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cbtccrc,o Jeu)rsf) Lrrstoprccrl s,c,cleXA 6lE South Michigan . Chicago,lllinois 60605 . Telephonei(312) 663.5634 soceta ne(L)s VOLUMEIO, NUMBERI SEPTEMBER,1986 NORI'IANSCHWARTZ IS CHOSENTO HEAD SOCIETYFOR TI,|O MORE YEARS BoARDRE-ELEcrs FouR 0rrrcens Ar Irs l{rrrrre rN Aucusr 0fficers for 1986-88 were elected by the Board of Directors of the Chicago Jewish Hjstorical Society at its August meeting. AII present officers, chosen for re-election by the nominating cornmittee, were elected by unanimous vote. Heading the list is President Norman Re-elected President NormanD. Schwarlz D. Schwartz, who will become the first person to Serve two two-year terms since NonTHSuonT CoNGREGATIoN Is CURRENT founding President Muriel Robin. others eontinuing in office are Doris Minsky, viee Host to MAXWELLStRerr ExHrslr president; Ruth Brandzel, recording secret- North Shore Conglegation Israel is the ary; and Sol Brandzel, treasurer. current host of the Societyrs exhibit on The noninating cornnittee, according to Maxwell Street when it was Jewish. one member, Past President Adele Hast, saw The exhibit opened Augusr 11 and will no need to change a winning team which has be on display through Seplember 30. guided the Society in a period of continued Included in the exhibi! are enlarged growth and a varieEy of successful activi- reproductions of o1d ohotographs showing ties. the Maxwell Street area as a locale Mr. Schwartz and his team first for Jewish residence as well as business took office in 1984. He succeeded Rachel during the fifty or more years beeinnine in B, Heimov ic s . [continued on Page seven]

Open Meeting, Sunday, September 28

Temple EmanueI

Program rrThe Rise and Fal-1 of Jewish Publications in Chicago" Rabbi Leonard C. Mishkin

1 PM: Refreshments Free Admission 2 Pf.,l:Prooram See Page Three for Details President's Message CURRENTCJHS EXHIBIT AT SPERTUS FEATURESSAI'II'IY f{I ZENBERGIqEIIIORABI INEVITABILITY OF CHAIIGEIiIAKES L IA PRESERVATIoNEFFORTS ]'IORE IMPORTANT MnrentaLDonnreo ro ARcHIvEs By NEpHElvoF l,lrlrrARyCasulr_rty Two recent Society activities have shown us dramatically why it is necessary An exhibit of memorabilia concerning to record our Chicago Jewish history. On one of Chicago's early Jewish war casual- February 19, 1984, Barzel to Ann spoke us ties has been prepared by the Society, and Lawndale abouE when it was Jewish. it is now on view at the Spertus Museurn of period The covered \,ras short, 1910 to 1955. Judaica, 618 South Michigan Avenue. The years Nevertheless, forty-five is a exhibit concerns Sammy Mizenberg, a West- part big of Chicago's 150 years of Jewish side Chicagoan, who had the misfortune to history, and during those years Lawndale be the first American killed in Mexico dur- was by far Chicago's largest Jewish neigh- ing the 1914 punitive expedition against borhood. However, except for limited docu- Vera Cruz, (pictures, mentation in various forms nelrs- Most of the memorabilia, which paper articles, some synagogue records, include photographs, a synpathy card from some institutional records), only a President Woodrow Wilson, Mizenberg's Mar- number of recycled buildings remain to re- ine hat and an engraved nameplate from his mind us of what was once a vibrant Jewish coffin, were donated to the Society for conmunrEy. placement in the Chicago Jewish Archives by Just imagine having 3,200 Jewi sh Pvt. Mizenberg's nephe\^', Melvin C. children in one elementary school (Penn). Trager. Think of such various institutions as The exhibit, supervised by CJHS Exhib- the Marks Nathan Jewish orphansr Horne, the it Chairman Doris Minsky and designed by (BMZ) Beth Moshav Z'Keinim Horne for Lorre S1aw, will remain on display through the Aged, the Yiddish theatres, the syna- October. It is open to the public without gogues and Hebrew schools, all in one smalI charge. ahi^--^ Ar.l v,,rL45v. n^ir th--a romain -r-. ^F The fu11 story of young Mizenbergrs only buildings, fading away, losing thei r death and the huge funeral provided by identificarion. Chicago's West side for its hero appeared Srnaller Neighborhoods Disappear Too in the Society News of February, 1982, A later story on ilerns donated to the On July 20, 1986, Sarn Melnick conduct- Archives appeared in the October, 1985 ed a Society tour through the Englewood issue. area. Although the peak Jewish population there was only approximately 3,000 souls, pant . it was nevertheless an important part of the Iarger Iocal Jewish community. Keeping the Memories Al ive urrrl/ The three examples above te1l you short period, 1900 to 1950. why The traces we find today are few, more the Chicago Jewish Illstorical Society in the mernories of the former residents exisEs. Future historians mieht be than in any physical evidence. The able to piece together some facts, but center of the area, 63rd and Halsted what lhey record will not be so complete Streets, has been made inlo a na11, and it as what can be recorded by those who lived is virtually unrecognizable to the old- through the period and in the place. join timers, Elsewhere, we did see two former This is why we appeal to you to synagogue buildings, the Aberdeen Street us. Help us finaneially. Help us with Synagogue and Anshe Emet of Englewood, documentation. Send us a photo of your par- which confirm for us that there once was a ticipation in some conmunity activity or Jewish presence in the area. fn one case, printed matter from sorne Jewish event of yesteryear. Before you throw away that it is only some Magen Davids and a corner- precious to arrange stone that give us the clues. The name of mernorabilia, call us for its pick-up so we can preserve it. one of the synagogues is now covered by a board bearing the name of the current occu- --Norman D. Schwartz Fnll l'lEerrneWrll FrntuRen Loor AT THELocnl JewrsnPRess

DearHReponrED oF AssocIATEEDIToR Rnssr ['lrsnrrNTo SpEAKSEpTEmBER 28 0r l,letresHrsroRv or CnlcneoJewnv As Soclrry BEGINSITs TENTHYEAR

The recent death of an important The history and developmenc of Jewish though virtually unknown historian of local publications in Chicago will be the ropic Jewry has been reported to us by CJHS Past under discussion at the Fa1l rneeting of the Presiden! Rachel Heinovics, He was David Society on Sunday, Septenber 28, at Temple E, Hirsch, who served as the associate edi- Emanuel. The speaker will be Rabbi Leonard tor of the invaluable History of the Jews C. Mishkin, professor of history at of Chicago by Hyman L. Meites. the Hebrew Theological College and retired Mr. Hirsch, who should not be confused superintendent of the Associated Taltnud with his contemporary of the sarne name who Torahs of Chicago. r{as a son ot Rabbi Emil G, Hirsch, was a former Chicagoan. He had a long career as This program, tiEIed "A Perspective on a journalist, nost notably for Zionist pub- the Rise and Fall of Jewish Publications in ij--rj^-^ :_ v,, rL 46v Nera, york and in Chicago," will be the first as the Society ' Israel where he died. begins its tenth year of service to Chi- In L971 while on a visit to this area, cago, he was interviewed by Mrs. Heimovics and Speaker Is Respected lli s tor ian spoke of Jewish Chicago during the early years of the century and of his work on the Rabbi Mishkin, who headed the Associ- Meites book. ated Talnud Torahs for forty-two years This comprehensive volume, pub 1i shed after his arrival in the early nineteen- in 1924 by an earlier incarnation of twenties, has observed and has contributed the Society (the Jewish Historical Society to 1ocal Jewish publications first-hand for of lllinois), is sEill unsurpassed as the well over a half century and, as a respect- history of Chicago Jews during their first ed historian, has also studied earlier seventy-five years in the citi. Unfortun- ones. His conments should be informative ately this rare volume is out-of-print. and reveal ing. Mrs. lleimovics, who headed the Society Buses Stop at Door for two years beginning in 1982, is now a resident of Longwood, Florida, but contin- Temple Emanuel, 5959 North Sheridan ues her interest in and contributions to Road, has once again generously made its Chicago Jewish history. She also serves as facilities available to the Society. CTA a member of the CJHS board. buses stop in front of the building, and NarIS a- -^-r':-^P4r 1ot entered from ANsne the north of the temple. EilTT DAYScHooL RECEIVED Arrangements for the prograu have been JewTsHFEDERATIoN AID DURING1977-8,1 made by Program Chairman Burt Robin. Re- freshments are provided by Hospitality An article on the Anshe Emet Day Chairman Shirley Sorkin. School appearing in the June Soeiety News --r. J. s. contained the statement that rrthroughout the years the gro\,ring financial needs of the Day School have been met internally." Len Schnelkin of the JeLTish Federation has further subventions would not be required. cal1ed our attention to the fact that that For thirty-five of the school 's staEement, while true for recent years, is forty years, the authorrs statement was the years referred to, the erroneous, correct, but in many other Between 1977 and 1981, the Day School Federation, as it does for so Jewish provided direc! finan- received financial support from the institutions, cial assistance. Federation to the extent of $L22,250. l,Ie are grateful to Mr. Schnelkin for Since then the school determined that the record straight. based on projected enrollment figures and setting its internal. fund-raising capabilities, --r. J. s. CHICAGOSINAI CONGREGATIOI{LOOKS BACK ON 125TnANNIVERSARY Sinai Congregation in April, 1861, with CrrY's Frnsr ReronilCoNGREGATToN Bernhard Felsenthal as the Temole I s HasPuvEo SEvERlr-Iuponrnnr RolEs first rabbi. Original Building in the Loop Adapted by Irwin J. Suloway Shortly after its organization, Sinai This year narks the 125th anniversary Congregation acquired its first house of of the founding of the cityrs first ReforEr worship. A former Protestant church locat- Jewish synagogue, Chicago Sinai Congrega- ed on Monroe Street between Clark and La- tion. Other synagogues which are nornrRe- Salle was purchased and remodeled as form preceded it, but in 1861 r,rhen Sinai a synagogue, It was dedicated on June Tenple--as it is popularly known--was 21, 1861. founded, the others were stil1 Orthodox. rs In addition to being the first Reform Under Dr. Felsenthal leadership, congregation, Sinai was to become huge and Sinai eontinued to grow in its early years. prosperous, influential in local and na- The rabbirs scholarly, forthright chanpion- tional religious and civic movements, ship of liberal Judaisrn attracted many and to become the pulpit of outstanding prominent Jewish families to the new con- rabbis. gregat ion. In 1863, Sinai dedicated its second Rabbi Felsenthal the Major Inpetus temple, a simple frame structure on the Sinai's origins actually extend back corner of Pl)'srouth Court and Van Buren further than 125 years. The earl iest move- Street. The following year Dr. Felsenlhal r^r rh6 nf Chieeon'< resigned frorn Sinai's pulpit and h'ent on Eo ^,-.r':--ii^n first Reforrn synagogue was instituted in esrabl ish Zion Congregation, then the first I857. Tn 1858, Bernhard Felsenrhal (I822- synagogue on Chicagors West Side and now 1908) organized the "Juedischer Reformver- Oak Park Temple. ein," the Jewish Reform Society, whose pur- New Rabbi Brings New Ideas pose would be to foster the study of Jewish history and philosophy and establish a firm The members of Sinai sought the recom- intellectual foundation for a liberal Jew- mendation of the rnajor Reform rabbis r orr Lu116r r64L rurr, of Gerrnany for a new Ieader, and in Felsenthal, a rabbinic scholar and 1864 elected Dr. Isaac Chronic of Koenigs- teacher who had recently arrived from Ger- berg to occupy the pulpit. Chronic was an many, drafted a statement of principles, academician and brought great erudition to grounding his concepts of Reform Judaisn in his preaching. llowever, as a cornmunal the Biblical and Talrnudic traditions. His leader he failed to win the affection and major prernise was the intellectual freedom loyalty of his people, and in I869 he and duty of each Jew to seek the sources of returned to Europe. religious truth in light of the needs and He Ieft his own contribution to the circumstances of every generat ron. legacy of Sinai's liberalisrn, however, hav-_ The wide influence he exerted led to ing led the effort to establish Sinai's the formal establishnent of Chicaso cemetery at Rosehill in 1867, the first in- stance in America of a Jewish section in an interdenominat ional, cemetery, Dr. Chronic prominent con- Always and sometimes was also one of the first rabbis in America troversial, Chicago Siuai Congregation to propose Sunday services--an innovation has compiled aE inportanc and interesting that would be implemented by his successor, record of achieveEent. Ics contributions to religious and civic affairs are here Sunday Services Instituted in 1874 cele- looked back upon as the congregation The Great Fire of 1871 destroyed most I'his arti- brates its 125th anniversary. of Chicago's churches and synagogues, in- Net's fron a pic- cle, adapted by Society cluding Sinai Temple on Van Buren Street. prepared Eoward A. torial history by Rabbi It \4'as also that year, however, that Dr. presents of the congre- Berman, highlights Kaulmann KonIer \L64J-Ltz)), one oI gationrs colorful history. Opinioos ex- the most prominent Reform rabbis in Ameri- pressed are those of the adaptor. ca, became Sinai's new leader. As the city (1, Sinai Congregationrsoutstanding rabbis of its first century: to r.) Dr. executive director, who Bernhard Felsenthal, the founding rabbi; Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, who occupied .a.wo.l tha i.^ pulpit ^^^nra..t its for 4J years; and Dr. Louis L. Mann, rabbi from 192, until 1962. for fifty years. rebuilt itself, the congregation continued Hebrew Union College in Cineinnati, raising to grow and develop. In the years immedi- up a new generation of American reform ately following the fire, services were rabb is . held in rented hal1s. IE was during lne nrrscn Lra Eeslns this period that one of Sinai's most dis- tinctive traditions was instituted by Dr. t* ,""t ttta rarked a major turning Kohler--the Sunday worship service. In a point in the history of Chicago Sinai Con- creative and forthright response to the gregation. After a nationwide search for conditions of American life which made it a new rabbi, the congrega!ion elecEed Dr. difficult for nany Jews to absent them- Emil G. Hirsch (1851-1923) as its new spir- selves from work to observe the traditional itual leader, Hirsch \"ras one of the Sabbath, Sinai held its first Sunday morn- Ieading younger lights in the Reform move- ing service on January 15, 1874. ment and would guide Sinai's development for the next forty-three years. While initially a supplement to His blend of vigorous, often radical the Saturday liturgy, the Sunday service , religious and social liberalisrn would be- soon becarne the major worship of the come Sinairs distinctive hallmark. Dr. week at Sinai. The popularity of this in- Hirsch's forceful, dynamic preaching, in novation made it a model for a number of which he courageously addressed the other rnajor Reform temples around the najor cheological, social and economic is- counrry. sues of the day, attracted thousands of Move to South Side Chicagoans--both Jews and Christians--to Sinai 's services. Following the Great Fire, the esEab- lished GerrnanJewish community began moving The Golden Age to the fashionable southern part of the Itirsch quickly emerged as one of the city. Sinai acquired land for a new home I city s major civic leaders, involved in at the corner of Indiana Avenue and 21st every important movement for social and on April 8, beautiful Street, 1876, a progress. Within five years, Sinai became new temple was dedicated, designed by the the largest Jerrish congregation in Chicago, famous Chicago architects Dankmar Adler and and eventually it L'as recognized as Louis Sullivan in their first maior co11ab- a preeninent religious institution through- orat ion. out the nat i on. The Romanesque irnposing structure was In 1892 the tenple on Indiana Avenue in and the interior was embellished style, had to be enlarged to acconmodate the with the abstract floral designs and fres- crorrds that flocked weekly to Sinaits ser- coes that trere to become Sullivansrs dis- vices. tinct ive trademark. These years were lhe beginning Dr, Kohler served Sinai for the next of the "Golden Age'r for the congregation. years, in 1879 to four leaving Chicago Its power and influence as an exponent of become rabbi of New Yorkrs Temple Beth El . He would go on to serve as president of Icontinued on next page] b

SINAI CONGREGATIONIINRTS COITPLETION CF 125YEARS (coHr'o) inued from Icont Prevlous PageJ over 2,200 worshippers, the new Sinai cen- liberal religion and social reform attract- ter included education, cultural and ath- ed leading citizens to its ranks. letic facilities. The imposing simplicity Among the active members of Sinai in of this classically inspired building re- the early twentieth century who exernplified flected the broad, rational religious prin- the social and eEhical ideals of Reform ciples of the congregat ion. Judaism in the broader community were Jul- The Mann and Schwartz Years ius Rosenald, pres ident of Sears Roebuck and Company, leading philanthropist and In 1923 Emil G. Hirsch died at the age champion of educacion and economic opPor- of seventy-one. Ile was mourned throughout tunity for America's poorl l{annah Greene- the nation as a great religious leader and baum Solomon, outstanding civic leader and a fearless champion of social juscice. His founder of the National Council of Jewish successor in the Sinai pulpit was also dis- Women; and Henly Horner, Governor of tinguished. In April, 1923' Dr. Louis L. Illinois fron 1932 to 1940. Mann (1890-1962) was appointed as the con- gregat ion s fifth rabbi. Unusual Achievements ' In his inaugural sermon he left no n.,-i-^ rLi. tO uu ! a ttli Lt,rr ^--i^.1PErruu' Sinaits Service doubt that he would carry on the courageous the broader conmuniEy included the active moral leadership that had becorne Sinai's role that Dr. Hirsch and many temple dist inct ive tradition. members p.layed in the founding of the Uni- Among the highllghts of Sinai's multi- versity of Chicago in 1893, a cLose rela- dlmensionaL program during these years was tionship belween the two institutions that the famous "Sinai Forum. " The guiding has continued through the years. spirit behind this naLionally renowned lec- However, the special needs of the Jew- ture series was the director of the congre- ish comrnuniry were always the congrega- gationrs Emil G. Hirsch Community Center' tion's major priority, and another import- Sanuel Disraeli Schwartz. "S.D." shaped and dimension of its service was the estab- the Forum into a major force for the lishrnent of the Je\,/ish Training School in discussion of the pressing moral , political 1890. This famous institution, conceived and philosophical issues of the day. Prom- by Dr. Hirsch and 1ed by rnany Sinai mem- inent thinkers from every walk of life ad- bers, was organized to reach out to dressed the Forum in what became a major lhe thousands of Jewish immigrants from cultural institution of Chicago 1ife. Eastern Europe who were arriving in Chicago It was also during this Period at the time. The school, with its own that the Sinai Sisterhood, founded in 1914' fine building in the heart of the City's and later the Ments Club escablished Eheir West Side Jewish neighborhood, taughr Eng- traditions of service and leadership lish, civics, home economics and job train- in the work of the temPle. ing for generations of new Americans. Building the Present Hone The Grand Boulevard Tenple By the mid 1940's the Jewish popula- to nove In 1912 the greatly expanded congrega- tion of Chicago had continued of Sinai's membership tion dedicated its fourth home, a rnagnifi- southward, and rnost in the Hyde Park and South cent temple and conmunity center on Grand were living Plans were underway Boulevard (later South Parkway and now Shore neighborhood.s. congregation. In Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive) and 46th for a new home for the the last service was held at the tem- Street. Designed by the Prominent Chicago 1944 architect Alfred Alschuler, this edifice ple on South Parkway. financial limitations and exemplified Sinai's philosophy that liberal Due to the the postwar religion should shape the toEal cha!acter construction restrictions of would be of an individual--spiritual , intelleclual years, the congregation "homeless'l years--worshipping in and social--a contemporary interPre t at ion for the next five University of of the traditional three-fold function of Rockefeller Chapel at the Chicaso and rdith its sister lemPle the synagogue as a house of Prayer, study ' present and fel lowsh ip. K. A. M. In 1950 the sanctuary 1n addition to a sanctuary seating on South Shore Drive in Hyde Park was dedi- a

ir Left, Sinaiis home lor nearly 40 years, the Indiana Avenue temple designed by DankmarAdler Louis Sullivan and, right, its current sanctuary, occupied in 1950. cated. again engaged in the search for a new lead- Its distinctive contemporary design er. A period of thro years fo1lowed, reflects the modern religious spirit that during which the lay leaders of the congre- is the heart of Sinai's identity. The gation carried on an active prograrn striking modern exterior exemplifies a with the devoted support of the membership. broad, rational faith and yet proclaims the Cornmitment to Classical Reform Judaism ancient words that were always inscribed on ts each of Sinai sanctuaries: "Mine house In 1982 the congregation elected How- sha1l be a house of prayer for all peoples'J ard A. Berman as the eighth rabbi of Sinai. Rabbi Berrnanrs primary commitment Rabbi Karff and Changing Demographics has been to uphold the congregationrs his- Dr. Mann retired as senior rabbi in roric Classical Reform principles. inter- 1962 and was succeeded by Samuel E. Karff. preting the ideals of the liberal American This was in many ways a period of transi- Jewish tradition in creative new ways. tion in the congregationrs history. Sweep- Among the new directions of this per- ing demographic changes lrere taking iod in Sinairs history have been a reaffir- place in Chicago as many Jewish families mation of the importance of congregational moved from the South Side to either worship and adult education, new programs suburban or other city neighborhoods. of conmunity service and Jewish-Christian New trends were also evident in Jewish cooperation and the developrnent of the tem- thought and pract ice as responses were p1e's unique ourreach program of support sought to the tumultuous events and changes for interfaith farnilies. in twentieth century Jewish 1ife. Dr. Thus the cityrs first Reform congrega- Karff led Sinai in facing the challenges of tion, st i I I dedicated to the principles ehanging nembership realities, seeking to which gave iE birth, marks another mile- intensify the religious and educational ex- stone in a distinguished history of perience of the congregation with creative leadership and ach ievement . new programs and styles of worship and s tudy . MAXy{ELLSTREET ExHIBIT (coNT,D) In I975, after thi rteen years of lcontinued from page onel strong, popular leadership, Rabbi Karff re- 1880. Informative captions accompany the signed from Sinai to serve a major Reform photos. congregation, Beth Israel, in Houston, Tex- The exhibit, originally displayed at as. He was succeeded by Philip Kranz, who the Chicago Historical Society, was organ- had been associate rabbi of lhe temple. ized by cuest Curator Alan Tel1er prirnarily Rabbi Kranz continued to lead the congrega- from prints in their collection. It is tion in experimenting with ne\^r, more infor- currently on long-term loan Co CJIIS, which mal styles of leadership and programming, is making it available to interested or- developing lhe sense of Sinai as a warm, ganizations through its exhibit chairrnen, caring farnily for its diverse membership. Mark Mandle and Doris Minsky. Interested With Rabbi Kranzr departure for a new groups should contact the CJHS office at congregation in Atlanta in 1980, Sinai once 663-5634 or in writing. 8

Is rHEJewrsH Sran Renllv JewtsHoR DoEsIr Jusr Loor JrwtsH?

Magen David Used As Decoration on Local Buildings with No Jewish Link

by Norman D. Sch\,/art z

Ques t ions about six-pointed stars found in or on buildings or elsewhere are often directed to the chicago Jewish His- torical Society. The questroner wants to know what Jewish institution had been the occupant of the place where the star \"/as found. Research has often indicated that there was never anything Jewish about the use of the six-pointed star on these buiLd- ings. Through the centuries these stars or hexagrams, as they are often caLled, have had nany uses other than Jewish ones. There is a legend thaL George l,lashington showed Betsy Ross a desigr for a flag for rhe Ur'red States wirh six-poinred rl 6 dL6gioe lapdnese -Fristian Church buildi^g 'as stars. After she convinced him that it was -.<-.- --..i'. jt" Star of David. easy for her ro make five-poinred srdrs, he ,..pntp.l rhc nhrnoe i n d_es rgn. rered ror fhe use .nir"'0"'l; : I t,t::"i.n ", (none of which is The Star and Non-Jewish Chicago connection with breweries here presented as verified historical The flag of Chicago contains four six- tactl. IneY are: n^inra.t cr,ra ranroaonrino F^r'- nprrhnrn l. The star was emblematic of the six the fhicron Firp nr lRTl rha C^l,,mhien Fw- <,-anc in rho ,,,d ucEr . ^ ',,6 ri^- aF I RO'l .n; , h6 a6nt,,ru p,^- (Source ^^ci ^f : EncycLopedia Britannica) gress of 1933. Until 1956 the chicago Po- 2. Leaking wooden hal f-barrels of l ice Departmenf used a six-poinIed star as beer were designated with a star to indi- its badge. Lrrcj/ wsrc to be sent fo the The Schoenhofen Brewing Conpany had a Stern Wirt or Star Host room \n'here building at ISth Streer and Canalporr with guesfs of fhe brewery were served a hexagram on iLs facade. lt was recentLy free beer The hexagram was used sho\tn in news photos when the area was in because it was easier to make than the the news as a site for urban renewal . fivp-nointcd slar- (Source: a man who There is also a hexagram on the Blatz Brew- worked in breweries in Chicago) ery in Milwaukee, and the Ve1 BLatz Brewery 3. "It is understood that the star was used the star on its beer bottles prior the Star of David. This derives from to 1920. Three explanations have been of- t he I poprd i h,aI Ki np Dav id of Tsrae I was the first brewer of beer." (Source: 1et- ter from G. Heilrnan Brewing Company, Uore than any other identification rnc . / mark, the Star of David (Magen David in Ile- brew) has signified Judaisn and Jewishness Churches and the Star to Jev and Gentile alike- Through the Six-pointed stars can also be found in centuries this has been the case. Yet, as church buildings originally designed as this article shons, the star has had a long churches (not the ones which were syna- non-Jerrish history, and many loca1 uses of gogues first and then converted to church the star are unrelated to anything Jesish. use). One such church is the famous Santa Norman Schrgartz, beginning his second term Croce in Florence, ltaly (according as CJHS president, is a longtime studeut of to Harold T. Berc). Another is the Lake- Chicago Jerish history- side Japanese Christian Church at 954 West WeI1 ing t on in Chicago. na cni ra f ha Test YourKnowledge with TheChicaso Jewish Trivia 0uiz

Trivia Quiz Number 4 Test your knowLedge of local Jewish history by atEernpting to answer our regular Chicago Jewish Trivia Quiz. Ihen check with your friends to see how v/e1l they can do. 1. [,JhaE synagogue began at a meeting held on the eve of the Chicago Fire, octo- ber 8, 1871?

2. What synagogue played host to Queen Marie of Romania, granddaughter of Queen Victoria?

3. What was Chicago 's role in the founding of the National Council of Jewish l,,lomen ? 4. What r^'as Chicago Jewry's major contribu! ion to public education?

The facade of a non-Jewishbrewery building Trivia Answers Are on Page Eleven in Chlcago. star prorninent in its facade, research in- been done by those vho made ic for millions dicates that this structure has never been into a rnark of shame and degradation. The used as a Jewish house of worship. yel1ow Jewish star, as a sign of exclusion The Encyclopaedica Judaica, VoLurne ll, and ult imately of annihilaL ion, has accon- (1971) in an extensive article telLs us. panied the Jews on their path of humilia- "The hexagram was often used by Jews and tion and horror. of battle and heroic re- non-Jews alike alongside the pentagram (the s rstance. Under this sign they rrere five-pointed star) and in the synagogue of murdered: under this sign they came to Capernaum, Israel, (second or third century Israel. If there is a fertile soil of his- C.E. ), i t is found side by side \^,ith torical experience from which symbols draw the pentagrarn and the now notorious swas- their rneaning, it would seem to be given tika on a frieze." The hexagran also had here. lwo "Jewish" names. "Between 1300 and 1900 "Some have been of the opinion the two terrns, shield of David and seal that the sign which rnalked the way to anni- of Solomon, are used indiscriminately. . . " hilation and to the gas chambers should be according to the encyc l opaed ia. replaced by a sign of Iife. But it Gershom Scholem's book, The Messianic is possible to think quite the opposite: Idea in Judaism has a chapter, "The the sign which in ou! own days has been Star of David: History of a Symbo1," which sanctified by suffering and dread has be- treats the subject extensively. For those come worthy of illuminating the path to interested in greater detail, I recommend Life and reconstruction. Before ascending, the Encyclopedica Judaica and Gershom the path led down into the abyss; there the SCnOtem s DooK. syurbol received its ultimate humiliation and chere it won its greatness." Its Rebirth as a Symbol Today of course the hexagram appears Reserve No in the flag of the StaEe of Israel, and its vember 9 ! presence has given new life to an old syn- For CJHS Meeting at TenpIe ShoIom bol. But, as Ge!shom Scholem has written, Hear James Rice Discuss "Far more than the Zionists have done to provide the Shield of David with Two Decades of Conflict , Change & Achievement the sanctity of a genuine synbol has 10

HlvnnRrrr TRAGEDYPneceoeo gv VTouencEAGAINST JewTsr SHOPKEEPER

An intprpst inp footnote to the arti- cle on Jewish involvement in the Haymarket Tragedy and its aftermath has been provided by Society member Nathan Kaplan. Mr. Kapa- lan's informat ion concerns union-related violence involving a Jew which took place earl ier in the day of the Haymarket af f ai-r . The original arEicle by Board member Walter Roth appeared in the June Society News. Mr. Kaplanrs information is repro- duced be 1ow.

There may have been an involvement of a Jewish family in the events leading up to the riot later on the evening of May 1, f886, if it can be assumed lhat Samuel The old Brnai Israel of Englewoodbuilding as seen Rosenfeld was Jewish. on a Soclety summertour. --Photo by N.D. Schwartz An account of rrhat happened to SOCIETY Rosenfeld and his family appears in Chicago COMPLETESTENTH SEASON OF Ragtime, a r^'e1l-researched book by Richard SI'}SIERTOURS, I'IAKES PLANS FOR 198/ Lindberg. In his account, Lindberg iden- tifies Rosenfeld as Rosenfield, although INTERESTREmAINS HIGH FoR VISITS T0 the city directo!y of 1875 lists SarnueL SITEsoF PRESENT,Pnsr ImpoRtnnce Rosenfeld at 1800 S. Racine (then Centre), the same Iocation given by Lindberg. Three busloads of Society mernbers and According to Lindberg, there may have friends were informed about Jewish history been a faction in the police department offered this in the course of tours which wanled to keep tensions high and "set summer by the Chicago Jewish Historical So- up" the labor movement to warrant bold Po- ciety. lice action, A mob of 3,000 people materi- The tours, arranged for the seventh alized on the morning of the riot and t consecutive year by Chairman Leah Axelrod, stormed and pillaged Rosenfeld s drug included a half-day tour of present and store on the pretext that he was a police former Jewish neighborhoods on lhe West and informer against 1abor. The mob represent- Northwest sides, one of the old Englewood ed itself as a labor group, which they Jewish community and an all-day tour of \dere not. Milwaukeers Jewish coumunity. A11 were Rosenfeld's fauily lived upstairs led by qualified guides whose comments add- of the drug store. oddIy, there is ed much to the sights seen. no listing in the city directory for Rosen- our !enth of tours," feld in the following years, Nor did his "This '^ras season said President Nornan Schwartz. rrThey name appear as living elsewhere in Chica- continue to be popular because our nem- go. bers find them both inforrnative and enter- Any reader who can shed further l ight taining. The Society is grateful to Leah on Samuel Rosenfeld or his family should and to her predecessor Rachel Heimovics for communicate with the editor. their fine work in creating what is a very important part of our activities."

The 1986 tour l-eaders included Mrs. reduced rates. Axelrod, Dr. lrving Cutler and Sam Melnick Mrs. Axelrod is already thinking about and his mother, Jane Melnick-Stenge1, To the 1987 season and wel.comes suggest ions nake the tours readily accessible to all, eoncerning new tour s or possible leaders. costs are kep low and members pay specially She can be reached at 432-7003. ll

Society llelcorBs Newl'lefibers

The Society welcomes the following new members who have joined during the past few months. Their membership indicates their desire to assist in the pleservation of Chicago's Jewish history and to participate in the many ente!taining and educational act ivit ies of the oreanization. Paula Barret! ILliana Jewish Wi11iam Bergtan Cenealogical Society TlITIE LLIlS Louis Mandle Mr.&Mrs. AIvin Friednan Mrs. Becty Palash Mr.&Mrs. H)'manCross Marie Pokkus Shir I ee Hof frnan Nalhan Rosenstone llerberl Kraus Mrs. Rulh Samek .\nna S. Teppea --Marian Cut Ler Membership Chairnan Answersto Trivia 0uiz Performers at June brunch meetj.ngincluded Cantor Trivia Questions Are on Page Nine Abraham Lubin (riqht) and accompanist cerald 1. The meeting to plan the organiza- Rizzer. --Photo by Moselle Schwartz tion of Congregation Rodef Sholorn, which later became Temple Beth E1 , was held on PROGRAIIOF YIDDISHSONGS FEATURED Milwaukee Avenue on the eve of the fire. It changed its name after a cyclone des- ATANNUAL BRUNCH I'IEETING troyed an early building. GntnrntneAT TEIIPLE Snolou At-so 2. On November 14, L926, a reception Aoos LrvInsoN, SHULMANTO BOARD was held for the Queen at Ehe First Rouman- Jewish musie and Jewish food were fea- ian Congregation Shararei Shomayim, (Her tured at the annual brunch meeting of the son, King Caro1, eventually married his Chicago Jewish Historical Society on June 8 Jewish mistress after I osing his throne. ) at Temple Sholorn. The brunch, open only to 3. The National Council of Jewish Society rnenbers and the third of its kind, Women was founded in Chicago in 1894 by once again attracted more individuals than Hannah Greenebaum SoLomon. A nember of a preceding brunches. pioneer Chicago Jewish family, she buil c Cantor Abraham Lubin of Congregation upon a foundation created by the Jewish Rodfei Zedek sang Yiddish songs written in section of the Congress of Religion pre-World War I1 Poland to the piano accom- which she - organized at the Worldrs Fair paniment of Gerald Rizzer. Former Chica- the previous year, and built a nationwide goan lra Harris, now active in Jewish his- organization whose achievements both in torical activities of Southern California, Jewish and in women's affairs have been spoke briefly of his research on the Con- many. cordia Guards, a local Jewish army group in the U. S. Civil War. 4. The concepc of manual training or The annual election of board rnembers training in the practical arts in the elem- resulted in the addition of Joseph l. Lev- entary school had been bandied about for .inson and Dr. Milton L. Shulman to the decades in Chicago but no action was taken group and the re-election of Sol Brandzel, until the success of the Jewish Training Doris Minsky, Burt Robin, Moselle Schwartz School, based on a German model, clearly and Norman Schwartz. A11 will serve demonstrated the worth of sueh training, until June, 1989. especially for those not going on to high President Norman Schldartz conducted school. The school r,ras founded in 1890 by Program Chairman Burt German Jews seeking to prepare East the meeting, and the speaker and musicians European Jewish children for occupations Robin introduced for the 1ox' bag- other than peddl ing. in addition to arranging e1s, blintzes, fruit and slteet rolls (Prepared by Nornun Sdwartz and lrwin fu1cr^ray) served.