the school be held on Saturday instead of Sunday in order that “our children. . . have Sunday as a day free of care to them. . . Adopted."4 We hear echoes of the Civil War days from the cemetery committee, who reported “the necessity of repairing fence" as well as “enlarging grounds.” The president, Henry J. Dannenbaum, in his “Message” noted that "the increase of communal population" was “reflected in the growth of our fiscalstrength." This gentleman recommended that Beth Israel rejoin the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. (This was done in May of the following year.) 5He also spoke of “the cultivation of closer relations with our sister congregation, Adatb Yeshurun,” and made some remarks which could be construed as a reaction to the stringent “Rules of Order,” adopted in 1886. "A fact rich in suggestion is the exchange of social greetings between attendants at our Friday evenings service. The close personal tie which unites us forces expression in the animated chat, and the warm handclasp "Guten Shabbos” is a key which opens the way to sociability. This should not be repressed but encouraged . . ." In May of 1911 it was decided to send one of Beth Israel's religious school teachers to the "Jewish Chautauqua," to be held in Milwaukee, and Dr. Barnston made the suggestion that there should be a “lady member on the board.” At a special meeting of the board in June of the same year it was “moved and adopted that arrangements should be made to educate a num ber of co-religionists to sing as chorus in our choir to eventually become soloist." In April, 1912, a resolution of condolence was drafted on "the death of Mr. Isidore Straus through the wreck of the Titanic." We find, in May, that the Ladies Aid Society was requested “to take up the question of having social meetings after Friday night services.” And in October of the same year two ladies were “in attendance" at a board meet ing “to discussthe matter of beautifying and planting the cemetery.” They were Miss Harriet Levy and Miss Helene Malevinski. In a religious school report in the spring of 1913 we find that 150 children are enrolled and that 30 of these "study Hebrew." There is a confirmation class of six boys and nine girls. The incumbent president, Mr. S. Myers, reported a membership of 261, "being 5 ladies, 256 gentle men." Thirty congregants attended the annual meeting, but the two com mittees on ritual and Temple had no reports to make. In the president's “Message," we hear that “the same dilemma confronts the congregation

4. There is subsequent evidence in the Minute Book indicating that the Religious School continued to meet on Sunday. 5. As has been indicated in Part II, the withdrawal of Congregation Beth Israel from the Union of Ameri can Hebrew Congregations had been for financial reasons. respecting shortage in seats and would suggest that members elected in future be advised that only seats in the gallery can be assigned to them, and suggest that arrangements be made at once to make the same more com fortable and desirable." In January, 1914, we find the notation of a communication from the Ladies Aid Society “informing the congregation that they have donated the sum of $1300 for the purpose of putting the cemetery in good con dition." The annual meeting of Beth Israel that year had an attendance of 22. Both cemetery and financial matters were reported to be in good con dition, and a new president was elected, Mr. Emil Lipper. In May of 1916 thirteen members were present at the annual meeting. The following year, there was an attendance of seventeen at the May meet ing, although now the total membership had reached 272. It should be remembered that these were the hectic days following our entry into the first World War. Once more the Congregation Beth Israel was subject to pressures and responsibilities of war time it had known half a century before. The Minute Book of August 21, 1917, records that “U. S. Flags were ordered to be placed at the seats of all members absent doing service for the Government, as a mark of appreciation." Along with this picture of the Temple in which many small flags flutter from the pews, we find a newspaper story clipped to the Minute Book headlined "Service Flag of Jewish Temple Shows 43 Stars.” It begins: “Uncle Sam reached out his hand to the congregation of Temple Beth Israel Friday evening and shook the hand of Dr. Henry Barnston and the hands of all the men and women who had fathers and sons and broth ers and cousins, and the young women who had husbands and sweet hearts, because Friday evening marked the dedication of a 43-star service flag at the Temple." Another clipping entitled “Our Military Record" is probably from a publication of the congregation. It lists the Beth Israel men in the Armed Forces“and gives the following breakdown: “Majors 2, captains 4, lieutenants 15, lieutenant adjutant l, sergeant majors 2, sergeants ll, corporals 2, cadet 1, mechanic 1, yeoman 1, privates 22, sailor l." The same printed attachment contains subjects of two of Dr. Barnston’s sermons for the month of May. They were “Perpetual Fire” and “Social Service Versus Almsgiving." At the annual meeting of May 5, 1918, there were only nine members present. But the membership of Beth Israel was now 280. The following year, there were 19 in attendance at the May meeting. At this time it was -reported thankfully by the president, Emil Lipper. that “our sixty-eight sons, who volunteered in the serviceof our government, are all returning to us in safety and in health, having proved valuable in this worthy cause.” The president’s message also contained the following recommendation: “I wish to emphasize the necessity and advisability of teaching our

6. See Appendix for complete list.

39 children in the Sunday School the translation and meaning from the Hebrew language to the English language as it pertains to the prayers contained in our services.” That year the mortgage on the Temple had been paid, and the sum of $1,672 donated by members to the Hebrew Union College. The con gregation had received a bequest of $1000 in the will of Mrs. Harriet Moss and it was decided to set aside a “pew for the use of the poor" in her memory. In January, 1920, the congregation celebrated Dr. Barnston's twen tieth anniversary as their Rabbi. A substantial monetary gift was tendered this gentleman, and in the Minutes of January 24 we find that letters of thanks are to be sent to Dr. Stockton Axson, Miss T. N. Asbury, Mr. Moody Dawson, Prof. W. H. Piller and Mrs. J. F. Spencer, presumably for their part in a special anniversary service. Following the death of Mrs. Barnston, the Rabbi made plans to spend a year in England and, consequently, submitted his resignation to the con gregation. However, it was arranged that he should be granted a leave of absence and that he would return to Beth Israel as their spiritual leader the following year. During the interim, Dr. Julian Morganstern of the Hebrew Union College officiated for the congregation. We find that, in May of 1920, there was an attendance of 58 at the annual meeting. A membership of 309 was reported, and President Emil Lipper made the following significant comments: “Owing to the ever—increasingexpenses of maintaining our Temple building and the employment of efficient salaried people to care for the needs of the largely increasing membership, as well as the increase of all necessary expenses for the upkeep, cleanliness, and beauty of our cemetery grounds, your board sees the need of appointing an assessment committee to review, revise, and increase the dues of membership. It is necessary that I call your attention to the fact that, as our Jewish Community increases, we are receiving more applicants.” Mr. Lipper continued by pointing out the inadequacies of their present house of worship. An organization known as the “Elders" of the Temple was begun in December upon the suggestion of Dr. Barnston, who explained that this group “Would in all likelihood tend to increase Saturday morning attendance at services. . . and would also be of great value to the board in acting as advisors and could by a representative make known from time to time views of their own, to be considered by the board.” Where upon, "the invited members present (19 in number) organized them selves as Elders of Congregation Beth Israel and elected as president, Bro. Adolph Dover; vice-president, Bro. Ben Asher; secretary, Bro. Jonas Alltmont.” Those Elders that were present pledged themselves to attend Saturday morning services, and the incumbent president of Beth Israel, Mr. Sam Lewis, spoke of the opportunity for closer rela tions between the board and the older members of the congregation.

40 In January of 1921 We find the first record of a series of lectures sponsored by the congregation. There is a brief notation in the Minute Book of a series of talks by Dr. Solomon Freehoff on the nights of February 5, 6 and 7. In the same Minutes, under “Ritual,” we find a request from the Elders “to permit their president to select at services two members to have charge of the Torah during the time when services require their use. Same was granted." In February the action of the Religious School Committee “relative to taking passes for Sunday School children to the baseball games was approved." In the annual meeting of May 1, 1921, we discover that there has been an increase of 17 members, many of them from Galveston; 78 congregants were present out of a membership of 326. At this meeting. the Religious School Committee recommended “paid teachers," and in a detailed report by Mr. Theo D. Meyer, chairman of the religious school committee, we find the first mention of the “newly formed Sisterhood" of Congregation Beth Israel. At a later May meeting of the board, there is the suggestion of “training the voices of the children of this congre gation for choir service." This matter was referred to the Ritual Com mittee, but the “question of having the entire congregation rise during Kaddish service was . . . referred to the elders for their views." In June of 1921 Beth Israel was concerned along with most of the civilized world with the hope for international disarmament, and in September the congregation answered an appeal from Felix Warburg for the “benefit of Jewish War Sufferers." But we find that at a special meeting of the board in October our congregants are once more involved with internal matters. At this time a motion was made by Mr. Ike Keller that "the president and one other: member of the board be authorized to obtain all data to the disposal of our present Temple, locations elsewhere and all the information in order to act intelligently in the matter." The motion was carried, but on January 15 there was a special meeting of the congregation called to discuss the “enlarging and remodeling of the Temple” and other matters. However, in February of the following year the Minute Book indicates that the building of a new Temple is again being considered. At the head of the Temple Building Committee we find a familiar name, Mr. Abe M. Levy. His co-chairman was Mr. Simon Sakowitz, formerly of Galveston. In the spring of ’22 the Minutes reveal that the religious school, now organized with “paid teachers,” includes a "high school" class. the result of suggestions made at a recent Chautauqua meeting. The Temple Building Committee continues to report “progress," and the Minutes in December record that there is a representative of the Sisterhood now on the board, Mrs. W. W. Munzesheimer. The name of Abe M. Levy has been missing from the attendance records, but in January, 1923, the Minute Book reveals that this

41 gentleman with his brother, Haskel Levy, plans to donate the “entire cost of the grounds for building the new Temple." In December, 1924, we find resolutions attached to the Minute Book on the death of Abe M. Levy. “...That by his loyal citizenship, his open hearted generosity, his splendid philanthropy, his upright and straightforward commercial career, and above all, his sterling loyalty to Judaism, has he reflected luster upon his fellow citizens and co-religionists . . ." In February, 1925, Miss Harriet Levy and Mr. Haskel Levy are thanked for “the munificent gift of the completion of the Community House of Congregation Beth Israel.” Resolutions written at the time of Mr. Abe Levy's death had stated that he and his family had made it “possible for the Beth Israel Congregation to proceed with its plan to erect a Noble Temple to the Glory of God." 3. . . About Two MilesSouth Of The Synagogue During the early twenties we find in the Minute Book the names of Geo. S. Cohen, Dr. M. D. Levy, Sam I. Miller, Leopold L. Meyer, Max Nathan, Tobias and Simon Sakowitz, and other newcomers, along with those of Albert Bath, Alfred Alexander, M. D. Cohen, M. N. Davidson, Julius Edel, Ike L. Freed, S. Freundlich, Tom Flaxman, r Leo Levy, Herbert Levy, Rene Levy, Leon and Jonas Levy, N. D. Naman, Bernard Newding, Melvin Rouff, Max and George Schnitzer, Sol Schoenmann, Sam and Ben Taub, and the familiar names of the “Elders,” Jonas Alltmont, Jules Hirsch and E. Lipper. Mrs. Max Levy, formerly of Galveston, was the first acting president of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel. There are numerous references to the Women's Auxiliary in the Minute Book of this period. Among them we find the notation of a request made by Mrs. Sol Schoenmann, a later Sisterhood president, that a bulletin board be placed on the Temple grounds, “leaving a space for hours of worship, Rabbi’s name, and insertion of weekly sermon, and that the public is invited." Another innovation of the “Romanesque” period was the establishment of a library in the religious school under the supervision of Miss Martha Schnitzer." During the period from 1908 to 1925 the Beth Israel Religious School was considered to be outstanding throughout the state. Dr. Abraham Raub, who died shortly after the congregation moved from Franklin Avenue, had helped to establish the high quality of the school. And the Hebrew teacher and sexton of Beth Israel, Samuel Freundlich, was one of the well-known figures of the “Romanesque” era. We are fortunate in that it was seen fit to copy into the Minute Book, during this period, the original charter of the congregation. (This is the only record we have found in the archives of the document which

7. Miss Martha Schnitzet later became acting head librarian for the City of Honuton.

_,,~.,—.__....*.,, 42 “incorporated the Hebrew Congregation of the City of Houston." It has been placed in the preface with the list of charter members it contains)“ The Minutes of the early twenties also reveal that in 1873 an Act of Incorporation, using the name "Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel,” was recorded in Harris County. Those who "personally appeared” before the notary public at this time were Sol Rosenﬁeld, John Reichman and E. Raphael. In May, 1923, a new charter was granted to the Congregation Beth Israel, and the following year the Minute Book displays a printed attach ment detailing the ﬁnancing of the purchase of “property situated on Holman Avenue, Austin and La Branch Streets" . . . on which "a temple and community house" are to be constructed. Congregation Beth Israel at this time borrowed the sum of $100,000 from the “William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art." ;: Mr. Simon Sakowitz was chairman of the building committee. The architect was Joseph Finger,” and the fourth house of worship to be constructed by Congregation Beth Israel in its seventy years of existence was begun. This time, the building was of classic proportions, reminiscent of the Greek tradition. It rose in light-colored brick, with massive columns, about two miles south of the site of the Synagogue, where, in 1862, there had been some disputation about fencing off part of the grounds to enable a neighbor's calf to graze nearby.

8. As has been mated in Chapter One, there is I discrepancy in this list and the one which was found in ‘ Minutes of May 7, 1862. 1 9. A member of the Congregation. f’ , I‘

43 ' IV— 1925-1954 The Great Expansion 1. Background To Expansion As we enter the fourth phase of Beth Israel’s Centenary History. we find an overwhelming environmental trend that will underlie events, create situations, and resolve impasses in the twenty—nine-year period that brings us to the fluid present. It is generally conceded that Houston is “America’s Industrial Frontier," that it was, from 1929 to 1940, “the City the Depression Forgot,” and that its citizens have been witnessing the “Birth of an Economic Empire.” (These are headings from an ac curate, condensed history of the city compiled by the Chamber of Com merce.) It has been the city where all “Chamber of Commerce” dreams come true. Port facilities, beginning fifty miles from the Gulf of Mexico, now handle tonnage that is second in the Nation. Industrial development lines the Ship Channel for twenty—fivemiles. The population of Metro politan Houston (Harris County) is expected to reach the millionth mark at an early date. Retail sales in 1953 were $l,l50,000,000; bank M deposits, $l,674,000,000. In a radius of 100 miles, there are 268 oil , fields, producing 200 million barrels a year. Fourteen of the Nation’s largest oil refineries are in the vicinity. The city proper contains more oil companies and allied industries than any other locality anywhere in the world. This fact, coupled with an abundance of natural gas, has made Houston the focus of the extensive Gulf Coast chemical develop ment. And cotton, which with lumber jammed the bayou boats that first followed that "tortuous and narrow" channel to the sea, con tinues to be a significant factor in the city’s commerce. The congregants and visitors who filled the new Temple on Austin Street and Holman Avenue, the “representative number of both Jews and Gentiles” that the Houston Chronicle reported to be present at the Dedication Services on December 12, 1925, were witnessing some results of the post-war expansion in Houston. Probably, few religious institu tions in the country have found it necessary to acquire new quarters within a period of seventeen years. And it will be discovered in this latest period in the congregation's history that the Temple and the Abe i M. Levy Memorial Hall, which were dedicated in elaborate three-day l ceremonies near the end of 1925, will, in the course of two decades, ‘ become inadequate and require expanded facilities. l The spectacular growth of the Congregation Beth Israel in the

populationyears from trends 1925 until in the the City present of Houston. time parallels We will to a ﬁnd large the extent problems the | and/or results of expansion present in every phase of congregational life during this period. It has been a time of excitement and some tension. F We will ﬁnd the second schism in the congregation's history recorded l

44 I

is in the Minute Book. This, too, can be traced in part to the rapid growth within the congregation. And we note once again, as we did in the days that were clouded by the Civil War, that a mood of vitality possesses the congregation. Its evidence is less simple and certainly not so easily discernible in the Minutes as it was during the Early History, when a remarkably uninhibited style of recording was prevalent. But the mood persists—-—inthe actual growth of the congregation and the many-sided activities of the Rabbi, as well as the energetic developments within the religious school, Temple auxiliaries, and the centennial cele bration, itself, with its monthly Sabbath observance of special services. We begin, as we did in the Early History, with an account of the cemetery. This, alone, of the Beth Israel properties has remained in the original location and, consequently, has about it an aura of history, something of a rarity in the thriving metropolis of Houston. 2. History And The Mausoleum We have noted that the Minute Books of Beth Israel contain references to San Felipe Road, which passes near the cemetery grounds. This street was part of the route that Stephen F. Austin’s colonists took from Harrisburg to their new homes on the Brazos River. It was also one of the paths inland listed by a later colonizer, the Prince of Solms Braunfels, who informed his German immigrants that the distance from Houston to San Felipe on the Brazos was 49 miles and warned them that no drinking water was available from Houston to Piney Point, a distance of ten miles. Adjacent to the Beth Israel cemetery and the street that once Was part of the route followed by early Texas colonists is an historic burial ground, now known as Founders’ Memorial Park. We will ﬁnd that the zeal of our congregants for cleaning and preserving their cemetery extended to the neighboring plot with interesting and valuable results. It is not known when the site of Founders’ Memorial Park became a city cemetery, but in 1844 W. D. Baker deeded to the city this property. part of which had “hitherto been used for a graveyard." In the same year, the adjoining cemetery, that became the burial ground of Congre gation Beth Israel, was established. The old City Cemetery contains a monument to Major John Kirby Allen, one of the founders of Houston, and there are a number of graves of veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto, among them that of James Collinsworth, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and John A. Wharton, adjutant general of the Republic’s army. There are also mass graves of victims of yellow fever and cholera, epidemics of which took a heavy toll of lives in the Civil War and Reconstruction period. The history of Houston compiled by workers of the Writers’ Pro gram of the Works Projects Administration states that this historic burial ground became neglected, that "although newspapers carried editorials

45 about its condition, little was done to improve it...:9 and that those efforts that were made were "spasmodic.” The account continues: "At last, members of Congregation Beth Israel — whose own well kept cemetery adjoins it to the west —-in 1928 purchased the old cemetery from the city and cleaned it. Two years later the congregation deeded it back to the city with the stipulation that it must be maintained as a memorial park, or revert to the donors.” The San Jacinto Centennial Association arranged for further im provement of the old City Cemetery, which was rededicated with civil and military honors on April 22, 1936, and renamed "Founders’ Memorial Park.” Mr. N. D. Naman, who was president of Beth Israel both in 1928 and 1930, recalls making the arrangements for the acquisition of the old city burial grounds as well as for its transfer to the City of Houston. The full text of the deed by which “for and in consideration of the sum of TEN ($10.00) DOLLARS cash to it in hand paid by the CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS.” the Congregation Beth Israel made this historic transfer is to be found in the Minutes of the annual meeting of May 4, 1931. (At this time, the congregation ratified the action of the board of oflicers at a special meeting held on December 29, 1930, when the above mentioned deed was accomplished.) In the same May meeting we find the first reference to the building of a "Community Mausoleum” in the Beth Israel Minutes. It reads in part as follows: “Mr. Tobe Sakowitz, chairman of the Cemetery Committee, read his annual report for the preceding year. Motion was made by Dr. M. D. Levy, seconded by Mr. Max Nathan and carried to implement the recom mendation as outlined in Mr. Sakowitz’ report for the incoming president to appoint a committee to investigate Ways and means of financing a Com munity Mausoleum . . .” In May of 1933 Mr. Sakowitz again stressed the need for a mausoleum, explaining that the cemetery contained only six empty lots, one half-lot, and twelve single graves. A detailed study of the proposed Community Mausoleum was presented by Mr. Sakowitz with total costs, a breakdown of individual prices, as Well as statements on “prospective buyers,” “ad ditional prospects," and "perpetual upkeep." Studies of the Montifiore and Forest Park Mausoleums had been made; the Houston plan appeared to compare favorably in the matter of costs, and Mr. Sakowitz concluded that he and his committee were “absolutely sold 100%.” It is largely due to this gentleman’s untiring efforts that by May of 1936 the chapel and first unit of the "Temple of Rest” Mausoleum had become an actuality. In his annual message that year, the incumbent presi dent, Mr. Ike Freed, stated that “those who have attended burials in the mausoleum when it was cold and raining in the open cemetery will agree

46 that to have this beautiful building in which to leave a loved one is a solace. We predict that our mausoleum will be a great comfort to Temple Beth Israel." The congregation authorized the building of a new wing to the mausoleum in l946. Thus, Beth Israel has been able to retain its historic graveyard and, at the same time, to provide ample burial facilities for its expanded membership. Within the cemetery enclosure, which lies in the heart of the city, still close by the bayou where it all began, we find the contrast of the old and the new: weather-marked stones, the ‘Strangers’ Row,” the pioneer names, and, a few rods away, the simple, dignified modern structure with the quiet chapel and the silent halls. 3. . . The Source of . . . Generations” In the development of the Beth Israel Religious School from 1925 to the present time, we find the problems of expansion highlighted. As early as 1931 there are references in the Minute Book to a "saturation mark in enrollment” and the need “for additional facilities to house our student body.” At this time, the chairman of the Religious School Com mittee informed the congregation in his report that “during 1928-29, our average attendance was 333; in 1929-30, it increased to 354; and today it is 375. This is an annual gain of almost 10%. Our classrooms are more than crowded . . .” In December, 1930, the congregation had purchased a lot and cottage. which adjoined the Abe M."Levy Memorial Hall. Further accomodations were made in the basement of the Community House, where rooms were made available to the Boy Scouts and were used for the confirmation class. whose enrollment had reached 38 in the spring of '31. The following year, the religious school director, Mrs. Annie Schoenmann, reported that “the space. . . available in the Community Hall" would amply take care of the classes scheduled, since the cottage now accommodated the kinder garten and first grade groups. In the same report, it was noted that the "school enjoys a unipue position in Reform Jewry by the unusually large number of pupils who can read Hebrew.” In 1933, Mrs. Schoenmann reported that 43 new pupils had been enrolled, that 138 of the total registration came under the "new ruling” (which required non-member parents who could afford to do so to pay tuition fees), and that 23 of this group had joined the congregation. On July 1, 1935, Rabbi Robert Kahn became assistant Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel. The following year the incumbent president, Mr. Ike Freed, in his annual message stated that “with the cooperation of Rabbi Kahn, together with the assistance given him by” the religious school chairman and director, "Houston is building the best religious school in the Southwest...” In 1936, the religious school, which had a slight decreasein enrollment following the ruling on unafiiliated parents of students, once more had reached the saturation point in facilities. Some

47 improvements were made in the cottage annex that year. In the period, 1935-1936, 19 parents of "non—memberchildren” joined the congregation. Thus, we have a recurring pattern of increased membership and de creased accommodations as a result of developments relating to the religious school. In his annual message of 1938, President Ike Freed noted that "in the very near future” it would become necessary "to again take up the recommendations of a year ago and build an annex” to the Community House. However, the Second World War, as well as internal developments within the congregation, prevented this gentleman’s prediction from ma terializing for at least a decade. And it was the fall of 1950, when the commodious new quarters of the Beth Israel Religious School were officially opened. I There has not been much detail on religious school curriculum or teaching procedure in the Beth Israel Minutes. We have found numerous referencesto Chautauqua meetings, which some of the instructors attended. (One of the early attendants of these assemblies was Mrs. Miriam Brown ing, who for 30 years introduced the children of Beth Israel to the study of their religion, as she presided over the kindergarten class.) In 1946 Mr. Jack Goren, chairman of the Religious School Committee, reported that “progressive techniques of instruction” were being used in the school. An interview with the present principal of the school, Mrs. Ruth Robinson, reveals that this trend was greatly implemented by the impressive, modern ‘urriculum installed by Rabbi Robert Schur, when he became assistant Rabbi in charge of the religious school. This was in 1948. Three years later, Rabbi Schur became the spiritual leader of Congregation Gemiluth Cbasodim in Alexandria, Louisiana, and Rabbi Emmet Frank, a former student of the Beth Israel Religious School, replaced him as assistant Rabbi. In the spring of 1954, Rabbi Emmet Frank became the Rabbi of Congregation Beth E1 in Alexandria, Virginia. Project methods are stressed in the present Beth Israel School. The use of audio-visual aids implement the classroom lectures, and competition, as a rule, is by the class rather than the individual. The school, in cooperation with the Houston Public Library, has sponsored a book-reading contest, in which the children compete by classes. The Houston Library placed 335 extra books on the Beth Israel shelves for this project and will be given data on book selections of the children. Another project of the school is known as "Service to the Community.” Old, used sheets have been collected by the students for use of the Cancer Society. Mrs. Robinson reported a very successful response. The Jewish Vocational Service was asked to make a study in one of the classes.Another interesting innovation has been the use of socio- and psycho—dramato a limited degree. In 1953, the parents of Ensign Jerry Bailes instituted in his memory a Citizenship Award for the religious school, and Raphael Schwartz, an eighth grade student, was selected by the teachers to receive the initial award.

48 TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL, EARLY 1920’s House of Worship, Lamar at Crawford REV. DR. HYMAN IUDAH SCHACHTEL Chief Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel, 1954 A student council is now in its third year, and a student newspaper has been started. Extra instruction in dramatics is available to those students who are interested in this field. Student assemblies are held once a month, and the closing exercisesin the spring are dedicated to the memory of Perl Colman Straus, who was a teacher of many years’ standing. The Parent—Teachers’Organization, “Room Mothers," the Religious School Committee, and various Sisterhood committees aid in the activation of school projects. The Beth Israel Religious School now numbers 460 students. There are nine grades, ranging from nursery school for 4-year-olds to the con firmation class, where the age of students is 14 or 15 years. The size of the school has made it necessary to hold classes on both Saturday and Sunday. An average of 20 to 25 pupils are in a class. A staff of 20 teachers, plus volunteers, serve the school. Rabbi Emmet Frank was in charge of the worship services on Sunday morning, as well as the training of those boys who elect to become Bar Mitzuah. The principal, Mrs. Ruth Robin son, has-the pre-confirmation class. And the children of the confirmation class spend their last year under the tutelage of the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Schachtel, who supervises the entire school. The scope of the studies of the religious school includes a history of the Jews until the present day as well as the study of the Bible. The mean ing and implementation of the ethical principles of Judaism, the importance of religious worship, and above all, a love of God, the Embodiment of spiritual righteousness, are primary concerns in the teaching program of the Beth Israel Religious School. A three—dayinstitute for the training of religious school teachers Was held in October of 1953. This was a cooperative undertaking of Congrega tions Emmanuel and Beth Israel and one in which other Texas congrega tions participated. Mrs. Libbie Braverman, an authority in the field of education, Wasin charge of the institute, which proved to be a stimulating learning experience for every one concerned. As in the days when the Rev. Zacharias Emmich "kindly volunteered to teach the children of the Jewish faith the Mosaic Religion,” the mem bership of Beth Israel regard their religious school as a basic, vital part of congregational life, the source of future generations of informed, well adjusted men and women of the Jewish Faith. It is interesting to note that a grandson of Zacharias Emmich is now chairman of the Religious School Committee and that the young student Who won the 1953 Jerry Bailes Citizenship Award is a descendant of that other pioneer Rabbi, the Rev. Samuel Raphael, who came to Texas in the early sixties by full-rigged sailing ship. 4. “The Course of Ritual . . . Has Been Orderly . . .” The course of Ritual matters in the period from 1925 to the present time has been orderly and meticulously planned. The congregation, which

49 had adopted the Union Prayer Book in 1898, has been consistently Reform. There have been innovations, some experimentation, but no deviation from the basic principles of this classical pattern. The May, l927 Minutes record that the assigning of pews to members is no longer prevalent. (An individual exception was made to this ruling, and for many years a dainty foot stool marked the place which was reserved as a tribute to one slight, erect lady.) In the annual meeting held on May 30, 1937, under "New Business” we find two separate lists of suggestions regarding Ritual innovations. Dr. Barnston spoke first and outlined four plans: that of calling “the groom of the week” to the pulpit, of celebrating by special service the afliliation of new members, special services by different organizations on Friday evening, and special children’s services. Mr. Sam I. Miller, chairman of the Ritual Committee, presented the following "ideas for consideration of the membership: “l. That a 6 o’clock Friday evening service should be held for forty five minutes. . . “2. That minor holidays should be celebrated on Friday evening. "3. That if Sbevuos falls close to Sunday, that it be held on Sunday, or on an evening during the same day, so that a larger attendance can be had.” The Minutes do not record either discussion of or conclusions on the above matters, but it was decided to institute a six o'clock Friday evening service, which preceded the regular service held at 8:00 p.m. The Minutes of May 26, 1938, record a suggestion by Sam Miller that “39 men make an endeavor to be present at least one Saturday morn ing in Temple and bring nine men with them, so that there would be a minyan in Temple on Saturday morning.” The following year, Mrs. W. W. Munzesheimer, chairman of the Ritual Committee, reported two additions to the Friday evening ritual, the light ing of candles and the reciting of the Kiddush. She also related the occasion for “the uniting with the Orthodox and Conservative congregations for a Service of Intercession in behalf of suffering Jewry in Europe.” In the Minutes of the May, 1940, annual meeting, reference is made to a boys’ choir for Saturday morning services, and Mrs. Albert Bath, chair man of the Ritual Committee, noted that supplementary serviceshad been instituted on the eves of Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur. There is a detailed report from the “Committee on Ritual and Music" in the May, 1943 Year Book. Mr. Geo. S. Cohen, chairman, listed special services and programs; among these were the memorial services on June 19 for David Straus, Jr., who died in the serviceof his country on the aircraft carrier “Lexington,” and on November 20 the special service and recep tion honoring Lieutenant Robert Kahn before his departure for chaplain

50 school. Mr. Cohen further stated in his report that it was the unanimous judgment of his committee "that the children's Yom Kippur service be held hereafter in the Temple." (This had been done on an experimental basis and had been well received by the congregation.) It was noted that the six o’clock Friday evening service had been discontinued "since the enlistment of the assistant Rabbi in the Armed Forces.” The chairman also reported that his committee had invited members of the congregation to sit on the pulpit and attend the Torah during services. A "Youth Volunteer Choir” is listed at the conclusion of this report. \ -»Mr. Cohen has served as chairman of the Ritual and Music Committee since 1943. His yearly reports are detailed and show meticulous attention to all phases of ritual matters. In 1944 he reported that "this committee was empowered to, and did secure Rabbi Saul B. Appelbaum, who served the congregation as assistant to Dr. Barnston” from September 15 to November 1, 1943. During the period 1943-1944, “the committee was delegated authority and took responsibility for all of the details in connection with the joint ceremony honoring Rabbi Barnston and Rabbi Schachtel” on November 12, 1943. A Sunday Forum Religious Service was conducted in the morn ing for the period January-March, 1944, and the committee recommended a continuance of Forum Serviceson Wednesday evenings “in the hope that more members. . . will be able to avail themselves of a Temple program which, in addition to providing brief midweek prayers, Will provide a culturally interesting and informative symposium.” Following the sug gestion of Rabbi Schachtel, Sabbath candles were now lighted on Friday night by a member of the Sisterhood, and the Kiddush was recited by the Rabbi. Fathers of men in the Armed Services had been asked to be seated on the pulpit "when their sons could be present to receiverabbinical bless ing.” Mention was made again of the "Youth Choir,” and the Brotherhood V was thanked for its participation in the Temple serviceswhen the Rabbis were away. The May 1945 Ritual and Music Committee report supplies the infor mation that “our pulpit was occupied on several occasions by some of the leading Christian clergymen of our city." It was noted that "the Temple was open all day on June 6, 1944, D-Day, and large crowds assembled for prayer and worship at the several services conducted by our Rabbis.” Among the special services listed was one held in memory of the late Israel Friedlander, former president and vigorous lay leader of the congre gation, whose impact on the history of Beth Israel will be covered in the section on “The Basic Principles.” There is a concise statement of policy in the Ritual and Music Com mittee Report on May 15. 1946. It reads as follows: "It will be conducive to clarity to state at the outset, generally and brieﬂy, that this committee is charged with the responsiblity to cooperate

51 with the Rabbis in the formulation of policies to be observed in the conduct of all religious services, both regular and special; recommend or approve suggested changes in rituals, ceremonials and hymnals; engage the musical director, organist and members of the choir; supervise the care and use of the sanctuary, the organ, the sound system, music library, rituals, pulpit, altar, ark and its contents; suggest a budget for the committee expenditures and direct it.” Among the special services listed for the 1945-46 period was that of October 26, honoring Mrs. Miriam Browning, "our beloved kindergarten teacher, commemorating a life-long devotion to her classes." And it was noted that the Passover was observed by Beth Israel with services in the Sanctuary followed by a congregational Seder in the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall; 230 plates were prepared and served by the Sisterhood. The 1946 report contains the information that “throughout this year, it has been the policy of your committee to invite members of the congre gation who have returned from the Armed Forces to assist the Rabbis with the Friday evening services and thereby give visible proof that the prayers of the congregation for their safe return have been answered." This report also states that “at Sabbath morning services, the Rabbis are assisted by boys who had been ‘Barmitzuah’ in the Temple.” There is some additional information on “Forum Services,” conducted under the auspices of the Brotherhood, in which “at the conclusion of the Ritual portion of the service, the congregation repaired to the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall, where a previously assigned and prepared subject was discussed by . . . selected speakers after which followed a question period in the Town Hall meeting of the air tradition.” And in this 1945-46 report of the Ritual and Music Committee, we find the first reference in the Minutes concerning the advisability of air-conditioning the Temple. On December 6, 1946, memorial services were held in the Temple for Lt. Comdr. Stanley Fierstein. The guest speaker was Capt. T. O. Cullen, United States Navy. On March 28th of the following year the congrega tion was honored with the presence of Dr. Samuel Goldenson at the Sab bath services. Among the special services for the 1946-1947 period we also find listed the Home-Coming Sabbath Service, with Chaplain Alfred Barnston, U.S.N.R., the guest speaker, and the annual observance of the Ruth Cohen Frisch Sisterhood Sabbath. The Ritual and Music Committee report of May 19, 1948, contains the information that "the Saturday morning services have been interest ingly improved by our children’s choir, due to the interest of Mrs. Albert A. Bath and the unstinted efforts of Mrs. Abbye L. Freed, who served as director," and that, beginning on January 9, 1948, Rabbi Schachtel initi ated a seriesof six lectures on “What is Judaism?” (This series was spon ored by the Men’s and Women's Temple Auxiliaries.) During the period 1948-49 the remains of Cpl. Warren Zindler and Sgt. Mark Hertz were returned home for reburial from Beth Israel .

52 “A Program of Dedication Ceremonies in Honor of New and Remod eled Buildings" of Congregation Beth Israel was held on September 29 and October 1, l950. The hymns and music for this occasion were written by Dr. Schachtel and arranged for the choir and organ by Mr. Anthony Rahe. Dr. Samuel Goldenson was the speaker at the dedication banquet. In the May 22, 1952, annual report of the congregation, we find in the Ritual and Music Committee Report the statement that the board of the congregation had asked for “a study of High Holy Day seating in the Sanctuary.” The problems of an expanding congregation and the desire of all members to be seated in the Temple during the High Holy Day Servicescontinue to occupy the chairman, Mr. Geo. S. Cohen, and his com mittee. A plan of consecutive services, to be held in the Sanctuary during the High Holy Days, is currently under study. 5. A Matter of Principles In the Beth Israel Year Book of 1943 the membership chairman, Mr. Sidney Mayer, reported that during the year the congregation had acquired 83 new members, making a total of 807, the largest membership in the history of the congregation. There are a number of reasons for this increase in membership. The rapid growth of the City of Houston is, of course, the basic reason for the expansion, but the fact that Beth Israel was the only Reform congregation in the city, the energetic‘activities of the membership chairmen, both past‘ and present, and the natural desire of unafliliated parents of religious school students to join the Temple were contributing factors to the rapid influx of new members. In a book of this size it will be necessary to treat the history of the "Basic Principles,” the formulation of which occurred in 1943, in broad and general terms. The ensuing historical analysis is presented not as a thesis for debate but in the interest of understanding and clarification. Throughout America, Reform congregations were attracting numbers of Jews from more traditional Eastern European background. While these Jews discarded many traditions, they retained more than currently practiced in the Classical Reform congregations. This group Was predomi nantly Zionist, as opposed to the non-Zionism of Classical Reform. This change in the social and religious complexion of Reform had been gradual in most areas, as Eastern European Jews, already living in many communi ties since l9l4, slowly left the Orthodox traditions and were gradually drawn to the Temples. In Houston, however, the influx of Eastern Euro pean Jewry into the Reform congregation was explicably rapid: (1) Houston practically doubled its population between 1930 and 1942. (2) The Jewry which came to this city of prosperity in the precarious thirties were largely members of the “new middle class” of Eastern European and more traditional background. (3) Large numbers of these Jews were drawn immediately to the Reform Temple. (There was not the gradual influx

1. Mr. I. Hirsch for many years had served as Beth Israel’: membership chairman.

53 facilitated in more stable and less—expandingareas.) (4) There was only one Reform congregation to join—a Texas Classical Reform Temple, while in many other communities, there were two or more congregations /representing both liberal and conservative shades of Reform. The needs of more traditional Jews could easily be met in these “neo—Reform" congre gations, but membership in a Classical Reform Temple was a considerable step that had the potential of friction. This rapid influx into the one ClassicalReform congregation in Houston prepared the social climate for the “Basic Principles" controversy, but a final and decisive factor transformed the possible into the inevitable: the explosion of the Zionist debate on the national scene. In other areas, the absorption of more traditional Jewry into Reform congregations was facili tated not only by the gradual temporal pace, but also by the fact that the slow influx occurred during the “honeymoon period" between Zionist and anti-Zionist factions in the country. In the late twenties, Louis Marshall said that the upbuilding of Palestine is the task of every Jew “whose heart beats in unison with Israel"; into the thirties, the Jewish Agency had 7 non-Zionist members, and substantial contributions were made by Reform non-Zionists towards the upbuilding of Palestine. But as the establishment of not simply a haven but a national homeland became a realistic possi bility, as the Jewish Army controversy raged at rabbinical conferences—— the Zionist—anti-Zionist “honeymoon" on the national scene was over, and the ideological weapons were drawn. In Houston, with the rapid influx of more traditional- and Zionist—Jewsinto the only Reform congregation, the social climate was warm; it was a time for fighting, and the swords were bound to clash. To the concern that control of the congregation would be lost to new members was added intense devotion to the principles of non-Zionist Reform Judaism, which principles, it was felt, would also be lost should the new members gain control. The new members were equally devoted to the right to differ on the Zionist issue within Reform Judaism and were supported by a minority of old-time Beth Israel congregants. We now proceed from this analysis to a brief summary of events, be ginning in the summer of 1943, which culminated in the second cleavage in the history of Congregation Beth Israel. (A detailed chronological account may be found in the 1944 Year Book of the congregation, which contains the report of approximately 20,000 words by the president, Mr. Leopold L. Meyer, as well as a detailed statement by the “Policy Formu lation Committee” chairman, Israel Friedlander, on the formation of the "Basic Principles") On August 4, 1943, a special meeting of Congregation Beth Israel was held in the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall. It was called for the specific purpose of voting on a recommendation by the board of trustees that Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel be elected Rabbi of the congregation, succeeding Dr. Henry Barnston, who had been elected Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Schach

54 tel was elected by a vote of 346 to 91. It was then moved and carried that Rabbi Schachte1’s election be made unanimous. From the president's report, we read that “the special meeting of August 4, 1943, may be recorded as the most exciting and hectic one in the history of Beth Israel, and, unhappily, may compare too favorably with the most turbulent meeting ever held by any congregation anywhere; but over and above that unfortunate fact and circumstance, the renascence of American Reform Judaism in Congregation Beth Israel will date therefrom . . ." Mr. Meyer’s report reveals that it was felt by the majority in Beth Israel that the manifest opposition of the minority in this meeting was motivated by the fact that Rabbi Schachtel was a non-Zionist, and that as a consequence of the events taking place on the night of August 4 “there developed keen resentment which culminated in outspoken and unreserved demands that the policies, principles, and religious philosophy by which Beth Israel should be governed in the future must be formulated, so to speak, and submitted to the membership for endorsement." The "Policy Formulation Committee" was appointed at the regular monthly meeting of the board of trustees on August 10, 1943. The chair man was Israel Friedlander, a former president of the congregation with a record of distinguished service in Reform Judaism. On September 7, 1943, Mr. Friedlander reported to the board of trus tees that his committee had held many meetings and conferences since the date of its appointment, August 10, and was ready to submit "what the committee characterized as a Restatement of Principles, founded upon the philosophy of Isaac M. Wise, the father of American Reform Judaism . . . On behalf of his committee Mr. Friedlander recommended that the pro posals which had been drafted comprise what should become known as ‘BasicPrinciples of Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel, Houston, Texas.’ "2 We turn now to the report of the “Policy Formulation Committee" for purposes of further clarification of the "Basic Principles" and their inclusion in the membership application of Congregation Beth Israel. The chairman, Mr. Israel Friedlander, states in his report that "at any annual meeting, and without prior notice, a minority number of the members of the congregation, attending such a meeting, could change the ritual, the form of worship or even dispose of the physical properties of the congre gation. There is nothing in the by—lawsto safeguard or to prevent such a possibility. In all congregations the influx of new members takes place just before the New Year Holy Day. There was not sufficient time between August 13th (the day of our appointment) and September 30 (New Year's Day) to propose a change in by-laws to meet the revealed situation. assuming that by-law changes might be the best remedy. Applications for membership were on file with the secretary. Primarily, there was an educa tional task ahead, the task of informing present members and future appli cants regarding the fundamentals of American Reform Judaism. This was

2. From the President’s report.

55 not now an easy task becauseof the confusion even among the Rabbis them selves, arising from the accent lately upon the political rather than upon the religious nature of the Jewish people. We were unwilling to allow the situation to remain in status quo, or to recommend to the trustees further acceptance of a large number of new members, upon any other basis than a knowledge of the underlying principles of American Reform Judaism, as understood by a majority of the members of Beth Israel, and an adherence thereto. "The recommendation by our committee that we restate our Basic Principles and make them a part of the application for membership natur- l ally and logically followed." ‘ Mr. Friedlander’s report continues with the following signiﬁcant ‘ statement: ‘ “There is nothing new in the principles. We did not ‘write’ them but merely restated what has been the accepted cardinal and underlying basic principles of American Reform Judaism. We simpliﬁed, reworded and regrouped the classicstatements of the Philadelphia (1869) and the Pitts burgh (l885) Statement of Principles. Dr. Isaac M. Wise presided at Pittsburgh, and Dr. Kaufman Kohler says that Dr. Wise ‘hailed the Pitts— ‘ burgh platform as a “Jewish~American declaration of independence . . .” ’ " l

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL3 ‘ PRINCIPLE No. 1 We believe in the mission of Israel which is to witness to the Unity of God throughout the world and to pray and work for the establishment of the kingdom of truth, justice and peace among all men. Our Watchword is “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is One.” We accept it as our sacred duty to worship and to serve Him through prayer, righteous conduct and the study of our Holy Scriptures and glorious history. PRINCIPLE No. 2 We are Jews by virtue of our acceptance of Judaism. We consider ourselves no longer a nation. We are a religious community, and neither pray for nor anticipate a return to Palestine nor a restoration of any of the laws concerning the Jewish state. We stand unequivocally for the separation of Church and State. Our religion is Judaism. Our nation is the United States of America. Our nationality is American. Our ﬂag is the “Stars and Stripes.” Our race is Caucasian. With regard to the Jewish settlement in Palestine, we consider it our sacred privilege to promote the spiritual, cul tural and social welfare of our co-religionists there. PRINCIPLE No. 3 We believe in the coming of a Messianic Age and not in a personal Messiah. We recognize that it is our hallowed duty to speed the coming

3. These are the revised "Basic Principles,” which were incorporated in the present by-laws of Congregation Beth Israel on April 18, 1945. The membership application now in use includes the clause that the applicant subscribe to the by-laws of the congregation.

56 of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, which is the Messianic ideal for which the righteous of all people work and pray. PRINCIPLE No. 4 We accept as binding only the moral laws of Mosaic legislation and prophetic teaching. While respecting the convictions of our Orthodox and Conservative brethren concerning the rabbinical and Mosaic laws which regulate diet, priestly purity, dress and similar laws, we, however, as an American Reform Congregation reject the religious obligatory nature of the same, as having originated in ages and under influences of ideas and con ditions which today are entirely unsuited, unnecessary and foreign to the beliefs and observances of progressive Judaism in modern America. We shall maintain and use in connection with our religious servicesonly such ritual and ceremonies as may be approved by the congregation from time to time and which may symbolize, in effectiveand beautiful form, the principles of our faith, and which are adapted to the progressive and liberal spirit of our times. PRINCIPLE No. 5 We recognize the complete religious equality of woman with man. PRINCIPLE No. 6 The treasures of Divine revelation were given in the Hebrew language and in such language are preserved the immortal remains of a literature that influences all civilized nations. As the fulfillment of a sacred duty, there fore, the cultivation of the Hebrew language must always be urgently desired by us. However, the Hebrew language has become unintelligible to the vast majority of our co-religionists; therefore, while a measurable con tent of Hebrew is essential and desirable in our ritual and services, it must be used wisely as is advisable under existing circumstances. PRINCIPLE No. 7 The basis of brotherhood among the Jews throughout the world is religion. Hence, it is our duty to help our co-religionists whenever and wherever the need may arise, even as we must help all mankind that may be in need, in accordance with the principles of our faith. At a special meeting of the congregation held in the Temple on No vember 23, 1943, Israel Friedlander moved for the adoption of the Basic Principles. The Minutes record that after "due discussion” the motion was adopted by a vote of 632 to 168. The “discussion" had included three speeches for and three against the adoption of the Basic Principles. In the same meeting, resolutions were adopted which challenged acts and policies of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the Hebrew Union College concerning actions of these bodies relating to Classical Reform Judaism. In the same meeting, the Policy Formulation Committee were "empowered to clarify the language of the Basic Principles Without changing their meaning." It should be evident from the foregoing that the formulation of the

57 “Basic Principles" was the result of lay action. Rabbis Barnston and Schachtel were in sympathy with the “Principles,” but for the most part attempted to remain aloof from the ensuing conflagration. Rabbi Robert Kahn, who had been assistant to Dr. Barnston, and was on leave, serving as an Army chaplain, resigned his position with Beth Israel, because he was opposed to the action of the congregation. The Beth Israel “Annual Report" of May 22, 1945, contains the following statement on “Membership" by the president, Mr. Leopold L. Meyer: “Between the dates of May 10, 1944, and April 1, 1945, our congre gation lost through deaths, removals and resignations 161 members. For the same period of time our congregation elected 37 new members, so that the net loss for the year was 124. Of the 161 members above referred to, four were lost through death, 15 were lost through removal from the city, and the remainder of 142 were lost more or less through unwillingness to conform to our Basic Principles." Thus, we find recorded the second schism in the history of Congrega tion Beth Israel. In 1887 the focus of the controversy was on a ritual matter, the custom of head covering. In 1944 it was a matter of “Basic Principles." In 1887 the persistence of one man, Henry S. Fox, had led the congregation in the direction of the Reform Movement. In 1944 the lead ership of two men had insured the continuance of the Classical Reform Movement in the congregation. In both instances, the action of the congre gants was the indirect result of far-reaching environmental influences. 6. The Two Chief Rabbis The two men who have served the congregation as Chief Rabbis in the present century symbolize through personality and achievement the mood and tempo of their respective periods. Dr. Henry Barnston, that reserved, cultured gentleman who arrived in Houston from England at the turn of the century, in his quiet, measured manner becamean integral part of the community that was to grow steadily toward metropolitan status. Dr. Hyman J. Schachtel, who came to Beth Israel in the fabulous forties, personifies through his many-sided activities and dynamic personality the spirit and drive that spark the atmosphere of contemporary Houston. It was quite a change for the young Rabbi Barnston, when he arrived in the mud-banked bayou town of less than 50,000 inhabitants from the great city of London. Born in Dover in 1868, he had grown up in the British garrison town across the channel from Calais. He was educated in England and Germany, having receivedhis rabbinical diploma in London and his Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Heidelberg. Follow ing additional studies at Jews’ College and University College in London, Rabbi Barnston had worked as a scholar and author with the British Museum in the field of Semitics. He came to the United States because he

58 knew that his liberal Reform views were incompatible with the prevailing practice of Judaism in England. He had answered the advertisement from Houston which stated that Beth Israel was a Reform congregation, and he cameto Texas, bringing a background of European culture and civilization to a frontier community, founded just 64 years before his arrival. It is not surprising, then, that the young Englishman's influence was soon felt, not only within his own congregation, but throughout all phases of community life. He helped to form the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Symphony Society. He served on the Public Library Board for over twenty years. In the field of social work, he was active on the board of the Jewish Family Service for many years, and in the words of the present executive director, Mrs. Ruth Fred, “his philosophy of social work——helpingindividuals to help themselves—is considered modern social work." Dr. Barnston served on the board of the Houston Maternal Health Center, as well as on the boards of the Humane Defense League and the Texas Prison Relief Association. He was an oflicer of the Social Service Federation of Houston and was active in the “Community Chest" organization. (Dr. Barnston's congregational activities and related personal matters have been integrated in preceding chapters. He married for the second time in the early twenties, bringing his wife, a charming English woman, from his native land.) Dr. Barnston died on December 11, 1949, scarcelymore than a month's time before the anniversary of his fifty years of service to his congregation. A special bulletin was issued in his memory, and we quote from three of the many tributes contained therein: "From Bishop A. Frank Smith, The Methodist Church of the Houston Area: “. . .I consider Henry Barnston one of the most civilized persons I have ever known, and one of the most daring. What Abrahamic spirit was his—-to leave the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of Europe behind him——tocasthis lot in the rude, raw Texas frontier’ of 50 years ago! Small Wonder that such a bold adventurer should be in the forefront through all his ministry in advancing the cultural, intellectual, spiritual, and social interests of Houston and the Southwest. A remarkable man, indeed! And most of all, in his tolerance, charity and genuine brotherhood. ". . . I wish to say a few words personal. I came to Houston to be the pastor of the First Methodist Church in 1922—just when Dr. Barnston was at the height of his vigor and activity. He was a score of years older than I, but circumstances welded our two souls together, and difl‘erence in ages was forgotten in a rare fellowship, blessed in experience, and precious in memory. “Beth Israel sold her Temple on Crawford in 1923 and had to give immediate possession. The new Temple on Holman and Austin was incom

59 plete. We invited the congregation to worship in the First Methodist Church and Dr. Barnston immediately accepted. Those were the days of intense Ku Klux Klan activity in Houston——sucha thing as a Jewish con gregation worshipping in a Christian church was utterly unheard of in this section. Some of the ‘saints’ in First Methodist, and some in Beth Israel, raised their hands in holy horror. But Henry Barnston did not hesitate for a moment—-—nordidBeth Israel. For 18 months they used First Methodist Church. Later they reciprocated and the First Presbyterian and St. Paul's Methodist were given the Temple for long periods during their building programs. Who can estimate the good that came to Houston because of this brotherly cooperation, so unusual in 1922 that it was given nation-wide publicity?" “From Jesse H. Jones: “The recent death of Dr. Henry Barnston leaves a decided void in the religious, cultural, and civic life of Houston. “I had known Dr. Barnston for almost half a century, and had coun seled and worked with him for many causes in the interest of our city, state, and nation. He was one of the most versatile men that it has been my privilege to know. “. . . But to me, I think his greatest service was his personal contact and counsel. Deeply devout in his own faith, his love for mankind recog nized no religious bounds. He was well loved by pastors of the Christian faiths as by the Houston Rabbinate. His friends were numbered by the thousands and included all faiths and creeds. “His life of service will cast a benediction upon future generations.” Dr. Schachtel has written of his predecessor: “There are few men in the ministry who added so much dignity to our high oﬂice as did Dr. Barnston by his very presence. I measure my Words very carefully When I say that Dr. Barnston was a scholar, a teacher, a spiritual personality, a loyal friend, a pastor, a faithful Jew, a patriotic American, and a perfect humanitarian . . . “It was a great privilege for me to have worked with him these six years. Congregation Beth Israel will never be quite the same for me now that he is gone. I shall be looking for him, for his noble presence, for the sound of his gracious voice . . ." And so shall all in the congregation and the city who had the privilege of knowing Dr. Henry Barnston. When Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel came to Congregation Beth Israel in the autumn of 1943, he found a congregation seething with unrest and under considerable emotional tension. The "Basic Principles” con troversy was at its height. From the comparative calm of Manhattan, he found himself thrust into a Texas storm. He weathered it as best he could, taking his stand with the adherents of Classical Reform. In the ten years

60 that have passed since his arrival in Houston he has led Beth Israel into a period of peaceful expansion and has become, himself, an integral part of the vibrant, enterprising city. Dr. Schachtel was born in London on May 24, 1907. He came with his family to the United States when he was ten years old, to the City of Buffalo, New York. There he grew up and made his decision to enter the Rabbinate. He studied at the University of Cincinnati, where he was grad uated in 1928, while he attended the Hebrew Union College. In 1931, at the age of 24, he received his rabbinical diploma, and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College. His early rabbinical career centered around New York City, and during this time, he did graduate work at Columbia University. When Dr. Schachtel came to Houston he had been serving the West End Congregation in Manhattan for twelve years. He was the author of works on a variety of subjects, that included "Moses Mendelssohn,” “The Book of Canticles According to the Midrash,” “The Eternal People,” "A Sunday Forum Service,” and “The Sunday School Adapted to the Progressive Method of Education." For six years prior to his coming to Houston Dr. Schachtel had been a speaker for “The Message of Israel” Radio Program. He had lectured for the B’nai B’rith, had been vice presi dent of the New York Board of Jewish Ministers in 1942, a member of the Manhattan Scout Council, and had served on the Governor’s Committee on the New York State Council of Marriage and the Family. He was the representative of the Central Conference of American Rabbis on the Syna gogue Council of America and was chairman of the committee that ar ranged the Bible calendar for the Synagogue Council of America. During the two years before he came to Houston he had been the New York rep resentative for the Hebrew Union Council on interviewing and examining candidates for the College in Cincinnati. Dr. Schachtel’s achievements in the ten years since he has resided in Houston center in the congregation which he serves‘.His study in the Levy Memorial Hall exudes the energetic spirit of its chief occupant, who works overtime on the manifold tasks he has set for himself. “A master of forensics and peerless pulpiteer,"4 Dr. Schachtel is acknowledged to be one of the foremost rabbinical speakers in the country. His sermons cover a Variety of subjects ranging from a series on the mean ing of Judaism, through the study of the towering ﬁgures in American History, consideration of World events, a series on his journeys to Europe and the Near East, to the problems that face the individual. He conducts study groups on Family Relations, as well as Bible Institutes for Interfaith groups. His book lectures are considered to be a cultural asset to the City of Houston. In the Beth Israel 1949 Year Book, the president of the Sisterhood, Mrs. Joe Corman, reported that the two book review lectures delivered by

4. From the “Message of the President,” Mr. Irvin Shlanker, in the Beth Israel 1952 Year Book. Dr. Schachtel at the Delman Theatre had been so successful that "a more ambitious program of similar lectures by Dr. Schachtel” was to be planned ‘, for the coming year. (Co—Chairmen for the first lectures were Mrs. M. M. Lewis and Mrs. M. Kahn.) The following year Mrs. Corman’s report announced the beginning of the annual Book—LecturesSeries, sponsored by ‘ the Beth Israel Sisterhood. Mrs. Henry Desenberg organized the project in such a way as to insure its operational success, and Dr. Schachtel’s lec tures on books, which he chooses from current lists of best sellers, have drawn one of the largest morning lecture audiences in the City of Houston. As has already been noted, Dr. Schachtel teaches the children of the I confirmation class. He supervises the religious school and is consulted on the music for the choir. He has composed a complete Friday night musical i theservice, Hebrew which Union includes College, two hymns. and recently He composed has completed the alma mater a "Birthday song of Hymn,” which has been published by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations for use in the ceremonial service of celebrating the birthdays of children. The "Centennial Hymn," by Dr. Schachtel, will be introduced in the Beth Israel confirmation service of 1954. The Rabbi, who is an accomplished pianist, also has written many other songs and compositions. Dr. Schachtel’s weekly radio program, known as the "Humanitarian Hour,” will be covered in detail in the section on "The Congregation in the Community." Dr. Schachtel continues to receive quantities of mail from his Wide radio audience. In 1953 the Rabbi became a weekly col umnist for the Houston Post under the by-line, “Enjoyment of Life.” He reports a warm and gratifying response from this new field of endeavor. When he was asked to appear on the local TV program, “Strength of Our Nation," Dr. Schachtel conceived the idea of producing a series of dramatic scripts which would present graphically the rabbi’s role in counsel— ing and guiding congregants who come to him with problems concerning marriage, their children, belief in God, the experience of discrimination, and death. Dr. Schachtel provided the background material for the scripts, which were written for television by Anne Nathan. Nina Vance directed the five 15-minute teleplays, which were produced "live" on consecutive days over KPRC—TV. Virginia Battelstein and Gerald Gordon were in the cast of four of the plays. Nanette Breitenbach and Malcolm Mazow played in one of the scripts, and Dr. Schachtel took part in all five. Dr. Schachtel is the chaplain of the Variety Club of Houston. During World War II he was a civilian chaplain at the Air Force Base of Ellington Field. He is a director of the Kiwanis Club and is in constant demand as a speaker for religious and non—sectarianorganizations in Houston. In the national field he has spoken for the United Jewish Appeal, B’nai B’rith, National Conference for Christians and Jews, and before literary societies throughout the country. He has lectured at Princeton, Yale, Columbia, New York University, Amherst, Illinois, Michigan, Cornell, Vassar.

62 Smith, Mount Holyoke, Williams, Rice Institute, Southern Methodist University, and Texas Southern University. In 1948 Dr. Schachtel received his Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Houston, where he completed graduate work in the Depart ment of Education, the greater part of which he had done at Columbia University. He taught a course in the History of Philosophy at the Uni versity of Houston and is a guest lecturer on the faculty. He has written a social studies text—bookfor junior high schools, "The Light of Liberty," which was published by the University of Houston Press. Dr. Schachtel has had articles in the Educational Quarterly, the American Judaism magazine, and has written for all three Houston newspapers. When his wife completed her work for a B.A. degree in Education at the University of Houston, Dr. Schachtel delivered the baccalaureate ser mon. (Mrs. Schachtel had begun her academic work at Wellesley College. Her studies at the University of Houston parallel her primary role of housewife and mother of two children, as well as her active participation in the congregational and civic life of the community.) On Dr. Schachtel’s 10th anniversary as Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel, special serviceswere held in his honor. The clergy of all faiths spoke in appreciation of the Rabbi’s contributions to religious and civic life in the City of Houston, and the gift of an Oldsmobile was presented to Dr. Schachtel by the congregation. When Rabbi Henry Cohen of Galveston died, Dr. Schachtel was asked to oﬂiciate at the funeral. He had a close relationship with Dr. Cohen, who spent the last bedridden months of his life in Houston. Dr. Schachtel is the author of a magazine article on Rabbi Cohen, which was titled, "The Man Who Lives in Texas." Dr. Schachtel is a “Titled Texan.” Hubert Mewhinney, discerning writer for the Houston Post, notes in a feature article on Dr. Schachtel “that he talks, impromptu, as Macaulay says Dr. Johnson talked in his latter days. The idiom is easy and colloquial. There is a wealth of illus tration and quotation. With all the ease, there is an almost entire precise ness as to syntax. There are no anacolutha, no phrases left dangling.” The Mewhinney article is headed “Titled Texans," “Dr. H. J. Schachtel Flu ently Advances the Brotherhood of Man." Dr. Schachtel is indeed an enthusiastic Texan. He has said that he has received enough satisfaction for a couple of lifetimes since he has lived in Houston. One of the peaks of his achievement has recently been attained. In the early spring of 1954 he was the recipient of the following communi cation under the letterhead of E. P. Dutton, Inc., New York City: “Dear Dr. Schachtel: “Following our friendly and thorough discussion of today, I'm happy F to inform you that Dutton will proudly publish your book this fall. ? "Sincerely, "Harry Shaw, Senior Editor."

I “The Real Enjoyment of Living," by Dr. Schachtel, will be published by E. P. Dutton in October, I954. It is the result of a number of years of work by the author and contains a general philosophical approach to the problems of the modern world which confront every individual. The purpose of the book is to create in the reader that positive attitude which will enable him to understand and enjoy life, even though he ﬁnds himself in a world replete with crisis and tragedy.

His forthcoming book will be another step in the direction which the ‘ Chief Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel has set for himself. In his own words, the primary achievement of his life in the rabbinate is what he has i done in behalf of another’s finding his direction again. Through a sermon i or an article——-andnow—a book, Dr. Schachtel continues to help others i "to find their way.” ~ 7. The Congregation in the Community Bishop Smith’s comment on the reciprocal use of buildings by the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Jewish congregations has an interesting prece dent in the history of Beth Israel. In the Minute Book of March 27, 1904, 3 we find the following letter addressed to J. N. Taub, when he was vice- president of the Temple on Franklin Avenue: "Dear Sir: I am just in receipt of your communication of the 14th inst., in which you advise me of the action of your board of oflicers, ten dering to First Church of Christ, Scientist, this city, the use of the Syna gogue in which to conduct Wednesday evening and Sunday services. “I can, kind sir, but faintly express to you the deep sense of gratitude that is felt by our congregation to yours for this true expression of broth erly affection, in which the helping hand of the oldest religion on earth is extended to us in loving kindness. This deed is prophetic of the coming of that universal brotherhood which shall unite all men and kindreds and nations in worship of one God, the Father of us all . . . “I am sincerely yours, “James D. Sherwood.” The archives of Congregation Beth Israel contain a set of resolutions from the First Presbyterian Church of Houston which read as follows: WHEREAS, during the month of September, 1932, First Presbyterian Church of Houston sustained severe damage by fire to its church building which rendered said property incapable of use during a period of twelve months while repairs and reconstruction were being made; and, WHEREAS, the Congregation of Temple Beth Israel and their beloved Rabbi, Dr. Henry H. Barnston, most graciously tendered First Presbyterian Church of Houston the use of their beautiful Temple located on Holman Avenue and Austin Street in the City of Houston, and by reason of such generous tender First Presbyterian Church has been able during the past twelve months to conduct its services in said Temple;

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EﬁBkEA3,Congregation Beth Israel of Houston, Texas is the oldest organized Jewish House of ﬁorship in the Lone Star State, having been established on May15, 1854; and , . M , .i,l V WHEREASCongregation Beth Israel is presently celebrating its One Hundredth Anniversary of dedicated service unto God and country; and WHER§5§,Congregation Beth Israel has for one hundred years been a source or religious inspiration and patriotic love to manygenerations of the followers of Judaism, as well as to the community of Houston and the State of Texas at large, through the consecrated work of its ministry and laymen; and .r WH3&;A§,Congregation Beth Israel is a symbol of the true strength of our nation and the world, which is faith in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man; now, therefore, be it s...... “W,,,,,,,,,,,,W ”.s nz§,o_z.y;~:,§,,Bythe Senate of the State of rexas, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Texas Iaagislature extend its congratulations and felicitations to CongregationBeth Israel upon the occasion of its Centennial, and express the hope that GodAlmighty will ever guide and foster such Congregation and enable it to go forward to even greater spiritual accomplishments.,i_m.___iw.u_wMWMwir- H V;—,..v.‘.2W., es dent of the Senate <3] I 32:::%.¥2:vi2%‘ 211’.X. the '6 S. C. n. 80. 7 was adopted by the Senate on April 1, 1954. “MM”,,,,,,,,,,,,_

/K}. 7 rAG! ranrna # ,3»; }x AJEFK ,; ,m Socrggarymor the senate I hereby certif that S. C. R. 0. was a opted . by the House on ‘ April 1, 1954. ’

RESOLUTION OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE Passed to Commemoratc Beth Israel’s Centennial Year NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the pastor, officers and members of First Presbyterian Church of Houston express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Congregation of Temple Beth Israel, to the individual members thereof, and to Dr. Barnston, for the cordial welcome, the extension of unbounded hospitality, and the expression of good will and kindly feelings shown us in tendering and permitting the use of their Temple during our great need therefor. We shall ever hold in pleasant memory the hours spent as their guests during the last twelve months. We pray for each of our hosts and friends the richest blessings that benign Providence may bestow upon a generous and hospitable people. C. L. King, Pastor. D. Hannah, Clerk of Session. John T. Dickson, Chairman, Board of Deacons. With this background in mind, the congregation’s continued program of interfaith activities becomespart of an historic pattern of mutual good will between Christian and Jew. The Beth Israel Year Book of 1942 contains the following excerpt in the message of the president, Israel Friedlander: “I am especially interested in the experiment started this year of invita tions to Christian Sunday School groups to visit the Temple and have shown and explained to them the Torah and other religious symbols of the Synagogue. This makes for better understanding, without which there can be no real good-will.” In 1947 Mr. Simon Sakowitz, the president of Beth Israel, included in his annual message the following paragraph under the heading, “The Institute for Judaism": “One of the most distinguished events of the past year was the Day Institute of Judaism for the Christian clergy of Houston and its environs, held in our Temple on March 27th. Representative clergy of many Chris tian denominations were present to hear Dr. Samuel Goldenson, rabbi of Temple Emmanuel-El of New York City, deliver the lectures.” Mr. Sakowitz’ subsequent remarks indicate an enthusiastic response, and he concluded with the hope that the project would be repeated. In the 1951 annual report from the Sisterhood, by the president, Mrs. M. M. Schwartz, we read of another innovation in the ﬁeld of Interfaith: “Sisterhood initiated an Institute on Judaism led by our Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel. It was an outstanding, most constructive project in Inter faith. Over 1000 women were our guests, and were inspired by the all-day meeting. They had the opportunity to view the Museum Exhibit on loan to us from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and receivedbooklets on Jewish Ritual and Ceremonies.” Mrs. Max Nathan, a civic leader in the ﬁeld of Community Relations, was in charge of the Institute. The Sisterhood catered and served the

65 luncheon for approximately 1200 guests and members. (Mrs. Isadore Schwartz and Mrs. Alfred Alexander have supervised this work for many years.) The 1951 Year Book also contains (in the report from the president of the Men’s Club, Walter Godlove) the information that as their "primary project for this year, the Men’s Club determined that it could do no greater service to our congregation and our community than to provide for the printing and distribution of the hundreds of copies requested each week of the stirring, heart—warming, stimulating, and inspirational addresses given each week by Dr. Schachtel on the ‘Humanitarian Hour,’ a radio program broadcast each Sunday morning.” This program, which is now broadcast on Sunday afternoon on KXYZ, is dedicated by Dr. Schachtel to the memory of Dr. Henry Barns ton and Dr. Paul Quillian of the First Methodist Church. Mitchell M. Lewis, president of the Men’s Club in 1952, reported in the Annual Year Book that "our service to the congregation goes beyond the walls of the Sanctuary in the fleld of public relations. On the local level, this year we were host to the Men’s Bible Class of the First Christian Church, with whom we annually exchange courtesies. This is a very definite step in improving inter-community relations between Jew and non~Jew. Further efforts in the field of public relations on both a regional and national level were implemented through the Humanitarian Hour. Mail response is indicative of the tremendous value of this project . . . Our remit tances to the Jewish Chautauqua Society helps to carry forward, on a national level, the principles for which we stand in building a better and greater understanding with our non—Jewishbrethren.” In 1953, Mr. Simon Sakowitz, a past president of the congregation, was honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, in a community banquet, at which he was eulogized by former Governor W. P. Hobby. In the 1953 Year Book, Mr. Irvin Shlenker, president of Beth Israel, stated that “during this year there was conducted by Dr. Schachtel and Dr. Abraham Feldman of Hartford, Conn., a Religious Institute for the Chris tian clergy. The attendance was large and interest ran high, and praise of the one-day institute was generous among the attending ministers.” In June of 1953 the “Institute on Peace,” sponsored by the Society of Friends, had some difliculty in finding a place to meet in the City of Hous ton. (In the past, the Institute had been given the use of Autry House and the Riverside Methodist Church in Houston and, during the current year. had met at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and at First Methodist churches in Austin and San Antonio.) When Dr. Schachtel was asked for the use of the Beth Israel Sanctuary by representatives of the organization which seeksto promote peace in the world, he consented. The board of trustees concurred in his decision, and the "Institute on Peace" was held in the Temple. i66 The community activities of the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Schachtel, already have been cited. The individual participation of the membership of Beth Israel in civic endeavors is extensive and includes intensive work for the Red Cross, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the Veterans Hospital, the League of Women Voters, the Maternal Health Center, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Family Service, the Community Council, the Jewish Community Center, the United Jewish Campaign, Wolff Home, United Fund Drive, the Hous ton Symphony Society, the Contemporary Arts Association, the De Pelchin Faith Home, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Texas Children's Hospital, and other organizations. During the period of the Second World War, Congregation Beth Israel had its role of men in the Armed Forces and its participants on the home front. The Year Book of May, 1942, contains the following state ment by the president, Israel Friedlander: “Today the struggle in which we are engaged overshadows all else. War has come to us—not because we wanted it—but because the United States threatened to become the vital and deciding force to save civiliza tion. . .Today American boys and men are at the front—at all fronts— fighting, bleeding, and dying to preserve for themselves, their families, and for future generations the liberties established and preserved through the hardships and the extreme sacrifices of our forefathers . . . All forms of economic life are adjusted to the exigencies of the time. I need not dwell upon the situation which is known so well to all of us. We are a united people resolved to cheerfully do everything necessary to bring an early and just and complete victory to our cause—the cause of all free men of this and future generations.” The May, 1944 Year Book lists one hundred and ninety-three “men and boys” on the Beth Israel “Honor Roll." Of those listed, Lt. Colman R. Asher, Lt. Wm. A. Bloom, Jr., and Ensign David H. Straus had died in the serviceof their country. Lt. David K. Westheimer was a prisoner of war; Lt. Herbert E. Levy, Jr., listed as "missing,” subsequently was known to be a prisoner, also. The '45 and ’46 Year Books record Sgt. Mark W. Hertz, Lt. Richard H. Holstein, Pvt. C. V. Jacobson, and Corp. Warren Zindler among those deceased. In World War II, Beth Israel Congregation numbered among its membership Brigadier General Maurice Hirsch; Col. William Salman, who was in charge of the port of Le Havre and has been made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French Government; Col. Albert Kaufman, Lt. Col. John J. Gates, Lt. Col. A. Hauser, and a W.A.V.E., Judith Sepper.5 Numerous citations were receivedby those taking part in the hostilities. The 1943 Year Book records that Lt. David Westheimer was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal as navigator in the

5. The Appendix contains an additional list of men in the Armed Forces.

67 Bombing Command of U. S. Air Force. And in the annual report for 1944. there is a photograph of the U.S.S. Straus, the destroyer escort vessel which was named in honor of Ensign David H. Straus, Jr., who died in the Battle of the Coral Sea on his ship, the U.S.S. Lexington. In the foyer of the Temple may be seen the bronze plaque containing ‘ the “Roll of Honor” presented in loving memory of lst Lt. William A. Bloom, Jr., and the “Golden Book," given to the congregation in 1943, in memory of Ensign David Straus. The 1944 Year Book contains the following “Tribute to Our Mem bers in War Activities,” by Dr. Schachtel: “Outstanding is the record of the City of Houston in all branches of homefront cooperation with the successful conduct of the war. We are particularly proud of the contribution to Houston's magniﬁcent record made by large numbers of our membership. . . Distinguished service have our members rendered to the Harris County Emergency Blood Bank; the American Red Cross; Knitting, Sewing, and Production of Surgical Dress ings; First Aid; Fire Fighters; Motor Corps; Auxiliary Police; Air Raid Warning System; Information Center; District Wardens; and Decontami nation Squad. In addition, our members have loyally purchased War Bonds and Stamps; helped in each drive to sell them; gave of their time and effort to serve the USO, the Rationing Board, and other similar volunteer endeavor . . . "To the men and women and children who always said ‘Yes’ when they might have said ‘No’ to the call of home front war service, to all those who came forward instead of hesitating and doing nothing, to those in Congregation Beth Israel who are thus helping to speed the coming victory, we offer this tribute.” During the period of the ﬁghting in Korea and following the truce that terminated hostilities, the membership of Beth Israel once more has responded to the military needs of the country. Lt. Irwin Levy, who had served in Europe in the Second World War, was attached to the Air Force in Korea, and Captain David Westheimer served in the Air Force again. Lt. Harold Gilbert and Capt. Jerome Rosenbloom also served dur ing World War II and the period of “Korean hostilities.” Ensign Jerome Bailes, who died in the service of his country during the period of “Korean hostilities,” was given a military funeral from the Temple, and the Citizen ship Award in the religious school is presented in his memory. Rabbi Alfred Barnston, the son of Dr. Henry Barnston, served as a chaplain with the Marines in World War II, and Rabbi Henry Cohen II, recently ordained at the Hebrew Union College, is presently an Army chaplain in the Far East. Within the span of a hundred years, the congregation has felt ‘the economic pressure of the “Federal blockade,” endured the pestilence of

68 "yellow fever” during one war and an epidemic of “Spanish influenza" in another. In all the wars, it has seen its sons and fathers depart, some never to return. 8. Building and Dedication In his annual message of 1938, the incumbent president, Mr. Ike Freed, noted that “in the very near future” it would become necessary “to again take up the recommendations of a year ago and build an annex” to the Community House. However, the Second World War, as well as internal developments within the congregation, prevented this gentleman's prediction from materializing until a decade later. At this time, the Beth Israel Year Book gives more detailed information from the “Construction Planning Committee," headed by I. S. Brochstein, who stated in his report that the congregation now owned the entire block on which the Temple and the Abe M. Levy Hall were located, as well as three-quarters of an adjoining block to be used for parking purposes. (A corner site, measuring 100 by 125, had been “practically gifted to the congregation" by the for mer owner, Sam Taub, and at a later date, permission was granted from the city to close the street between the two blocks, thereby allowing easy accessto the Temple buildings from the parking lot.) The members of the building committee were Mrs. A. A. Bath, Tobias Sakowitz, M. N. Dannenbaum, Irving G. Straus, Mellie Davidson, and Albert Meyerson. The architects for the remodeling of the Temple and the Abe M. Levy Hall and for the construction of additonal buildings were Irving Klein and Theo Keller; the mechanical engineer, Israel A. Naman, all members of Beth Israel. Once more Congregation Beth Israel embarked upon a building program to accommodate its membership and their children. Mr. Brochstein ex plained in his report that "the entire group of buildings existing and new” were "to form a ‘U’ around a beautifully landscaped court facing” in the same direction as the Sanctuary. The new buildings that were planned consisted of a two—storiedstructure, which would form an entrance foyer for the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall and contain the Rabbi's and the administrative oflices, and a one-storied religious school building, accom modating fourteen classrooms and a library. The Abe M. Levy Hall was to be remodeled, with auditorium and modern stage facilities on the second floor, and an assembly hall and kitchen facilities below. The building of a small chapel also was contemplated at this time. All buildings, including the Temple, were to be air-conditioned, and the interior of the Sanctuary was to be reconstructed with floor-to-ceiling wall paneling and numerous other alterations, including a new decor. All plans that were contemplated, with the exception of the chapel, were completed within a period of two years and four months. And on September 29 and October 1, 1950, the new and remodeled buildings were to be dedicated in dual ceremonies. Mr. Ike Freed, who had envisioned the

69 I great need of the congregation, had died. Dr. Barnston, who as a young man had pleaded for the expansion of the congregations facilities in the Temple on Franklin Avenue, also did not live to see the completion of the new buildings. Outstanding gifts from Mrs. Lena Berlowitz (in memory of her par ents, Charles and Goldie Mendelsohn) ; from Mr. and Mrs. Geo. S. Cohen; from the family of Mr. I. L. Freed; along with contributions from the membership of Beth Israel, had enabled the building project to be accom plished in record time. The congregation also has been the recipient of two generous legacies during the past decade, one from Miss Harriet Levy for maintenance of the Abe M. Levy Hall, and another from Mrs. Katie Stern. There is no record in the congregation's archives of the dedication ceremonies of December 12, 13 and 14, 1925, when the new Beth Israel Temple on Holman and La Branch and the Abe M. Levy Community House were officially opened. A newspaper story in Houston Chronicle of that time supplies the information that the Sanctuary was "the ﬁnest house of worship of its kind in the entire South" and that it was "equipped with the largest and best organ in the South." A number of Texas rabbis took part in the three-day ceremonies; the Rev. A. Frank Smith, then pastor of the First Methodist Church, delivered the main address of the initial (Friday night) service, and on Sunday the Abe M. Levy Hall was formally opened with a program which included a three-act play entitled “The Jew in America.” (The dedication plaque of the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall is inscribed with the names of Morris H. Levy, a charter member of Congregation Beth Israel, Adelena J. Levy, Isaac S. Levy, Abe M. Levy, Leo Levy, Joseph Levy, Fanny L. Goldman, and Hyman Levy.) Nearly a quarter of a century later, the Congregation Beth Israel re dedicated the fourth house of worship of its history and the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall, where the portraits of “Mr. Abe,” “Mr. Haskel,” and later, "Miss Harriet" looked down on the busy activity, which their gen erosity had to a large extent made possible. Also dedicated at this time were the Freed Memorial Tower, and the Mendelsohn Memorial School, where portraits of Mr. Ike L. Freed and of Charles and Goldie Mendelsohn now hang. The “Program of Dedication Ceremonies” records the following committees: "Construction and Planning Committee, I. S. Brochstein, Chairman. “Construction and Remodeling Fund Raising Committee, Geo. S. Cohen and Reuben W. Askanase, Co-Chairman. "Finance Committee, Sam Suravitz, Chairman. “Furnishings and Interior Decorating Committee, Mrs. I. Fried lander, Chairman." M. N. Dannenbaum, then president of the congregation, took an active part in the building and remodeling project.

70 On Friday night, September 29, the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Schachtel, preached the “Sermon of Dedication." (A program note reads that “the hymns and music for this service were composed especially in honor of this occasion by Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel and arranged for the choir and organ by Mr. Anthony Rahee.) The following morning there was a “Children's Dedication Service in the Sanctuary during which a ‘Special Sermon’ was delivered by the Assistant Rabbi, Robert J. Schur. And on Sunday night, October 1, Dr. Samuel Goldenson, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Emmanuel, New York City, gave the main address at the "Dedication Banquet." The “Program of Dedication Ceremonies" contains the following tribute to the memory of Dr. Henry Barnston: “We mourn deeply the fact that Dr. Barnston did not live to see the completion of our new and remodeled buildings. However, he saw it all in construction and his spirit of love fills our Temple and his spirit is found triumphant in our growing congregaton and its beautiful structures. The memory of the righteous is a blessing. "At this period of dedication, we rededicate ourselves to uphold the ideals which he taught us, during his brilliant half century of ministry in our midst." During the past ten years, the Annual Year Books of Congregation Beth Israel have contained special dedications, which are, in themselves, a record of congregational history. We reprint them herewith: 1943 -—This booklet is pridefully dedicated to the members of Con gregation Beth Israel and their families who are serving their country valiantly, not only on battlefields of a war—tornworld, but also at home. Just as our sons, fighting the battle of righteousness in distant lands, are wearing the uniform of the United States Army and Navy, and of the Air and Marine Corps, with dignity and honor, so are their dear ones at home laboring untiringly with every wartime activity identified with the broad over-all patriotic endeavor. With our full strength we shall continue to serve those causes dedicated to the preservation of the time-tested ideol ogies and philosophies of the one true Democracy which shall become the salvation of civilization. Leopold L. Meyer, President. 1944 — With a deep sense of gratitude and feelingful appreciation for the forty—four years of faithful service rendered by Dr. Henry Barnston to Beth Israel, and with prayerful hope that the affectionate regard in which Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel is held by the members of his con gregation will blossom into an abiding love, this brochure is dedicated to these two illustrious gentlemen as an expression of the reverent esteem of their devoted congregants. For Dr. Barnston we pray that his period of retirement will be replete with joy and most pleasant reflection upon a life well spent and piously

71 dedicated to the serviceof God and of his fellow men; for Rabbi Schachtel we ask God's blessing and indulge the hope that his career, so brilliantly launched, will attain full development and fruition in our midst, and that as an exemplar of all that is good and noble, his services will redound to the everlasting glory of all Israel. Leopold L. Meyer, President. 1945 ——This booklet is most respectfully dedicated to the board of trustees of Congregation Beth Israel. Practically all of the members of the board have served throughout the three years during which I have been president, and during which time a complete revolution in the affairs of the congregation has been effected. To the successful accomplishment of our objectives each member of the board has contributed his full and propor tionate share. I acknowledge gratefully the loyal support that has been accorded me and Without which the responsibilities of my oflice could not have been successfully discharged. Leopold L. Meyer, President. 1946——This annual report is dedicated to the membership of the congregation, its officers,board of trustees, committees, our beloved Rabbis and office personnel; the Sisterhood and Brotherhood and their oflicial families and committees, all of Whom have so loyally and ably served the congregation during my incumbency in ofiice. To them is due, and gladly extended, unstinted praise for the successful fulfillment in this the eighty-ninth year of the purposes for which this great congregation Was created and established. Simon Sakowitz, President. l947 —This annual report is lovingly dedicated to Mrs. J. O. Berlo witz, who in this blessed year of our existence donated fifty thousand dollars to the congregation in memory of her beloved parents, Charles and Goldie Mendelsohn. This is the most gracious individual act in our history since the mag nanimous gifts made by the immortal Abe M. Levy, Harriet Levy and Haskel Levy, in memory of the departed members of their family. May Mrs. Berlowitz with those near and dear to her live in health and happi ness for many years to observe the great enjoyment of the fruits of her beneficence, is the earnest prayer of a grateful congregation. Simon Sakowitz, President. 1948 — This annual report is dedicated to the membership of the con gregation, its oflicers,board of trustees, committees, our beloved Rabbis and oflicepersonnel; the Sisterhood and Men’s Club and their oflicial families and committees, all of whom have so loyally and ably served the congre gation during my incumbency in oflice.

72 RABBI BERNARD H. LAVINE Assistant Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel, 1954

DR. MAURICE EISEN DRATH WITH DR. SCI-IACHTEL as the President of the Union of American Hebrew Congre gations spoke in Houston for Beth Israel’s Centen nial Celebration N. D. NAMAN LEOPOLD L. MEYER

SIMON SAKOWITZ TOBIAS SAKOWITZ

The Advisory Board of Past— Presidents of Congregation L Beth Israel, 1954 Z

MAURICE N. DANNENBAUM To them is due, and gladly extended, unstinted praise for the success ful fulﬁllment in this the ninety—fourthyear of the holy purposes for which this great congregation was created and established. Simon Sakowitz, President.

1949 ——IKE L. FREED, Past President 1932-1937. Born 1877; died 1948. Dedicated to the service of Congregation Beth Israel throughout his lifetime and an everlasting inspiration to those who now must carry out his dreams to fulfillment, this annual report is affectionately dedicated to the memory of Ike L. Freed. 1950 -——DR.HENRY BARNSTON, Rabbi, 1900-1949. Born, Dover, England, 1868; died, Houston, Texas, 1949. Dedicated to the service of Congregation Beth Israel throughout his lifetime, this annual report is affectionately dedicated to his memory. 1951 — In Honor of MR. MAURICEN. DANNENBAUM. The past three years, a crucial period of growth and progress in the long history of Beth Israel, owe much to our president, Maurice N. Dan nenbaum, for all that has been accomplished. As he leaves the presidency, the gratitude of our congregation is hereby expressed by dedicating this annual report as a tribute to him who has been a brilliant, faithful and courageous administrator. We look forward to many, many more years during which we shall continue to receive from Maurice N. Dannenbaum the support and guid ance of his wise and helpful counsel. 1952 — In Honor of MRS. MIRIAMBROWNING,master teacher of our kindergarten for thirty-two years. This annual report is dedicated to Mrs. Browning with love and deepest appreciation. We honor her for a lifetime dedicated to teaching and exemplifying the love of God. None have contributed more to the spiritual strength of our congregation than this saintly woman, who is loved by all who know her. In Mrs. Browning we have found “a woman of valor.” May God be with her always. 1953 — This annual report is dedicated to Mr. Geo. S. Cohen, a member of our beloved congregation for the past thirty-five years. Mr. Cohen served the administrations of the four immediate past presidents in various ap pointive capacities and in May, 1951, allowed his name to be presented to the congregation for the elective oflice of treasurer, which oflice he has held for the past two years under the present administration. During these fifteen years, Mr. Cohen served as chairman or co-chairman of the Ritual and Music Committee, as chairman of the committee which recommended Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel to succeed the revered Dr. Henry Barnston. and on various other committees. Mr. Cohen vitalized the building program by advocating the closing of a city street and planning the Religious Center on its present single plot of ground and by announcing at the same time his generosity, joined in by Mrs. Cohen, which has provided some fifty thousand dollars for the building fund. Mr. Cohen served as co—chairmanand later as chairman of the Building Fund Committee. Presently, Mr. Cohen is devising ways and means by which he hopes that the Perpetual Care Fund will provide for all cemetery needs without requiring subsidy from the congrega— tion, and in implementing certain plans which will reduce the burden of present amortization requirements under the congregation's long—time building debt. Mr. Cohen particularly asked that, instead of his picture, this Dedi— cation Page display the symbolic emblems which adorn the shield of the Robert and Agnes Cohen House, which he erected on the campus of The Rice Institute to express his joy upon his parents reaching their seventieth birthdays. These emblems are the priestly symbol of his name, Cohen; the Owls, which are an ancient symbol of wisdom: the Torch of Knowledge as an inspiration to all of those who "in loco parentis" have dedicated their services to the enlightenment of the minds of the young; and the Fifth Commandment, as it is carved on the walls of the Cohen House, in the language in which it was given to the Western World, which in English reads: "Honor thy father and thy mother”—the only Commandment which promises a reward, in the hope that this Commandment, with its promise of “long life upon the land which the Lord Thy God giveth thee," may provide increased ardor of all members toward their religious alma mater, Congregation Beth Israel. Mr. Cohen believes that any credit for his labors on behalf of his beloved congregation should be given to forebears who for generations set so noble an example in serving their congregations, and all of us will agree with Mr. Cohen that this annual report should also be dedicated to Mrs. Geo. S. Cohen, affectionately known as "Sister." Without her patience and understanding and the sacrificeof many personal privileges, it would have been impossible for her husband to have given so much of his time for the welfare of Congregation Beth Israel of Houston. To George and Sister Cohen go our loving appreciation, and the prayer that God will bless them so that their days may be long upon the land. The activities of the Temple Auxiliaries have been integrated in the general history of the congregation of which they are a vital part. As has been indicated, the Sisterhood was organized during the "Romanesque Period.” In 1927, a Men's Club was formed. However, the Minutes of the annual meeting in 1936 refer to the prospect of establishing a Men’s Aux iliary, “known as. . . a Brotherhood," and it is not until 1940 that the

74 Brotherhood of Temple Beth Israel was formally established under the leadership of its first president, Albert A. Kaufman. This organization is now known as the Men's Club. In l937 women were given the right of suffrage in Beth Israel. Mrs. W. W. Munzesheimer was the first woman to hold oflice in the congregation. During the period, 1925-1954. the following men have served in the officeof president for the congregation: Sam Lewis, N. D. Naman, I. L. Freed, Tobias Sakowitz, I. Friedlander, Leopold Meyer, Simon Sakowitz, M. N. Dannenbaum, and Irvin Shlenker. It is difficult to single out any other of the numerous members who have actively engaged in congrega— tional work during this period. Among those who have served the congre gation as officers and trustees since 1925 are Dr. M. D. Levy, Rene Levy, Max Nathan, Sam I. Millet, Sam Suravitz, Harry Susman, and I. Mark Westheimer. In recent years, three young men from Congregation Beth Israel have been ordained at the Hebrew Union College. They are Rabbi Alfred Barns ton, Rabbi Emmet Frank, and Rabbi Henry Cohen. Mrs. Rose Brilling, who is the staff secretary to the Sisterhood, has been afliliated with the congregation for twenty—nineyears. Her husband, Robert Brilling, served the congregation as secretary before his death. Charles Wunderman, now deceased, was executive secretary of Beth Israel during the forties. The present executive secretary is Leonard Gold. The new Assistant Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel, as of July 1, 1954, will be Rabbi Bernard Lavine. For a period of twenty years, Michael Keller was sexton for Beth Israel. One of the present caretakers of buildings and grounds, George Price, has been with the congregation since 1907. Eight funds have been established under the auspices of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel. They include the Harriet Levy Scholarship Fund, the Frederick Lewis Godlove Book Fund, the Peggy Ann Efron ResearchFund, the Carl J. Herman Memorial Visual Aid Fund, the Maury Minchen Child Health Fund, the House of Living Judaism Fund, the Altar Flower and Prayer Book Fund, and the Sabina Weinstock Cancer Research Fund. The Construction and Remodeling Fund, the Dr. Barnston Me morial Fund, the Perl Colman Memorial Fund, and the Jerome Bailes Fund are under the auspices of the congregation. Beth Israel has been the recipient of many generous gifts and donations. which have served to beautify the Sanctuary and furnish needed equipment for the religious school and the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall. The Beth Israel News Bulletin is published monthly. The present editor is Mrs. M. D. Levy, Jr. ' Mrs. Portia Spencer has been the Director of the Beth Israel choir for several decades, and through her efforts, the beauty of the services has been greatly enhanced.

75 9. " ‘A Congregation Goes Forward on the Hearts of Its People.’" The Beth Israel News, monthly publication of the congregation, in December, 1953, contained the following significant statement under the heading "Beth Israel Continues to Grow": “Since June 30, 1953, seventy-three families have afliliated with Beth Israel. At this early date in the congregation year, the group already exceeds the enrollment in any one congregation year since 1944- and brings the total membership in our congregation to 924 families.”" Thus, the congregation which began its chartered existence with 22 members reachestoward the thousandth mark in the year of the Centenary. However, participation of the membership in the life of the congregation rather than largesse in numbers or wealth is considered to be the true test of the progress of a congregation. How far has the Congregation Beth Israel advanced since the days when a small band of men met with covered heads in an unheated synagogue through the cold, damp winters and in the sweltering summers, preserving their identity as a congregation through the trying period of the Civil War, struggling with their need for integra tion and toward the ritual of Reform? Certainly, part of the answer may be found in the widespread mem bership participation during the period of the adoption of the "Basic Principles," when 800 congregants (men and Women) out of a total family membership of 764 attended the special meeting of November 23, 1943. The present participation of the Beth Israel membership in the activi ties of the congregation may be judged by the numerous, active Sisterhood Committees, the well-attended Men's Club meetings, the “Temple Junior” group,’ the successful bazaars that have been held, the large community Seders, the frequent Bar Mitzvahs, the excellent attendance record reported by the principal of the religious school, the hard—working board of officers and trustees, the outstanding audience for Dr. Schachtel's book lectures, and the enthusiastic response of the congregation to the monthly Centen nial-Sabbath Special Services. “A Message from Dr. Hyman Judah Schachte1” in the 1953 Year Book provides the following commentary on membership participation: “It is my desire to express my appreciation to all the members of the congregation who have contributed greatly to the spiritual advance of our holy efforts . . . I do hope that all those who have graciously and willingly helped our congregation during the past year have discovered the satisfac tion which comes to those who do something for the sanctification of God's name. . .I want to tell all our good women who have labored so untir ingly to prepare and to serve the luncheons and dinners of the past season, the men who have served as ushers, Who have volunteered their time and energy to help the congregation and the religious school in numerous

6. Mr. M. M. Schwartz was Membership Chairman at this time. 7. Robert Sakowitz is the President of the Temple Juniors.

76 enterprises, the boys and girls who have come to our assistance on Sun day mornings, and who have never ceased striving to make our young people’s activities successful ventures—to all, young and older alike, accept the tribute of your Rabbi . . . " A congregation goes forward on the willing and loving hearts of its people. We have such people in abundance, and that is why the 100th year which We shall observe in 1954 will be a thrilling and inspiring centennial observance . . .” In his first annual report to the congregation, the president of Beth Israel, Mr. Irvin Shlenker, made the following significant statement: “To those of you whose very presence here is indicative of your inter est and who attend serviceswith reasonable regularity, who stand ready and willing to answer the call of your congregation, I make this plea: Consider yourselves a group determined to speak to your friends about their attitude and indifference to our religious fellowship——tryto interest them to partici pate as you do~—toaccompany you to the Sanctuary and to work with you in your endeavors for the Temple. Assure every one there is work to be done by all of us. Whether or not a congregation is warm or cold depends upon the full understanding and significance of What I have just said. A congregation is cold when its people do not readily come forward to participate in its worship and activities, when its pews are empty on Fri day night, and when Saturday morning services almost fail for lack of a ‘minyan.’ “A congregation is warm whose people, no matter what their material station in life, come forward to be counted among those present when the call to duty is heard, and when its pews are occupied by a reasonable num ber of membership attending services. I want to be the president of a warm congregation . . .” On this note of self-examination and creative criticism, we conclude our History of Congregation Beth Israel in the year of the Centenary, 1954. Looking backward 100 years from its present position as Citadel of the Classical Reform Movement in Judaism, the oldest Jewish congregation in the State of Texas may find additional warmth from the traditional spirit of its founders and renewed vitality in the knowledge of the struggles and hardships that have marked the history from the period of the Civil War through the depressed days of the Franklin Avenue Temple to the present: time. There have been numerous crises recounted, some material in nature, and a number, ideological in character. There have been three major wars and a "period of hostilities." Against the background of far reaching environmental factors, our congregants have made their history, chronicled it by candle and gas light and modern fluorescent tubes, and lived it in four houses of worship. We leave them in their period of “Great Expansion” with vigorous rabbinic and lay leadership, facing the promise and peril of the Atomic Age.

77 OFFICERS

Irvin M. Shlenker ...... President (Chairman of the Board, Houston National Bank; President, Gulftex Co., Inc.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: President, Home for the Aged Sons and Daughters of Israel; Past President, Jewish Community Council; Board Member of Houston Farm and Ranch Club: Houston Chapter National Foundation of Infantile Paralysis; Houston Variety Club; American Council for Judaism; Citizens’ Pharmacy Committee for Greater Houston; and Tercentennial Committee, Chairman. I. Mark Westheimer ...... Fz'rst Vice-President (Partner, Hirsch and Westheimer, Lawyers) Dues and Adjustment Committee; Cemetery Committee; Chairman. Arrangements for Holiday Services; Rabbinical Relations Committee; Investment Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Past President, Houston Lodge, B’nai B’rith; Past Chairman, Grievance Committee, 8th Congressional District; Past Member of State Bar Committee on American Citizenship: Board of Directors. Houston Community Council; Member, Budget Committee, United Fund: Board of Directors, Southwestern Jewish Community Relations Council; Member, Executive Com mittee, Jewish Community Council; President, Jewish Family Service; Member, American Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, and Houston Bar Association. Col. Albert A. Kaufman ...... Second Vice-President (Owner, Albert A. Kaufman 65 Co., Insurance) First President of Brotherhood (Men’s Club) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Past President, Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Houston; Past President, Jewish Home for the Aged; Colonel, U. S. Army, Honorary Reserve.

Mrs. Gerson Scheps ...... Secretary Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Board, De Pelchin Faith Home; Board, Negro Child Center; Chairman of Family and Child Welfare Section of Community Council; Board of Community Chest, Member of Budget Committee, Com munity Chest; Board of Jewish Family Service; President of Jewish Family Service; presently serving on: Board of Volunteer Community Services; Board of United Fund; Budget Committee of United Fund; Board of Jewish Family Service.

Geo. S. Cohen ...... Treasurer (Formerly President Foley Bros. and American Maid Flour Mills; presently Chairman of the Board, Foley Bros., President of Nehoc Land Company) Chairman, Ritual and Music Committee; Chairman, Finance and Budget Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Formerly Trustee, Houston Community Chest, Houston Negro Hospital, Houston Museum of Fine Arts: Director, Friends of Rice Society; Member Houston Philosophical Society. Formerly President Texas Retail Dry Goods Association; Vice-President Houston Young Men’s Business League and Galveston Merchants Association; Director National Retail Dry Goods Association. Among philanthropies, donor of The Robert and Agnes Cohen House and its Endowment Fund at The Rice Institute. Life Member The Rice Institute Faculty Club. TRUSTEES

Raymond I. Arsht ...... /Trustee (President, Starr Oil 66 Gas Co.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Secretary, American Council of Judaism; Director, I.P.A.A.; Director, Council for Retarded Children; Director, Greater Houston Council of Camp Fire Girls; Ameican Petroleum Institute; Petroleum Club. Publications Committee.

78 Irving M. Axelrod ...... , ...... _ . . , ...... Trustee (Merchandise Manager and Member Board of Directors of J. Weingarren, Inc.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Member of Board of Direc tors for Harris County Lighthouse for the Blind; Member of Board of Directors, Jewish Vocational Service; Member of Board of Directors, Retail Merchants Association; Member Auction Committee, Houston Fat Stock Show: Member Texas Merchants Association.

Jules S. Breitenbach ...... _ ...... _ ...... Trustee (Superior Chemical Company) Chairman Cemetery Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Arabia Temple Shrine; Arabia Temple Wrecking Crew; Scottish Rite Bodies.

I. S. Brochstein ...... Trustee (Broehstein’s, Inc.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Former President, Jewish Family Service; Former Chairman of Health Section Sub-Budget Committee United Fund: Member Rotary Club; Member President's Committee on Occupational Safety, United States Department of Labor; Member Policy Committee, National Association Manufac turers; Board Member, National Association of Small Business Men; Member Variety Club; Member Press Club.

I. Erlich ...... _ . . . . , . . . .Trustee (President of Palais Royal) Rabbinical Relations Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Chamber of Commerce: Board of Retail Merchants Association; Chairman Special Stores Committee, United Fund.

Mrs. Ike L. Freed ...... /Trustee Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Council of Jewish Women (Past President) ; Conference of Christians and Jews; Art Museum; Art Museum Guild.

Aron S. Gordon ...... , . . . .Trustee (Retail Jewelry) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Chamber of Commerce; Y.M.C.A.; B’nai B'rith; American Legion.

Abe D. Grossman ...... /Trustee (Partner - Craig’s) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Board, Houston Retail Merchants Association; Board, Jewish Vocational Guidance: Member, Reserve Officers Association; Member, Rice Alumni Association; Member, B’nai B’rith.

Matthew Kahn ...... , ...... Trustee Chairman, Bazaar Committee, 1943-1953; Membership Committee, l947-1949.

Dr. Moise D. Levy ...... Trustee (Physician) Vice-President, Congregation Beth Israel, 1940-43. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Member Jewish Community Council; B’nai B'rith; Phi. D.E., National Executive Committee, American Council for Judaism; Friends of Jewish Newsletter; American Jewish Committee. Former Governor American College Physicians (1938-1948); President Houston Academy of Medicine: Member Local, District, and American Medical Association: Member Advisory Committee Planned Parenthood of Houston. Past President Texas Club of Internists; Past President Houston Club of Internists: Chief Internist. S. P. Hospital, Houston.

79 Wm. H. Levy ...... _ ...... , . . .Trustee (Owner, Rice Blvd. Food Market) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: President, Village Associa tion; Charter Member West University Masonic Lodge: Member Houston Consistory and Arabia Temple; Past President Retail Grocers Association of Houston; Charter Member West University Lions Club; Member Houston Chamber of Commerce; Member B’nai B’rith.

Lou Lewis ...... Trustee (President, Lewis 66 Coker Super Market) Nominating Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Charter Member and Former Oﬂicer of Heights Rotary Club; Member Reagan Lodge of the Masonic Body; Member Arabia Shrine Temple: Former Member of the Board of Directors of Civilian Defense for Houston Area.

Mrs. Mitchell Lewis ...... , ...... Trustee President of the Sisterhood of Beth Israel. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Chairman of Women’s Division of the United Jewish Appeal; Volunteer Board of Veterans Administration Hos pital; Past President of the Council of Jewish Women; Board of Elva Wright Auxiliary of Houston T.B. Hospital; Member of Executive Committee of Jewish Community Council.

Lewis A. Lowenstein ...... Trustee (President, American Mortgage Security Corp.; President, La Salle Life Insurance Co.; President, Century Loan Plan, Inc.; President, Universal General Life Ins. Co.; Owner, Mutual Management Co.) President of the Men's Club of Beth Israel.

A. F. Miller ...... Trustee (A. F. Miller Company)

Louis A. Miller ...... Trustee (Vice-President, Miller Bros.) Religious School Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Chairman of Wholesale and Manufacturers’ Committee of the Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Board of the Union-Made Garment Manufacturers’ Association; Director of the Southern Garment Manufacturers’ Association.

Hyman Reader ...... Trustee (Reader's Wholesale Distributors, Inc.)

Mose Martin Schwartz. .‘...... Trustee (Managing Partner, S. G. Raphael 8: Co., General Insurance) Past President, Men's Club; Membership Chairman, 1952-1954; Founding Editor, The Temple News; Charter Member and Past President, The Temple Juniors. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Past President, Houston Lodge B’nai B’rith; Past President, Houston B’nai B'rith Council of Lodges; Founding Sponsor Houston A.Z.A.; Former Trustee Houston Jewish Welfare Board; Former Trustee Houston Jewish Family Service; Past Treasurer-V. President Houston Insurance Exchange.

Sam J. Shapiro ...... Trustee (Self-Employed — Real Estate) Teacher in the Religious School. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Past President, MacGregor School P.T.A.; Member of Board (6 years) Jewish Community Center.

80 GEO. s. COHEN COL. A. A. KAUFMAN Treasurer 2nd Vice—President

OFFICERS OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL, 1954 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON

November 2, 1954

Dear Dr. Schachtel: I am happy to learn founding of Houston’ I am told, is the old

$10!].worship in your State. To you and your congregation, I extend warm congratulations on this significant occa

hundredthThis observance ' of Congre

spiritualTo you I sendneeds my of bestyour wishes congregation. in your ministry to the

ﬂ cerc1Y: Aux

RabbiDr. Hyman Judah Schachtel Congregation Beth Israel 3517Austin Street Houston 4, Texas Sam Suravitz ...... Trustee (Beard 6: Stone Electric Co., Inc., Secretary-Treasurer) Past Treasurer. Past Second Vice-President, Board Member for 10 years. Communal activities, past and present, include afﬁliations with various Jewish and Non Jewish Organizations for many years in varied capacities. ADVISORY BOARD OF PAST PRESIDENTS Maurice N. Dannenbaum ...... Past President of Beth Israel (President M. N. Dannenbaum Co.; Vice-President, Texas Water Wells, Inc.) Chairman, Centennial Committee; Chairman, Religious School Committee. Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Vice Chairman, Anti-Defam ation League; Past President District Grand Lodge of B'nai B’rith; Past President Jewish Community Center; Former Vice—PresidentJewish Community Council; Member Executive Committee S.W.J.C.R.C.; Past President Houston Engineers Club; Vice-President Harris burg Rotary Club; Chairman Budget Committee of United Fund; Member Executive Committee, United Fund; Member Executive Committee, Community Council; Former Chairman Building Committee, Jewish Community Center; Chairman Building Committee, Jewish Home for the Aged; Former Chairman Water Resource and Supply Committee, Chamber of Commerce; Former Member Executive Committee, National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Leopold L. Meyer ...... Past President of Beth Israel (President, Meyer Bros., Inc.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Chairman, UJA, 1950; President, Houston Horse Show Association and Texas Children's Hospital; Member of Board of: Holly Hall, United Fund, Lighthouse for the Blind, American Heart Society, Civic Music Association, Chamber of Commerce; Past President, National Retail Credit Association, Houston Retail Merchants Association; Past Treasurer, Houston Symphony Society, Bureau of Mental Hygiene; Past Chairman, Community Chest Campaign, 1948. Nathan D. Naman ...... Past President of Beth Israel (Retired) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Chairman, Red Cross Fund Drive, Nacogdoches County, World War I; Draft Board Re-Employment Member, World War II; Sponsored Houston Philharmonic Orchestra; Sponsored Summer Concerts, Hous ton Symphony Orchestra; Past President, Houston Hotel Association; Past President. Texas Chess Association; Past Director, U. S. Chess Federation; 1926-28, Chairman Houston and South Texas Jewish Charity Fund Drive for OverseasRelief; Past President. United Jewish Welfare Association; Co-Chairman, JCRS, Texas Wing. Denver, Colorado. Simon Sakowitz ...... Past President of Beth Israel (Sakowitz Bros.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Board of Directors, United Fund; Board of Regents, University of Houston; Board of Directors, Second National Bank; Baylor Medical Foundation; Houston Symphony Society; Wolﬂ’ Home. Tobias Sakowitz ...... Past President of Beth Israel (Sakowitz Bros.) Communal activities, past and present, include the following: Member Board of Directors, Houston Chamber of Commerce; Former Chairman of Fire Prevention Committee, Cham ber of Commerce; Member (Honorary Life Membership) Board of Directors, Houston Fat Stock Show; Vice-Chairman, Library Committee of the City Planning Committee appointed by the Mayor; Vice-Chairman, State and National Affairs Committee (for better economy and government) ; Member Board of Directors of Retail Merchants Association and Chairman of the Finance Committee of RMA; Member of the International-Foreign Educational Committee, exchanging students in various colleges.

81 CENTENNIAL CHAIRMAN AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Centennial Chairman ...... M. N. Dannenbaum Centennial Pulpit Chairmen: January . . . _ ...... , ...... Dr. M. D. Levy February ...... _ . _ . . . _ ...... Simon Sakowitz March ...... _ ...... _ . .I. Mark Westheimer April ...... Leopold Meyer May ...... Irvin M. Shlenker and M. N. Dannenbaum Centennial Committee Chairmen: Usher Committee . . . . . _ ...... Mitche11 Zindler Publicity Committee . . . . . _ ...... , ...... AIan Meyer Historical Committee ...... _ ...... Mrs. Harry I. Cohen Program Printing Committee ...... Adie Marks Centennial Debt Retirement Committee. . . Irvin M. Shlenker, Lou Lewis, Co-Chairmen Reception Committee. . . . .Mrs. Grace Lewis, Lou Lowenstein Co-Chairmen Decorations Committee ...... Mrs. L. M. Landa

FIRST CENTENNIAL SABBATH Friday, January 22, 1954- 8:00 P. M.

Kindling Sabbath Lights ...... Mrs. Leopold L. Meyer Sabbath Service and Dedication of Straus Memorial Torah Ornaments ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel

GREETINGS Mr. Irvin M. Shlenker, President, Temple Beth Israel Mr. M. N. Dannenbaum, General Chairman of Centennial Dr. M. D. Levy, Sr., Chairman of the Evening Mayor Roy Hofheinz ——Cityof Houston Miss Ima Hogg— Houston Symphony Society Mr. Carl Stuebing -—-—HoustonPublic Library TRIBUTES Rt. Rev. Clinton S. Quin, Bishop. Diocese of Texas Bishop A. Frank Smith, Methodist Church, Houston Area

Presentation of Main Speaker ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel Address ...... Rabbi Alfred Barnston Conclusion of Service ...... , ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel

SECOND CENTENNIAL SABBATH Friday, February 19, I954~8:00 P. M.

Invocation ...... Rev. E. R. McWilliams, Houston, Round Table Candle Lighting ...... Mrs. Max Nathan Opening Hymn ...... , . . . .Combined Interfaith Choir and Congregation Sabbath Service ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel Greetings ...... Mr. Simon Sakowitz, Chairman of the Evening Hymn ...... Combined Interfaith Choir

82 GREETINGS

Rev. Dr. Chas. King...... First Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. W. Kenneth Pope ...... _...... First Methodist Church Rev. Dr. E. H. Westmoreland ...... South Main Baptist Church Rev. John Knowles ...... First Christian Church Rev. Arthur Knapp ...... Trinity Episcopal Church Rev. Dr. D. Baltzer ...... First Evangelical and Reformed Church Rev. Dr. Dean Cannon ...... St. Paul's Methodist "Gloria” by Mozart ...... Combined Interfaith Choir Presentation of Main Speaker ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel Address ...... Rt. Rev. Clinton S. Quinn, Bishop Episcopal Diocese of Texas Conclusion of Service ...... Rabbi Emmet A. Frank Anthem: ‘'0, Beautiful for Spacious Skies". .Combined Interfaith Choir and Congregation Benediction ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel

THIRD CENTENNIAL SABBATH Friday, March 12, 1954-8200 P. M.

Candle Lighting ...... Mrs. M. M. Schwartz Opening Hymn ...... Choir and Congregation Sabbath Service ...... , ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel Greetings ...... Mr. I. Mark Westheimer, Chairman of the Evening Hymn ...... _ ...... Choir and Congregation

PRESENTATION OF GREETINGS FROM

Rabbi Wm. S. Malev ...... Congregation Beth Yeshurun Rev. Dr. Robert I. Kahn ...... Congregation Emanu El Rabbi Eugene Labovitz ...... Congregation Adath Emeth Rabbi Max Geller ...... Congregation Beth Jacob Rabbi Sam Israel ...... Congregation Adath Israel

GREETINGS FROM PRESIDENTS OF HOUSTON JEWISH CONGREGATIONS

Mr. Phil Zuber ...... Congregation Beth Yeshurun Mr. Daniel Hirsh ...... Congregation E-manu El Mr. Edgar Nirken ...... Congregation Adath Emeth Mr. Herman E. Gordon ...... Congregation Beth Jacob Mr. Ellis Kammerman ...... Congregation Adath Israel Anthem ...... The Choir Presentation of Main Speaker ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel Address ...... Rev. Dr. Jonah B. Wise, Central Synagogue, New York City, N. Y. Conclusion of Service ...... Rabbi Emmet A. Frank Hymn ...... Choir and Congregation Benediction ...... Rev. Dr. Hyman Judah Schachtel

FOURTH CENTENNIAL SABBATH

Friday, April 30, 1954

Speaker of the Evening ...... Dr. Maurice Eisendrath President of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations Presentations of Centennial Citations to Twenty-one Sister Congregations in the State of Texas for their work in behalf of American Reform Judaism. Reading of the Resolutions introduced by Senator Searcy Bracewell. and passed by both Houses of the Texas Legislature, extending congratulations to Congregation Beth Israel on its 100th Anniversary.

83 MI

THE CENTENNIAL BIBLE LECTURES OF DR. HYMAN J. SCHACHTEL May 2, May 10, and May 17, 1954-10200 A. M.

Chairman for the Sisterhood ...... Mrs. Max Nathan First Lecture ...... "The Lands of the Bible" (Dr. Schachtel was assisted by Mrs. Rose, Harpist of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and by Yvonne Meyer, Pauline Hecht, and Maxine Mesinger.) Second Lecture ...... "The Peoples of the Bible" (Dr. Schachtel was assisted by Cantor Wagner) 1 Third Lecture ...... "The Thoughts of the Bible"

ANNUAL MEETING OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL May 18, 1954

Special Centennial Message ...... President Irvin M. Shlenker Presentation of Special Resolutions to Mr. Shlenker and Officers and Board Members ...... Col. Albert Kaufman Election of New Officers and Board of Trustees President ...... I. Mark Westheimer lst Vice President ...... Col. Albert Kaufman 2nd Vice President ...... Lou Lewis Secretary ...... M. Schwartz Treasurer ...... James M. Baumohl Election of Assistant Rabbi ...... Rabbi Bernard H. Lavine CENTENNIAL BANQUET IN AUTUMN OF 1954

Main Address ...... Dr. Hyman J. Schachtel Dramatic Presentations ...... Virginia Battelstein CENTENNIAL SABBATH IN OCTOBER Observance in Honor of the Men's Club of Congregation Beth Israel CENTENNIAL SABBATH IN NOVEMBER Observance in Honor of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel CENTENNIAL SABBATH CELEBRATION IN DECEMBER Presentation of Dramatic Pageant, written by Dr. Hyman J , Schachtel APPENDIX Significant Dates Relating to the History of Beth Israel Presidents of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel Lists of Men in the Armed Forces in Three Wars and a “Period of Hostilities” ‘ Membership Brochure Office Staff References

SIGNIFICANT DATES RELATING TO THE HISTORY OF BETH ISRAEL l844——Thefirst Jewish Cemetery in Texas was established in Houston. 1854-—The first Jewish Congregation in Texas was formed in Houston. ' 185 9—The Houston Congregation received a charter from the State of Texas on Decem ber 29. The name, "Hebrew Congregation of the City of Houston," was used. 1864--—The first Religious School under the auspices of Congregation Beth Israel was established on April 17. 1868-The Minhag America was adopted by a vote of the membership present at a meeting held on October 16.

84 1873-An "Act of Incorporation," using the name, "Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel," was recorded in Harris County. (This name appears in the beginning of the first Minute Book with initial entry on August 4, 1861.) The first delegate to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations was ap pointed. (Beth Israel voted to join the "Union" on May 10 of the following year.) l874—The completion of the Franklin Avenue Temple was recorded in the Minute Book of May 10. 1895-—The Minute Book of August 2 records that a new State Charter for the Congre gation had been acquired. l898——The Union Prayer Book was adopted at the "General Assembly" of the Congregation. 1900-—On January 24, Dr. Henry Barnston arrived in Houston from England. 1908—Congregation Beth Israel dedicated a new temple on October 19. l92l——The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel was formed. 1925—-The Temple on Austin Street and Holman Avenue and the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall were dedicated on December 12 13, and 14. 193-6—The Chapel and first Unit of the Temple of Rest" Mausoleum were dedicated in May. (A new wing was authorized 10 years later.) 1940—The Brotherhood of Temple Beth Israel was formed. 1943——RabbiHyman Judah Schachtel was elected Chief Rabbi on August 4. The "Basic Principles of Congregation Beth Israel" were adopted at a Special Meeting on November 23. l949—The death of Dr. Henry Barnston occurred on December 11. 1950—Dedication Ceremonies in Honor of New and Remodeled Buildings, which in cluded the Temple, the Abe M. Levy Memorial Hall, the Ike L. Freed Memorial Tower, and the Mendelsohn Memorial School, were held on September 20 and 30, and October 1. l954——TheFirst Centennial Sabbath was observed on January 22. The Second Centennial Sabbath was observed on February 19. The Third Centennial Sabbath was observed on March 12. PRESIDENTS OF THE SISTERHOOD OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL Mrs. Max Levy, Honorary President Mrs. J. Ehrenfeld ...... 1921 Mrs. Leopold L. Meyer ...... 1933-35 Mrs. Max Levy ...... 1921-22 Mrs. W. W. Munzesheimer . . .1935-37 Mrs. Sol Schoenmann ...... 1922—24 Mrs. Sol Schoenmann ...... 1937-39 Mrs. M. D. Cohen ...... 1924-25 Mrs. W. W. Munzesheimer “.1939-41 Mrs. Albert Bath ...... 1925-26 Mrs. Henry Desenberg ...... 1941-42 Mrs. A. W. Nussbaum ...... I926-28 Mrs. Lasker M. Meyer ...... l942—44 Mrs. Thomas Freundlich . . . . .1928-29 Mrs. Matthew Kahn ...... 1944-46 Mrs. Adaline Meyer ...... 1929-30 Mrs. Benjamin Bloom ...... 1946-48 Mrs. Hyman Hart ...... 193 0-31 Mrs. Joseph Corman ...... 1948-50 Mrs. A. W. Nussbaum ...... 193l-33 Mrs. Mose M. Schwartz . . . . H1950-52 Centennial Year Mrs. Mitchell M. Lewis Mrs. Cyril Coguenhem National Chairman of Family Education Mrs. Mose M. Schwartz

LISTS OF MEN IN THE ARMED FORCES IN THREE WARS AND A “PERIOD OF HOSTILITIES" THE CIVIL WAR G. H. Simon Louis Colman Wolf Bacharach Isaac Billig Isaac Elssasser VETERANS WORLD WAR I — 1917-1918 Ben Appelbaum Leon L. Block Sidney Butler Henry M. Becker, Jr. Sidney J. Browning IsaacB. Colman Max C. Becker Dr. G. A. Burgheim M. N. Dannenbaum Sam W. Becker Nathan Butler Dr. Louis Daily

These lirtr have been compiled from all available record: in the Afchivex. Thoxe listed were affiliated with Congregation Beth Lrrael when they entered the service.

85 Sam G. Epstein Alexander Kiam Louis Richker Harry Freundlich Louis M. Landa L. G. Rosenberg. Sr. Louis M. Freundlich Chas. A. Landau Melvin Rouff Sol Freundlich Dr. G. W. Larendon Harry Rudnick Dr. T. Freundlich Dr. G. C. Lechenger Gus Saper Leonard M. Gabert, Sr. Arthur Leiser Paul Saper Saul Galewsky Herbert Levy Rube Samuels Gustave Gerson Leo M. Levy Charles Schlom Milton Gimbel Robert Levy Harry H. Silber Henry D. Greenberg Lawrence Lewis Raphael Simon Isidor N. Greenberg Lawrence Lipper Ben Straus John Hahlo Mike Mesinger Ben Taub Nathan B. Halporn Dr. J. C. Michael Louis Wagner Louis Jacobs Milton Morris Julian A. Weslow Raymond Jacobs Morris Nathan Leon Weinberg Dan Kahn Wm. M. Nathan Harry W. Wilk Charles M. Kapner Harry B. Prince Ben Wolf Max Keller Marion Reichman Harry Wolf

MEN IN SERVICE — WORLD WAR II Arnold B. Aronson Coleman D. Caplovitz Dr. Hirsh J. Frachtman Colman R. Asher Louis R. Cohen Harry L. Fred Carl S. Ablon Max Clark Aubrey Farb Sadie Aaron Chester Cohen Irvin J. Farb Henry Breier Robert C. Clarke Joe T. Finkelstein Leopold S. Baer Melvin Cohen Raymond S. Fishman Melvin Bettin Hilford J. Chesnick Joseph M. Freeman Leonard Bennett Milton H. Cohen Dr. Charles G. Freundlich Manuel G. Bloom, M.D. Louis Colbe Thos. Freundlich, Jr, Harold Backrack Harold Cohn A. L. Frosch W. A. Bloom, Jr. James Cooper Sig Frucht M. L. Baumohl Dr. Wm. N. Cogen Paul Frucht Leon Blonstein John J. Cooper Robert Franklin Chpl. Alfred Barnston Hyman Cohen Lloyd K. Friedman Jack D. Barnston Dr. Raymond Cohen Monte H. Friedman Leonard S. Burke Joseph Corman John J. Gates Galvin Mayo Becker Abe H. Daven Irvin M. Goldie Dr. Donald Butler George Daven Jack B. Good Lester D. Bendix Henry Desenberg Paul L. Butler Bernard M. Golding Bert Douglas Alvin L. Goodstein J. O. Berlowitz, Jr.

86 Bert D. Hirshfield Theodor Naman E. N. Gerson Milton Nurick Dr. Irvin B. Gardner Richard Holstein* Joseph B. Nelson Harold Gerson Myer S. Levy Edward Oppenheimer Harris S. Goldman Obbie Lewis Louis L. Liedeker David Pollard Irwin S. Goldberg Elliot Philips Abe E. Goldstein Dwight B. Loeb Julius Loeser Harry Pfeffer Irving W. Gruner Dr. Leon Phillips Melvin H. Gordon David J. Levy Max Ladin Joseph Billy Pfeffer Carl M. Hess William Perlrnan Howard A. Hirshfield Sidney Ladin Alex Pupkin Henry S. Hoffman Harry Laufman Louis Lechenger Dr. Leonard Rasoff Herbert R. Howell Erwin Richker Charles E. Heidingsfelder. Jr. Henry A. Lesky Leo A. Levine Sidney A. Robinson Maurice Hirsch J. A. Romm A. Hauser Irwin Levy Julian H. Levy Harry E. Rosen M. J. Hirsch Robert Rothschild C. J. Jacobson Sam Levy Joe Loeser, Jr. Morris Rosenthal Philip Jarett George Rothschild Matthews M. Jacob W. J. Loeser A. I. Lack Frederic Rieders Julius Jeffers Bernard M. Sanders Louis K. Jacobs Frank Ladin L. M. Landa. Jr. Ralph Schnitzer. Jr. Sidney R. Jeffers Jerome L. Schwartz Arnold Jacobs Milton Levit David J. Levy Edith L. Schwarz Albert J. Joseph G. B. Sherrod Lewis L. Jacobs Herbert Levy. Jr. Paul Levy Sidney A. Schwarz Dan J uran Mandel A. Silberstein David Jones Joseph Lewis Dr. Jake Markeurich Stanley I. Schwarz Albert A. Kaufman Jerome G. Simon Rabbi Robert I. Kahn Ernest F. Maas Maurice J. Mayer Raymond Sessel.Jr. Bernard Kay John Arnold Singer Edward E. Krauss, Jr. Emil Messenger Felix A. Meyer Maurice R. Shulman Leon S. Kaplan Meyer Solomon Perry Klein David W. Meyerson Jack Morris Moise Simon Dr. P. B. Klein Nathan Solomon Maurice Kleinman Maynard Marks Dr. Samuel 1. Miller. Jr. Melvin Sondack Harry Kline Sol Stein Arthur I. Krakower Gordyn (Jack) Masor Alan I-Iaskel Meyer Morris Stern. Jr. Joseph Krakower David H. Straus, Jr.* Charles K. Kamsler Dr. Henry S. Meyer Fred Mosk Louis Samuels Charles Irving Kaplan Robert D. Straus Charles M. Kapner. Jr, Jake Macow Louis Markeurich Al. H. Sakowitz Paul A. Kessler Bernard Sakowitz Edward J. Klein David Melcer Arthur M. Meyer William Salman Moses M. Kornfeld Bernard H. Sampson ReginaldKottwitz Lasker M. Meyer, Jr. Louis A. Miller Edgar G. Saper Alex Laufman Alvin F. Scharff Meyer A. Minchen Harry Levit Charles D. Scheps Adolph Leon Irvin Meyerson Adie Marks Milton S. Scheps Lewis Levy Otto Schlamme Leo A. Levine, Jr. Fred M. Nanas Ben Noble, Jr. Arthur D. Schwarz, Jr. Dr. MoiseD. Levy, Jr. Nathan Segal Michel E. Levy Charles D. Nathan Otto Nachlas Joseph M. Selber* Ben M. Levy Julius Seligman, Jr. Carl J. Herman, Jr. Bernard Naman Joseph P. Sessel Mark Herr?’ P. S. Nussbaum

87 Morris Silverberg David J. Wagner Edward T. Wolf Louis I. Simon S. K. Wagner Sam S. Wolf Jack K. Smith Sidney Wald Alex Wolff, Jr. Alvin Samuels Hyman Joseph Weinstein Joseph Wolff Joseph Samuels Meyer C. Wagner, Jr. Louis Wise Joe M. Sam Irving W. Weinstein Sidney J. Wald Judith Sepper Dr. Sol B. Weil, Jr. Frank Walker Donald Simon Louis E. Weinstein William Weintraub Arthur H. Simon, Jr. Adolph J. Westheimer Albert Wiesenthal Richard Singer Alvin Weisenberg B. G. Winner Julian Spring 1. B. Westheimer, Jr. A. B. Wise Edward Singer Dr. E. L. Wagner Lee Wolfman Gerald B. Stone Samuel F. Westheimer Jerome I. Zindler Henry Taub William Z. Weems Harold Yellin Jerome A. Tarnapol* David J. Westheimer Kenneth Zindler Solomon Tartakov Alexis A. Walter Marvin Zindler Roy Tashnek Murray White Abe Zindler, Jr. John Taub Haskell M. Wertheimer Sterling Zindler Milton Tartokov Leo Winner Warren Zindler* Daniel R. Udell Richard 0. Winner

MEN IN SERVICE ——KOREAN WAR Jerry Carl Bailes* Gerson Scheps Joel Selber John Singer* Robert Schechter Ross Seline Sigmund Rauch Sanford Alexander Henry Wexner Joseph Rauch Richard Baer Kenneth Schnitzer Leon Gordon, Jr. Harold Gilbert Jerome Rosenbloom Jay A. Gaber Mark 8. Robinson Adolph Westheimer Myles Fox Richard E. Marks David Westheimer Chaplain Henry Cohen James W. Farell Jules Kahn Irwin Levy Joseph H. Levitin Marvin J. Cohen Benjamin Kowalski Adolph Schechter Robert Epstein M. A. Minchen *Killed In Action 00000000 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL Membership Brochure, compiled by Dr. H. J. Schachtel and M. M. Schwartz, Chairman of the Membership Committee. Some Sz'gm'fz'cant Facts Congregation Beth Israel is’ the oldest organized Jewish House of Worship in the State of Texas, having been founded in 1854. When Isaac Mayer Wise, the sainted founder of American Reform Judaism, issued his invitation in 1873 to come to Cincinnati to found the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, our Congregation was among the twenty-three which answered the call and Was present. With this back ground we have maintained our position of leadership as an American Reform Jewish Congregation. The essence of our belief in Reform Judaism as practiced in our Congregation is found in our “Basic Prin ciples," which are incorporated in our By~Laws. The By-Laws are enclosed and these should be read and understood by our prospective members. A

88 The following will help you know something about our current activities: SERVICES Every Friday evening throughout the year, at 8:15, Sabbath services are held in the Sanctuary, except during the summer months when worship is observed in the Levy Memorial Hall. Sabbath morning services are held Satur day morning at 1l:00 o'clock. All Holy Days and Festivals are observed in the Sanctuary with overflow services in the Levy Hall. During Succoth, special services take place in the beautiful Succah erected in the Temple Garden. Every Passover, a Congregational Seder brings inspiration and delight to the membership. Boys of our Congregation, at the age of 13, who choose to be “Bar Mitzvah" are prepared for this impressive ritual by the rabbis. Along this same line, the Confirmation Class presents its beautiful ceremony on the night of Shovous in the Sanctuary followed by a great reception to the class in Levy Hall. RABBIS The pulpit of Beth Israel is a free pulpit. For 100 years, the rabbis of Beth Israel have articulated the highest and noblest teachings of our faith. and applied them to the problems of our day. The rabbinical leadership of our Temple consists of a chief rabbi and an assistant rabbi. With two rabbis it is possible to serve the spiritual needs of our membership throughout the entire year. Not only is the Congregation served by our distinguished rabbis, but also the community in general. Our rabbis are available for personal consultation and welcome the privilege of helping us at all times. No additional charge is made for the rabbis’ services and no perquisites are accepted. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL According to their grades 440 children assemble on Saturdays or Sundays. A faculty of 23 teachers and 17 substitutes. including a superintendent and principal, introduce our children to our illus trious faith with its eternal message of the love of God, and the love of mankind. The philosophy taught here is that of Reform Judaism, Whose major objective is to present the moral and ethical teachings of our religion in form and content which is intelligible and beautiful to the modern generation. In addition to instruction received, the Religious School observes special services of its own in the Sanctuary every Sunday morning, and, with the help of the Sisterhood, celebrates all the Holy Days and Festivals in all of their charm and religious meaning. There is a Purim party, a Succoth party, and also a model Seder. The religious school year of festivities usually ends with a picnic. SISTERHOOD The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel is one of the outstanding organizations of its kind in the country. It has a membership of more than 500 women performing a significant charitable activity in the Jewish com munity, and in the city at large. Sisterhood is the official hostess of the Congregation at all special events. For example, it serves the refreshments at all receptions after Friday evening services, receptions to the rabbis. to new members, and to the Christian clergy who come to the Institute on Judaism each year. To be associated with Beth Israel Sister hood is a coveted joy and honor in which every member takes the greatest pride. MEN'S CLUB The Men's Club of Temple Beth Israel offers to the men of the Temple great opportunities of fellowship and services. Your mem bership is encouraged and invited. Delightful dinner meeting entertainments add to the pleasure of belonging to Beth Israel's Men's Club. The Men's Club is proud of its tradi tional annual fellowship meeting with the Men's Club of the First Christian Church. It distributes free copies of the weekly radio lectures of its rabbi. It takes special joy in its annual Father and Son Banquet. The Men's Club supports the Jewish Chautauqua Society, which sends many rabbis into the colleges of our country to present the knowledge of Judaism in the classrooms to students who are eager to hear of our illustrious faith. Our Men's Club is in charge of the ushering during all services of the Holy Days and Festivals and at every Sabbath Service. YOUNG PEOPLE A fine group of.young people constitutesthe Temple Juniors. whose program is a combination of social and intellectual fare. The Temple Juniors present each year an inspiring religious service and they are always available to assist in Temple events. YOUNG MARRIEDS This group meets from time to time for the purpose of general intellectual stimulation and additional knowledge in Judaism. All members of the Congregation who consider themselves to be eligible may join this delightful association. PHYSICAL FACILITIES All membersenjoy the privileges,the comforts and conveniences that a rel_igi_ous’centerconservatively ap praised at over $1,500,000.00 provides. Among the facilities is the great Mendelsohn

89 Religious School Building housing sixteen modern air conditioned classrooms. the Freed Memorial Tower housing rabbinical and administrative offices, Abe M. Levy Community House provides assembly and recreational halls. Buildings are air conditioned, as is our beautiful main Sanctuary. A private parking lot and elevator provide additional conven iences for the membership. 1 CENTENNIAL During the year I954 we celebrateour Centennial. The consecrated work of our reverend founders and the loyalty of the generations 1 of the past will be lovingly called to mind with appropriate ceremonies. What those Who 1 have gone before us have accomplished so well. the creation of a great Temple which they ‘ have designed and fostered so beautifully, generously and graciously we solemnly resolve to maintain. With respect for the achievements of the past and concern for the needs of the present, as well as dedicated devotion to the demands of the future, we greet our great Centennial. It is indeed a distinguished privilege to become associated with a sacred fellow ship whose record for one hundred years is such a noble record of religious service to 1 God and to our country. ‘ Day in and out the life of our Congregation proceeds at a busy pace doing the work of the Lord. Ours is an active program, a vital process of translating our Judaism into reality. Congregation Beth Israel is dedicated to the spiritual strength and happiness of its membership. of the community and all mankind. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

Leonard Gold ...... Executive Secretary Mrs. Rose Brilling ...... Secretary to the Sisterhood Mrs. Sam Robinson ...... Principal of the Religious School Mrs. T. H. Armstrong ...... Secretary to Dr. Schachtel Mrs. Ruth Greenberg ...... Secretary Miss Betty Lichenstein and Miss Beatrice Schubb ...... Ternple Office Secretaries Irving Berk ...... Custodian, assisted by George Fields and Johnny Wyatt

Since this brochure was compiled. consecutive services have been held in the Temple on the eves of Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur, enabling all congregants to worship in the Sanctuary. MINUTE BOOKS READ Inscribed by Hand 1861 —1889 (Contained all meetings except Board Meetings held after 1884) 1884 - 1907 (Contained only Board Meetings) 1907 - 1922 (Contained General and Board Meetings) 1922 - l925 (Contained General and Board Meetings) Typewritten or Printed Records l925 - 1954 (Annual Meetings and Year-Books) REFERENCES Houston, a History and a Guide, compiled by workers of the Writers’ Program of the Work Projects Administration in the State of Texas. (Published by the Anson Jones Press, Houston. Texas. 1942.) Standard History of Houston, Texas, from a Study of the Original Sources, edited byenn., B. H. 19 (€321-r)oll.Jr.,LL.B., . M.A.. Ph.D. (Published by H. W. Crew and Co., Knoxville, The Settlement of the Jews of Texas, by Rabbi Henry Cohen. (Published by the American Jewish Historical Society.) History of the Jews of Houston. by Dr. Henry Barnston. Pamphlets published by the Chamber "ofCommerce of Houston, Texas. Portraits Etched in Stone, by Dr. David de Sola Pool. (Published by the Columbia University Press, 1952.) The Golden Book of Congregation Adath Yeshurun, (Published by D. H. White and Co., Houston, Texas, 1942.) Files of the “Houston Daily Telegraph.'’ “Houston Daily Post," "Houston Chroni cle." "Houston Post," "Houston Press," the "American Israelite," the "Occident" (Phila delphia weekly) . Conversations with Descendants of Members. Legible Inscriptions on Tombstones in the Beth Israel Cemetery. Information from past and present Officers and Board Members, consultations with the office staff, with the Principal of the Religious School. Consultations with Dr. Hyman J. Schachtel.

90 ROSTER OF MEMBERS OF CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL AS OF IUNE 30—CENTENNlAL YEAR

Mr. 8: Mrs. 2. B. Ablon Mr. 8: Mrs. Leo Block Mr. 8: Mrs. Burton Cohn Mr. and Mrs. Meyer Adams Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon L. Block Mr. 8: Mrs. H. I. Cohn Mrs. A. G. Adels Mrs. Lewis Block Mr. 8: Mrs. Louie Cohn Mr. 8: Mrs. L. B. Adels Mr. 8: Mrs. Max L. Block Mrs. Morris B. Cohn Mrs. Alfred Alexander Mr. 8: Mrs. Shelton Block Mr. 8: Mrs. I. B. Colman Mr. 8: Mrs. Bennie Alexander Mr. 8: Mrs. Benjamin Bloom Mrs. Sol M. Colman Mr. 8: Mrs. I. W. Alexander Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Bloom Mrs. Sadie Connolly Mr. 8: Mrs. Kurt W. Cooper Mr. 8: Mrs. Iames Alexander Dr. 8:Mrs. Manuel G. Bloom Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Alexander Mr. 8: Mrs. Sol A. Blum Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe Corman Mr. 8: Mrs. Al Crystal Mrs. Sadye Alexander Mr. 8: Mrs. Stanley G. Blum, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Irwin M. Allen Mr. 8: Mrs. Charles Blumenthal Mr. 8: Mrs. Ike Daily Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon I. Daily Mrs. Iuliette Allison Mr. Norman A. Blumenthal Mr. Ben L. Appelbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. Norman A. Bock Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon I. Daily Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon Aron Mrs. Rachel Bonart Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Daily Mrs. Theresa Dana Mr. 8: Mrs. Aaron Aronson Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Bormaster Mr. C. E. Dannenbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. Arnold B. Aronson Mrs. Leroy Boutte Mr. 8:Mrs. Ionas Dannenbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe Aronson Miss Henrietta Bowman Mrs. Ida Arsht Mr. 8:Mrs. Henry I. Bracker Mr. 8: Mrs. M. N. Dannenbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. David Brand Mr. 8:Mrs. Nathan Dannenbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. Raymond I. Arsht Mr. 8: Mrs. David Daum Mr. 8: Mrs. A. I. Asher Dr. 8: Mrs. E. B. Brandes Mrs. Ben Asher Mr. 8: Mrs.Wm. E. Brandes Mrs. I. M. David Mr. 8: Mrs. S. W. Asher Mr. 8: Mrs. Iules S. Breitenbach Mr. Leo M. David Miss Mabel David Mr. 8: Mrs. Reuben Askanasc Mrs. Rose Brilling Mr. Albert Astrich Mr. 8: Mrs. I. S. Brochstein Mr. I. R. Davidson Mr. 8: Mrs. Edward S. Astrich Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Brochstein Mr. 8: Mrs. I. L. Davidson Mr. 8: Mrs. M. C. Davidson Mr. 8: Mrs. Iacob H. Atlas Dr. 8: Mrs. Alexander Brodsky Mr. 8: Mrs. Abel. Axelrod Mr. B. H. Brown Mr. 8: Mrs. Melvin Davidson Mr. 8: Mrs.Leon Davis Dr. 8: Mrs. Harold Axelrod Mr. 8: Mrs. Chester A. Brown, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Davis Mr. 8: Mrs. Irving Axelrod Mr. 8: Mrs. Mose Buck Dr. 8: Mrs. William Axelrod Dr. 8: Mrs. Abner D. Burg Mr. 8:Mrs. David Denenburg Mr. 8: Mrs. Vernon B. Baber Miss Ioyce Burg Mr. 8: Mrs. Henry Desenberg Mrs. A. S. Baer Mr. Lasker Burgheim Mr. 8: Mrs. Stanley DeVos MissElizabeth Dorfman Mr. 8: Mrs. Leopold S. Baer Mr. 8:Mrs. Philip L. Burgower Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold I. Baernstein Mr. 8: Mrs. F. I. Burke Mr. 8: Mrs. Herman Dorfman Mrs. S. Baernstein Mr. 8: Mrs. L. S. Burke Mr. 8: Mrs. I. N. Dougan Mr. 8: Mrs. Geo. W. Bailes Mrs. Beatrice Burton Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe M. Edelman Rabbi 8: Mrs. Alfred Barnston Dr. 8: Mrs. Donald B. Butler Mrs. Hyman Edelstein Mr. 8: Mrs. I. H. Butler Mr. 8: Mrs. Meyer Efron Mr. 8: Mrs. Sylvan Basch Mrs. Isaac Efroymson Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry Bassist Mr. 8: Mrs. L. G. Butler Mr. 8: Mrs. A. A. Bath Miss Libbie Butler Mrs. I. Ehrenfeld Mr. 8: Mrs. M. I. Butler Iuliette, Hazel 8: Lillie Emden Miss Harriet Levy Bath Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon Emmich ' Mr. 8: Mrs. A. M. Battelstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Sidney Byer Mr. 8: Mrs. Ben D. Battelstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Iesse T. Caesar Mrs. H. Ephraim Mrs. G. Epstein 8: Mrs. S. P. Iacobs Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry I. Battelstein Mrs. Selma Chambers Mrs. A. B. Chapman Mrs. Ida Epstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Iames M. Baumohl Dr. 8: Mrs. Isadore Epstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Milton Baumohl Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Chapman Mr. 8: Mrs. Lester B. Epstein Mr. 8: Mrs. M. Becker Mr. 8: Mrs. Ios. Chesnick Mr. 8: Mrs. Maurice Epstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam W. Becker, Sr. Mrs. Albert Chimene Mrs. Hannah Belisch Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Bernard Chotiner Mr. 8: Mrs. Percy Epstein Mrs. Norman H. Cline Mr. 8: Mrs. Robert A. Epstein ‘ Mr. 8: Mrs. Geo. I. Bennett Misses Sadie 8: Amelia Epstein ‘ Mr. 8: Mrs. Roy Bennett Mr. 8: Mrs. Cyril Coguenhem Mr. 8: Mrs. Aaron I. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Erlich Mr. 8: Mrs. Iames Berger Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold Falik Mr. 8:Mrs. Nelson Berger Mr. 8: Mrs. Arnold B. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Charles Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. I. I. Feibelman Mr. 8: Mrs. Irving Berk Mr. 8:Mrs. Milton E. Feiler Mr. 8: Mrs. Iack Berkman Mr. 8: Mrs. Dave S. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Geo. S. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. I. M. Feinsilver Mr. 8: Mrs. I. O. Berlowitz Mrs. Arline Haber Fibush Mr. 8:Mrs. Morris G. Berman Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry 1. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Tobe Berman Mr. 8: Mrs. Iacob Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Ios. H. Fierstein Mr. 8: Mrs. M. Louis Bernheimer Mr. 8: Mrs. Leonard P. Cohen Mrs. Ios. Finger Mr. 8: Mrs. Melvin Bettin Mrs. M. D. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Ios. Finger, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Leonard Finger Mrs. Verna Bierschwale Mr. 8: Mrs. Milton H. Cohen Mr. Sam L. Bishkin Dr. 8: Mrs. Raymond Cohen Mrs. Minnie Z. Finger Mr.8: Mrs. Bruce Fink Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam R. Bishkin Mrs. Sam Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. M. B. Finkelstein Dr. 8:Mrs. Harry A. Blankﬁeld Mrs. Stella Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Sydney H. Cohen Mrs. Laura Fisch Dr. 8: Mrs. Iack I. Blankfield Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold Fisher Mrs. B. Block Mr. 8: Mrs. Ted M. Cohen Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome I. Fisher Mr. 8: Mrs. David M. Block Mr. 8: Mrs. Beni. I. Cohn 91 Mr. Sam 8: Miss Mamie Flaxman Mrs. Harriet Goldberg Mr. 8: Mrs. Leonard Holland Mr. Tom Flaxman Mr. Irvin S. Goldberg Mr. 8: Mrs. Alex 5. Holstein Mr. Leo Fleischmann Mr. 8: Mrs. Leo Goldberg Mrs. Reva G. Holstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Iack Flowers Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulius Golden Mr. 8: Mrs. Mack Howard Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulius N. Flowers Mr. 8: Mrs. Edgar H. Goldenberg Mr. 8: Mrs. H. R. Howell Mr. 8: Mrs. C. M. Forcheimer Mr. 8: Mrs. Aaron Goldfarb Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulian Hurwitz Mrs. Anna B. Ford Mr. 8: Mrs. S. Goldman Mr. 8: Mrs. Thos. Hutton Mr. 8: Mrs. Chas. B. Ford Mr. 8: Mrs. Clyde B. Goldsmith Mrs. David M. Hymans Mrs. I. S. Fox Mrs. David Goldstein Mrs. Alice 1. Israel Mr. 8: Mrs. S. M. Fox Frances 8: Florence Goldstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Carroll D. Iacob Dr. 8: Mrs. H. Iulian Frachtman Mr. 8:Mrs. M. I. Goldstein Mrs. I. B. Iacob Mrs. Sophie Frachtman Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Gollob Mr. Ioe Iacobs Mrs. Aaron Frank Mr. David Goodman Mr. 8: Mrs. Morris H. Iacobs Mr. 8: Mrs. Leo Frank Mr. 8: Mrs. Marion E. Goodman Mr. 8: Mrs. Richard E. Iacobs Mr. 8: Mrs. Sidney Frank Mr. 8: Mrs. Aron Gordon Dr. 8: Mrs. Warren M. Iacobs Mr. 8: Mrs. Simon Frank Mr. 8: Mrs. E. I. Gordon Mr. C. D. Iacobson Mr. 8: Mrs. Harding S. Frankel Mr. 8: Mrs. Gerald S. Gordon Mr. 8: Mrs. Philip Iarett Mr. 8: Mrs. I. R. Frankel . 8: Mrs. Harry B. Gordon Mr. 8: Mrs. David Iones Mr. 8: Mrs. Leonard R. Frankel . 8: Mrs. Harry H. Gordon Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold Ioseph Mr. 8: Mrs. Edmond L. Frapart . 8: Mrs. Hyman D. Gordon Mr. Sylvain Ioseph Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry L. Fred . 8: Mrs. Leon Gordon Mr. 8: Mrs. Adrian Kahn Mr. 8: Mrs. A. L. Freed . Louis B. Gordon Mr. 8: Mrs. Ansel Kahn Mrs. Ike L. Freed . 8: Mrs. M. M. Gordon Mrs. Ida Kahn 8: Mrs. H. G. Freedman . M. Michael Gordon Mr. Martin O. Kahn Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Freedman Mr. 8: Mrs. Nathan S. Gordon Mr. Iules W. Kahn Dr. 8: Mrs. Chas. F. Freundlich Miss Pauline Gordon Mr. 8: Mrs. Matthew Kahn Mr. 8: Mrs. Isaac Freundlich Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold E. Graham Mrs. Sam Kahn Mr. L. Freundlich Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulius Green Mr. Sylvan S. Kahn Dr. 8: Mrs. Thomas Freundlich Mr. 8: Mrs. H. D. Greenberg Mr. 8: Mrs. Earl Kaiser Mr. 8: Mrs. Thomas Freundlich, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. David Greenfield Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Kaiser Dr. 8: Mrs. Robert I. Frey Mrs. Henry Greenfield Mr. 8: Mrs. Emile Kaliski, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. P. Robt. Friedberg Mrs. I. Greenfield Mr. 8: Mrs. H. I. Kamsler Mrs. Adeline H. Friedlander Mrs. M. Greenfield Mr. 8: Mrs. Bennett Kaplan Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry Friedlander Mr. 8: Mrs. R. L. Grogin Dr. 8: Mrs. H. Leland Kaplan Mrs. I. Friedlander Mr. 8: Mrs. Irving Gross Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon Friedlander Mr. 8: Mrs. Sherman A. Kaplan Mr. 8: Mrs. Iacob Gross Mr. 8: Mrs. C. M. Kapner, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. S. Friedlander, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Grossman Mrs. C. M. Kapner, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Albert Friedman Mr. 8: Mrs. DeWitt H. Grossman Mrs. Ida Kapner Mr. 8: Mrs. David Friedman Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Grossman Mr. 8: Mrs. Gerald Lee Katz Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon N. Friedman Mr. 8: Mrs. Irving W. Gruner Mr. 8: Mrs. Hans C. Katz Mrs. L. S. Friedman Mrs. Naomi Guggenheim Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Kauffman Mrs. Leo I. Friedman Mr. 8: Mrs. Robert F. Haber Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon I. Kauffman Mr. Lloyd K. Friedman Mr. 8: Mrs. Iohn S. Hahlo Col. 8: Mrs. Albert A. Kaufman Mr. 8: Mrs. Saul Friedman Mr. 8: Mrs. C. W. Hall Mr. 8: Mrs. Ben Kaufman Mrs. Tracy Freedman Mr. 8: Mrs. M. B. Halpern Mr. 8: Mrs. Maurice Kaufman Mr. 8: Mrs. M. A. Frimel Mr. 8: Mrs. L. L. Harris Mr. 8: Mrs. Raymond I. Kaufman Mr. 8:Mrs. Milton A. Frost, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Sherman B. Harris Mr. 8: Mrs. Milton H. Kay Mr. 8: Mrs. Sig Frucht Mr. 8:Mrs. Hyman Hart Mr. 8: Mrs. Walter R. Kaye Mrs. Leo Furman Mrs. Pauline Hart Mr. Alex Keller Mr. 8: Mrs. I. A. Gaber Mr. Samuel Hart Mr. 8: Mrs. Irving Keller Mr. 8: Mrs. Ben Gaitz Dr. 8: Mrs. Abe Hauser Mr. 8: Mrs. Theo Keller Mrs. I. Gans Mr. 8: Mrs. Harris M. Hauser Mrs. Annie Kessler Mr. 8: Mrs. Lewis Gardner Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold Hecht Mrs. Harry Klein Mr. 8: Mrs. Al Gartner Mr. 8: Mrs. A. E. Heidingsfelder . 8: Mrs. Howard S. Klein Mr. 8: Mrs. I. I. Gelber Mr. 8:Mrs. Arnold F. Hendler Mr. Oscar Geller . 8: Mrs. Irving R. Klein Mr. 8: Mrs. Carl I. Herman, Ir. . 8:Mrs. Allen H. Kline Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Gelles Mrs. Carl I. Herman, Sr. . 8: Mrs. Harry I. Kline Mrs. E. Gendel 8: Mrs. H. S. Baum Mr. 8: Mrs. Lou Hersk . 8: Mrs. I. S. Knobler Mr. 8: Mrs. E. H. Gerson Mrs. W. S. Hertz . 8: Mrs. Sam I. Kohen Mrs. Mollie H. Gerson Mrs. D. Hesdorfer 8: Mrs. M. Tuteur . 8: Mrs. Allan H. Kottwitz Lt. 8: Mrs. Harold S. Gilbert Mr. 8: Mrs. Irion S. Heyman Mr. Mose Gimble Mrs. H. S. Kottwitz Mr. 8: Mrs. R. E. Hibbert . 8: Mrs. Reginald P. Kottwitz Dr. Herman Glantzberg Mr. 8: Mrs. A. R. Himmel . 8: Mrs. Simon H. Kottwitz Dr. 8: Mrs. Arthur L. Glassman Mrs. I. Hirsch . 8: Mrs. A. A. Kowalski Mrs. Walter Godlove Mrs. Julia Hirsch . 8: Mrs. Tobe G. Krandel Mrs. Elisa Gold Gen. 8: Mrs. Maurice Hirsch Mr. 8: Mrs. Herman Gold . 8: Mrs. E. E. Krauss, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. M. I. Hirsch Mr. 8: Mrs. Edw. E. Krauss, Sr. Mr. '8: Mrs. Leonard Gold Mrs. Reginald Hirsch Mrs. Stella V. Krost Mr. 8: Mrs. Stanley Gold Mr. 8: Mrs. Sigmar K. Hofeller Mr. 8: Mrs. Benjamin Kulman Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. A. Gold Mr. 8:Mrs. Henry S. Hoffman Mrs. M. Kuminir Mr. A. L. Goldberg Mrs. Herman Hoffman Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry M. Kuper‘ Mrs. C. Goldberg 8: Mrs. E. Bauer Mr. 8: Mrs. Stephen Hofmayer Miss Florence Kushner 92 Mr. 8: Mrs. Frank Ladin Mr. 8: Mrs. Robert I. Levy Mr. E. A. Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Max Ladin Mrs. Sam Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Felix A. Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Sidney S. Ladin Mrs. Stella D. Levy Dr. 8: Mrs. Henry S. Meyer Mr. 8:Mrs. Wm. E. Ladin Dr. 8: Mrs. Samuel A. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Edward I. Lambert Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam W. Levy Mrs. Lasker M. Meyer, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. L. M. Landa Mrs. S. E. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Lasker M. Meyer, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. L. M. Landa, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. H. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Leopold L. Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Eric Landau Mr. 8: Mrs. Mark I. Lewi Mrs. Morris D. Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry Lantz Mr. 8: Mrs. A. B. Lewis Mrs. Myrtle Meyer Mrs. Edwin Larendon Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe S. Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Theo. D. Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioseph S. Lascher Mrs. Betty Lewis Dr. 8: Mrs. William E. Meyer Mr. 8: Mrs. Alfred W. Lasher, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Eugene H. Lewis Mrs. Z. E. Meyer Mrs. Ierome Lasker Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Iohn S. A. Meyers Rabbi 8: Mrs. Bernard H. Lavine Mr. 8: Mrs. Iimmy Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Albert Meyerson Mr. 8: Mrs. Maurice Lazarus Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioseph Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Robert L. Milius Mr. 8: Mrs. Aaron F. Miller Mrs. G. C. Lechenger Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioseph I. Lewis Miss Etta Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Lechenger Mrs. Leon A. Lewis Mr. Raphael Lechenger Mr. 8: Mrs. Lou Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry W. Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. M. Lee Mr. 8: Mrs. Mitchell Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. I. L. Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. Sol Leff Mr. 8: Mrs. Nathan Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Miller Mr. Iacques Lehman Mr. 8: Mrs. Obbie Lewis Mr. 8: Mrs. Edwin A. Lichtenstein Mrs. Sam I. Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe Lehman Dr. 8: Mrs. S. I. Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. M. S. Lehman Mrs. Aileen Lieberman Mrs. Theodore Miller Mr. 8: Mrs. Eugene I. Lemcoe Mr. 8: Mrs. Seymour Lieberman Mr. 8: Mrs. Adolph Leon Dr. 8: Mrs. Iack E. Lieppman Lt. Meyer A. Minchen Mr. 8: Mrs. Nathan Minchen Mr. 8:Mrs. Ioe Leon Mr. Arthur Lipper Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Leon Mr. 8: Mrs. Edward Lipper Mr. Ralph H. Minchen Mr. 8: Mrs. R. Leon Mrs. Florence Lipper Mr. 8:Mrs. Simon Minchen Mrs. Robert Leon Mr. 8: Mrs. G. Frank Lipper Mr. 8: Mrs. G. R. Minns Mr. L. Mitchell Mr. 8: Mrs. Henry Lesky Mrs. Geo. Lipper Mr. 8: Mrs. Gerard I. Morgenstern Mr. 8: Mrs. Iack Less Mrs. Lawrence Lipper Mrs. Ruth E. Lessin Mr. Louis Lipsitz Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis W. Morgenstern Mr. 8: Mrs. Elia Levi Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Litowich Mr. 8: Mrs. Iules G. Moritz Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulius M. Levi Mrs. Iake Litowich Mr. Henry S. Morris Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon Levi Mr. 8: Mrs. I. K. Livingston Mrs. 1. Morris Dr. I. E. Levick Mr. 8: Mrs. Dwight Loeb, Sr. Mr. Iack Morris Miss Goldie Levin Mrs. Patricia L. Loeb Mr. 8: Mrs. Iames Morris Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. Levin Mrs. Ed Loewenstein Miss Adeline Moses Mrs. Isabelle Levine Mr. 8: Mrs. Henry I. Loewenstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Leslie Moses ‘ Mrs. Leo Levine Mrs. Walter Loewenstein Mrs. S. D. Mosk : Mr. 8: Mrs. Leo Levine, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Walter Loewenstern Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Moskowitz Mrs. Bertha Moss Mr. 8: Mrs. Max Levine Mr.& Mrs. E. Bob Loewenthal Mr. 8: Mrs. Leon Levinthal, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold London Mrs. H. Moss Mr. 8: Mrs. Frank Levit Mrs. Dora Loshak Mrs. Lee Munzesheimer Mrs. W. W. Munzesheimer Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe Levit Mr. George Lowen Mrs. Fannie S. Musgrove V Mr. 8: Mrs. M. I. Levitin Mr. 8:Mrs. Lewis Lowenstein Dr. 8: Mrs. Stanley E. Myers ' Mrs. A. M. Levy . Mrs. Hilda K. Lowenstein Mrs. Herman L. Lubin Mrs. Rose Nachlas Mr. 8: Mrs. Arthur G. Levy Mr. Otto Nachlas Mr. 8: Mrs. Charles M. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. M. M. Macow Mrs. Elsie Maier Mr. 8: Mrs. Sidney Nachlas Mr. 8: Mrs. Ed I. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. A. E. Naman Mrs. Hannah Levy Misses R. 8: A. Malevinsky Dr. 8: Mrs. Edw. C. Malewitz Mr. 8:Mrs. Bernard Naman Mr. Henry Paul Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. I. A. Naman Mr. 8: Mrs. Herbert E. Levy, Ir. Mrs. Sarah Malewitz Mr. 8: Mrs. Leo I. Naman . Mr. 8: Mrs. Herbert E. Levy, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Herschel G. Maltz Mr. 8: Mrs. A. A. Margolin Mr. 8: Mrs. N. D. Naman ‘ Mr. 8: Mrs. Howard Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Theo. Naman ' Mr. 8: Mrs. Irwin Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Maurice Margolis Mr. 8:Mrs. Charles Nathan Mrs. I. A. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Harvey Markowitz Mr. A. B. Marks Mr. 8: Mrs. Max H. Nathan Mr. 8: Mrs. Iack Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Richard H. Nathan Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Adie Marks Mr. Eli Marks Mr. 8: Mrs. Seymour Nathan Mrs. Ionas Levy Mr. 8: Mrs.Tobe Nathan Mrs. Leon B. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Milton I. Marks Mr. 8: Mrs. A. I. Natkin Mr. Louis S. Levy Mr. Myron Marks Mr. Ralph S. Marks Mr. 8: Mrs. Iack Neveleff Mr. 8: Mrs. Myer Levy Mr. C. B. Newding Dr. 8: Mrs. Moise D. Levy, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Sidney L. Mayer Mr. 8: Mrs. E. I. Newhauser Dr. 8: Mrs. M. D. Levy, Sr. Dr. 8:Mrs. Fred D. Mazow Mr. 8: Mrs. A. Melinger Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioseph Newman Mr. 8: Mrs. Morton L. Levy Mr. 8:Mrs. Arthur Noodleman Mrs. Mabel Levy Mrs. Anna Mendlovitz Mr. 8: Mrs. Manuel Mendlovitz Mr. Milton Nurick Dr. 8: Mrs. Max Levy, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. A. W. Nussbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. Nathan L. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Irvin I. Mermel Mr. 8: Mrs. Emil Mesinger Mr. 8: Mrs. H. W. Nussbaum Mrs. Rachel Levy Mrs. M. P. Nussbaum Mr. 8: Mrs. Ralph E. Levy Mr. Alan Meyer Mrs. Rene S. Levy Mr. 8: Mrs. Arthur Meyer Mr. S. I. Nussbaum 93 Mr. 8: Mrs. Ed. Oppenheimer, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Simon Sakowitz Mr. 8: Mrs. Ray Sessel Mr. 8: Mrs. Max Paine Mr. 8: Mrs. Tobias Sakowitz Mr. 8: Mrs. Irving M. Shaffer Mrs. Morris Paul Mr. 8: Mrs. Robert I. Salinger Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Shainock Mr. 8: Mrs. Maurice Peiser Mr. 8: Mrs. William Saltz Mr. 8: Mrs. Iames Shankcn Mr. 8: Mrs. A. S. Perlman Mrs. Iakc Sam Mr. 8: Mrs. I. I. Shapiro Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. Perlman Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe M. Sam Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam I. Shapiro Mr. 8: Mrs. Bernard Perlmuttcr Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Sampson Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulian L. Shapiro Mr. 8: Mrs. Phil M. Pesses Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Sampson Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam I. Shapiro Mr. 8: Mrs. Edward Pollak, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Alvin Samuels Mr. 8: Mrs. Phillip Sharp Mr. Edward Pollak, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioseph Samuels Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. G. Shaw Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry H. Pollak Mrs. Tillie M. Samuels Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis R. Shear Mrs. Carolyn K. Powers Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. Samuelson Dr. 8: Mrs. Malcolm F. Sher Mr. 8: Mrs. Walter Pye Mr. 8: Mrs. Albert Sanders Mr. 8: Mrs. Irvin M. Shlenker Mr. 8: Mrs. Meyer Rabinowitz Mr. Bernard Sanders Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Siegel Mr. 8: Mrs. Arthur Rainer Mrs. Pearl Sandfield Mr. 8: Mrs. Howard M. Sicgler Mrs. S. G. Raphael Mr. 8: Mrs. A] Saper Mr. 8: Mrs.Charles Silberstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Isadore Rauch Mrs. G. A. Saper Mr. Milton Leonard Silberstein Dr. 8: Mrs. Sam Rauch Mr. 8: Mrs. Henry Sarfati Mr. 8: Mrs. Howard Silver Mr. 8: Mrs. Arnold Robert Reader Mr. 8: Mrs. Si Sartorius Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Silver Mr. 8: Mrs. Hymen Reader Mr. 8: Mrs. Hilary H. Sax Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry Silverman Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioe Reinhardt Dr. 8: Mrs. Hyman Iudah Schachtel Mr. 8: Mrs. Walter Silvers Mrs. Miriam Richards Dr. 8: Mrs. Randolph L. Schaffer Mr. 8: Mrs. A. I. Simon Mrs. Irene Richburg Mr. 8: Mrs. Alvin Scharff Mr. 8: Mrs. Arthur H. Simon, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Isadore Richker Mr. 8: Mrs. C. A. Scharff Mr. Arthur H. Simon, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis D. Roberts Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam E. Scharff Mr. 8: Mrs. H. B. Simon Mr. 8: Mrs. Perry Robertson Mr. 8: Mrs. M. S. Schechter Mr. 8: Mrs. Ierome Simon Mr. 8: Mrs. M. E. Robinowitz Mr. 8: Mrs. A. Scheps Mr. 8: Mrs. Lou Simon Mr. 8: Mrs. H. I. Robins Mrs. Ben Scheps Mr. Marion T. Simon Mr. 8: Mrs. Herbert Robins Mr. 8: Mrs. Charles Scheps Miss Rita Myra Sinclair Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Robinson Mr. 8: Mrs. Milton Scheps Mr. 8: Mrs. Edward B. Singer Mrs. Sydney Robinson Dr. 8: Mrs. Gerson Scheps Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Slater Mr. 8: Mrs. Seymour Robles Mr. 8: Mrs. Daniel Schlanger Mrs. David Slavin Mr. 8: Mrs. David Roder Mr. Robert F. Schneider Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Paul Smolensk)’ Mr. Alvin Romansky Mr. 8: Mrs. Benno Schnitzer Mr. 8: Mrs. Lawrence Sochat Mr. 8: Mrs. I. L. Romansky Mr. 8: Mrs. George Schnitzer Mr. 8: Mrs. A. Solomon Mrs. Nathan F. Roos Martha 8: Hattie Schnitzer Miss Sadie Solomon Mr. 8: Mrs. Phil Roos Mr. 8: Mrs. Kenneth Schnitzer Mr. 8: Mrs. Maurice G. Sondocl: Mr. 8: Mrs. Israel Roseman Mr. 8: Mrs. Max Schnitzer Mrs. Adrian M. Souza Mr. 8: Mrs. L. G. Rosenberg, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Ralph Schnitzer Mr. 8: Mrs. David Spiegcl Mr. 8: Mrs. L. G. Rosenberg, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. S. R. Schnitzer, Ir. Mrs. L. I. Spivak Mr. M. K. Rosenberg Mrs. L. Schoenmann Mrs. Maurice Stahl Mrs. Sallye Rosenberg Mrs. Sol Schoenmann Mr. 8: Mrs. Dave Starr Mr. 8: Mrs. Geo. Rosenberger Mrs. Will Scholl Mrs. Susie Steiner Dr. Ierome L. Rosenbloom Mrs. B. B. Schornstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Ralph Stekin Mr. 8: Mrs. Al Rosenblum Mr. 8: Mrs. B. B. Schram Mr. 8: Mrs. Fritz M. Stern Mrs. I. Rosenfield Mrs. Eva Schultz Mr. Gus Stern Mrs. L. A. Rosenfield Dr. 8:Mrs. A. E. Schwartz Mr. Henry Stern Mr. 8: Mrs. Nathan Rosenfield Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Morris Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. Henry A. Stern, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Gus Rosenficld Mr. 8: Mrs. Isadore Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. Morris Stern Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Rosenstock Mrs. Iack B. Schwartz Mr. Myer Stern Mr. 8: Mrs. K. Rosenthal Mr. 8: Mrs. Leonard A. Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. William H. Stern Mrs. Sarah Rosenthal Mr. Mansfield Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. Ioseph A. Sternberg Mr. 8: Mrs. Herbert I. Rosenthall Mr. 8: Mrs. Max Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. A. I. Stone Mr. 8: Mrs. A. M. Rosenthall Mr. 8: Mrs. Melvin R. Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. Arthur L. Stone Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Rosenzweig Mr. 8: Mrs. Milton Schwartz Mr. D. H. Straus Mrs. Dorothy Ross Mr. 8: Mrs. Mose M. Schwartz Mr.8: Mrs. Iack Straus Dr. 8: Mrs. Lionel Rothenberg Mrs. Sam Schwartz Mr. 8: Mrs. Charles L. Strauss Mrs. Francis Rothschild Mr. 8: Mrs. Arthur D. Schwarz, Ir. Mrs. Irving G. Strauss Mr. 8: Mrs. Iacob Rothschild Mr. 8: Mrs. A. D. Schwarz, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Richard M. Strauss Mr. 8: Mrs. Robert G. Rothschild Mr. 8: Mrs. A. M. Schwarz Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Strauss Mr. I. Rothstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Morris Schwarz Mr. 8: Mrs. Bernard Streusand Mr. 8: Mrs. Emil Rottersmann Mr. 8: Mrs. Mort Seder Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Suravitz Mr. 8: Mrs. Edwin C. Rottersmann Mr .8: Mrs. A. I. Segal Mrs. Harry Susman Mr. Melvin Rouff Mr. 8: Mrs. N. I. Segal Mr. 8:Mrs. Harry G. Susman Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Rubenstein Mrs. A. B. Segall Mr. 8: Mrs. Arnold Sussman Mr. 8: Mrs. Sol Rubenstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Sig. Segall Dr. 8: Mrs. Roy Tashnek Mrs. I. Rubin Mrs. I. M. Selber Mr. Ben Taub Mrs. B. Sachs Mr. Albert L. Seligman Mr. 8: Mrs. Henry I. N. Taub Mrs. Florence Sachs Mr. 8: Mrs. D. E. Saline Mrs. Risa Taub Mr. 8: Mrs. Louis Sacks Mr. 8: Mrs. Hyman Seline Mr. Sam Taub Mr. 8: Mrs. H. I. Saft Mr. 8: Mrs. Ross 5. Seline Mr. Edward Tint Mr. 8: Mrs. Bernard Sakowitz Mr. 8 Mrs. Henry Allen Sellinger Miss Hadcy Tiras 94 Mrs. Nora Wise Mr. 8: Mrs. lsador Tiras Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulius Weinberg Mr. 8: Mrs. Michael M. Tobor Mr. 8: Mrs. Iulius Weinberger Mr. 8: Mrs. E. Ioe Wolf Mr. 8: Mrs. David R. Toomim Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Weingarten Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry A. Wolf Mrs. Gertrude Maas Toro Mrs. Sol Weingarten Mrs. Elsie Wolfe Mrs. Alex Wolff Mr. 8:Mrs. Arthur Traub Mr. 8: Mrs. Frederick Weinstein Dr. 8: Mrs. Irving Weinstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Alex Wolff, Jr. Mrs. I. M. Turkel Mr. 8: Mrs. M. S. Wolff Mr. 8: Mrs. S. Allen Unger Dr. 8: Mrs. Louis Weinstein Mr. 8: Mrs. Wm. W. Wolff Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold Verson Mr. Mike Weinstcin Mr. 8: Mrs. M. K. Weiss Mr. 8: Mrs. Ben Wolfman Mr. 8: Mrs. Harry Viner Mr. Lee Wolfman Mr. 8: Mrs. B. S. Wang Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam I. Weiss Dr. 8:Mrs. David V. Wachsman Mrs. Herman VVeisz Mr. 8: Mrs. Aaron Wolfson Mr. 8: Mrs. M. H. Waghalter, Sr. Dr. 8: Mrs. S. G. Werlin Mr. 8: Mrs. Sidney Wright Mrs. C. M. 8: Dr. D. C. Wunderman Mr. 8: Mrs. David I. Wagner Mr. 8: Mrs. A. L. Wertheimer Mr. 8: Mrs. Harold Yellin Dr. 8: Mrs. E. L. Wagner Mr. 8:Mrs. Hyman Wertheimer Dr. 8: Mrs. Emile Zax Mr. Louis W. Wagner Mrs. Hannah Westheimer Mr. 8:Mrs. Harrison F. Zeman Mr. 8: Mrs. Max N. Wagner Mr. 8: Mrs. I. B. Westheimer Mr. 8: Mrs. I. Mark Westheimer Mrs. Ella Zender Mr. Seymour Wagner Mr. 8: Mrs. Sam Zimmerman Mr. 8: Mrs. K. M. Wald Mrs. Max Westheimer Mrs. Alex A. Walter Mrs. Henry D. Wexner Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Zindler, Sr. Mr. 8: Mrs. Max Wander Miss Yetta Wigodsky Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe Zindler, Ir. Mr. 8: Mrs. Kenneth W. Zindler Mr. Sam Wansker Mr. 8: Mrs. M. S. Williams Mr. O. N. Weil Mrs. Becky Winner Mr. 8: Mrs. Marvin Zindler Mr. 8:Mrs. Mitchel Zindler Dr. 8: Mrs. S. B. Weil Mr. 8: Mrs. Bernard G. Winner Mrs. Mella K. Weill Mr. 8: Mrs. I. E. Winner Mr. 8: Mrs. Sterling Zindler Mr. Isadore Weinberg Mr. 8: Mrs. Ben Wise Mr. 8: Mrs. Abe M. Zuber RELIGIOUS SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BETH ISRAEL DURING CENTENNIAL

Marlene Alexander Ronald B. Bormaster Jay D. Dresner Fran Gordon Dianne Alexander Robert F. Boutte Beverly Edelman Harry B. Gordon Ioyce Harriet Aron Carol L. Brandes Alan Efron Iimmy Gordon Vivian Monette Aron Robert Brochstein Myra Sue Efron Leslie Kay Gordon Alan Arsht Bonnie I. Brown Ross Allen Epstein Ronald Gordon Leslie Alene Arsht Brent Burg Susan Epstein Randy Gordon Margot Arsht Beth Burgower Iudy Erlich Richard Melvin Gordon Iay D. Atlas Phillip Burgower, Ir. Phyllis Erlich Stephanie L. Gordon Ierry Axelrod Barbara Burke Harry Edward Feiler Tommy Gordon Ioan Axelrod Cindy Burke Sandra Louise Feiler Ruth Frances Graham Robert Axelrod Linda Butler Alan D. Feinsilver Marjorie Elaine Green Ianette Ann Baber Pamela D. Butler Julie M. Feinsilver David Greenfield, Ir. Elene R. Baernstein Carol Ann Byer Don M. Fink Elizabeth Greenfield Harry Bassist, Ir. Paula L. Caesar Mona Kathleen Fink Ioan M. Greenfield Philip Bassist Andrew Chapman Myra H. Fisher Robert Gross Susan Battelstein Linda Chapman Richard B. Forcheimer Robert H. Grossman Dirk Bennett Bruce Cohen Aron Elias Frank William Gross Iill Bennett Iay E. Cohen Robert Frank Charles Grossman Iohn Bennett Iulia Cohen Rosalind Frank Henry Robert Gruner Roy Bennett, III Natylie Cohen Ruth B. Frank Jodie Ann Haber Betty L. Berger Richard Cohen Russell M. Frankel Scott Haber Iane W. Berger Rosamond Amy Cohen Donna Ellen Frey Craig Hall Marsha Berger Sandra Cohen Nancy Friedlander Fredric Hall Rafael Berk Susan R. Cohen Susan Friedlander Howard Hart Sammy Berk Carol L. Cohn Betty L. Friedman Sally A. Hart Hilary H. Berman Constance Louise Cohn Stephen Friedman Charles Hauser Kayla L. Berman Ellen Cohn Susan Friedman Harold M. Hecht Sharon R. Berman Ioel S. Cohn Charlot M. Forcheimer Cynthia S. Herman Sherry A. Berman Katherine Cohn Barbara A. Frost Jane D. Herman Ioan Bettin Stephen M. Cohn Milton A. Frost, III Susy Hersk Laurie Bettin Alexander Corman Harry Gendel Lee Henry Hirsch Frances Blankfield Susan Elizabeth Daily Patsy Gendel Leon Samuel Hirsch Leslie Blankfield Daryl Neal Davis Elizabeth Glassman Linda Hirsch Mark Blankfield Melanie S. Davidson Steven Glassman Reginald Hirsch Alan G. Block Dennis Davis Bary Gold Elizabeth Horwin Hofmayer Marilynn Block Ronald D. Davis Mark Gold Michael Hofmayer Stephen Block Richard Denenburg Charles Goldberg Melanie Holland Elizabeth Bloom Victor Denenburg Ierry K. Goldberg Toni L. Holland Kathrine Bloom Dianne]. DeVos Carol Gayle Goldfarb Nancy Holstein Margaret Bloom Roberta L. DeVos Karen G. Goldfarb Dianne Jacobs Linda M. Bormaster Inez Dorfman Daniel Gordon Mark Alan Iacobs 95 Ansel Kahn, Jr. Herbert Lewis Rollie M. Robertson Bernard Simon Anita Kaiser Jeffrey Lewis Verna K. Robertson Dorothy J. Simon Carol Sue Kaliski Katherine S. Lewis Barbara Robins Richard L. Simon Linda B. Kaplan Leon A. Lewis II Drew Robins Edward L. Singer Martin Alan Kaplan Leslie Lewis Linda Robins Lucille Singer Marion L. Kaplan Lynn Lewis Ronnie Robins Lois Sonya Smolensky Michael Robert Kaplan Marsha Lewis _ Sharon Robins Jill D. Sondock Susan Elaine Kaplan Michael S. Lewis Lynette M. Robinson Larry Sondock Glenn B. Kapner Nancy H. Lewis Nancy A. Robinson Joseph M. Spiegel Stanley Kaufman Natalie Lewis Patricia E. Robles Susan Stekin Stephen Kaufman Stuart Lewis Gloria Rosenberg Barbara Ellen Stern Stanley Kay Donna L. Lichtenstein Sherrian R. Roseman Henry Stern Irene Kaye Harriet Lieberman Robert Rosenberger Marcus Stern Kenneth C. Kaye Leslie P. Lieberman James H. Rosenthall Edward A. Stone Diana Sue Klein Sheryle P. Lieberman Lorraine Rosenthall David Straus Harvey Klein Michael E. Lieppman Peggy Rosenthall Lewis Strauss Murray Klein Robert Eric Lieppman Gary Rothenberg Margaret A. Susman Robert L. Klein Cindy J. Loeb Sherry Rottersmann Richard L. Susman Stephen Kline Patsy Loeb Mansel Rubenstein Stephen Susman Bobby Kottwitz _ Patty Lowenstein Maury R. Rubenstein Thomas M. Susman Peggy Ann Kottwitz Norman Loewenstern Iris Rubenstein Robert J. Sussman Carolyn Kowalski Richard Jules Loewenstern Joan Marilyn Saltz Julianne Tashnek Kenneth Y. Krandel Sue M. Loewenstern Charlotte R. Samuels Bert Toro Carol Krauss Joan America Loewenthal Marc Samuels Tita Toro Edward E. Krauss, III Harold London, Jr. Maurene Samuels David Turkel Jean Krauss James Alan Lowenstein Leah A. Samuelson Rita Turkel Kay Kulman Nancy Ellen Luft Phyllis Samuelson Gary Unger Susan Kulman Barbara Macow Joseph M. Saper Joan L. Unger Tommy Kuper Carolyn L. Macow Solita Ann Saper Hilary Mary Verson Frank Ladin, Jr. Edward I. Malewitz Jack Sarfati Ellen Wachsman Lynn Ladin Ruth Malewitz Max Sarfati Kathy Wachsman Phillip Victor Ladin Judith Lee Margolin Cynthia Jane Sartorius Lynn S. Wagner Ronald Ladin Richard F. Margolin Larry S. Sartorius Jay Justin Weinstein Terry Ladin Barry Margolis Ann Mollie Schachtel Jeri Lou Weinstein William Ladin, Jr. Rodney Harry Margolis Bernard Schachtel Paul R. Weinstein Barrett Lee Lambert Marian Marks Randolph Schaffer, Jr. Riki Pauline Weinstein Linda L. Lambert Ronald Samuel Marks Larry Scharff Eleanor Weiss Alfred Lasher Alan Stuart Melinger Arthur Louis Schechter Alice Werlin Stephen Lasher Anne L. Melinger Lee Schlanger Ann Elizabeth Werlin Laura Lechenger Juilanne Mesinger Jerry D. Schwartz Tom Werlin Lynn Leff Arthur M. Meyer, Jr. Kenneth Schwartz Alan Westheimer Robert Leff Beverly J. Meyer Leslie B. Schwartz Donald Westheimer Guy G. Lemcoe Felix A. Meyer, Jr. Jim T. Schwartz Randy Williams Laura Ellen Lemcoe Kenneth B. Meyer Raphael T. Schwartz Henrietta Wolf Linda Lesky Barbara Miller A. David Schwarz Lawrence Engler Wolf Jerry Less Patricia Miller Nancy Schwarz Miriam Wolf Marilyn Leon Carol Morgenstern Sandra Seder Sandra Wolfson Richard Alan Leon Joan Ellen Morgenstern Judith Lee Segall Joni Yellin Joan Levi Margery Morgenstern Jo Ann Selber Marian Emily Zax Lynn Levi Patsy L. Morgenstern Elisa Shainock Alvin Louis Zimmerman Robert Levi Carol E. Moritz Armond S. Shapiro Abe Zindler, III Billy Levin, Jr. Jules Moritz, Jr.» Bernard Shapiro Billy Zindler Lynn Betty Levine William S. Moses Douglas Shapiro David Zindler Marc Levine James Musgrove, Jr. Judy Shapiro Helen Zindler Robert Levinthal Arthur M. Naman Lynne J. Shapiro Kay Elizabeth Zindler Carolyn Levy David Naman Marc J. Shapiro Linda Ann Zindler Barbara Levy Paul E. Naman Suzanne M. Shapiro Marvin Zindler, Jr. Barbara Jo Levy Richard D. Nathan Larry Sharp Sterling A. Zindler Donald S. Levy Stephen Naman Sidney W. Sharp Udith Annette Zindler Jerome Levy, Jr. Susan A. Naman Maurice M. Shaw Warren Zindler Jo Ann Levy Marilyn Louise Nathan Sammy Shaw Noonie Lu Zuber Joan Levy Linda Rae Natkin Barbara Sher Joanne Levy Fredell Pollock Margaret A. Sher Kenneth Levy Stephanie Pollak Gay Shlenl-ter Mary Lou Levy Nancy Sue Pye Ellanie Siegel Patsy Elizabeth Levy Walter Pye, Jr. Bobby Silvers Paul L. Levy Melvin A. Rainer Dianne Silvers Richard Levy Patricia Ann Rainer Ellen A. Silver Barbara Lynn Lewis Barbara J. Reinhardt Jules Silvers Beverly M. Lewis Patricia Richker Michael Silvers Brian Lewis George Roberts Sandy Silvers Helen Lewis Linda Louise Roberts Sylvia Silvers 96 End of Book