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1890 |
The pioneers of Traditional Judaism in Appleton were Mr. And Mrs. Edward Ressman (Yudilah and Sarah). They came to Appleton in 1890 at which time Mr. Ressman conducted minyans and religious services in his home. |
1900 |
It is believed that Mr. David Belzer came to the United States in 1900. The religious services were transferred from the Ressman home at some time during the early years to the home of Mr. David Belzer. Mr. Belzer had his parlor closed off and the Torah Scrolls were placed there. |
1901 |
The Congregation elected Mr. David Belzer as their first President. |
1903 |
A notarized document of the Moses Montefiore Congregation states that they organized into a religious society of the "Moses Montefiore Congregations" and that the following officers were elected on August 17, 1903: President, Mr. David Belzer; Vice President, Mr. Abe Levin: Secretary, Mr. A. L. Jacobson; Treasurer, Mr. Isadore Bahcall. |
1908 |
A committee wrote for a synagogue charter and the translated Yiddish minutes read: "This congregation shall be named Moses Montefiore. The community should have a synagogue to worship in and to be used for only Orthodox services. The name of the Synagogue can never be changed, the procedure of the services are never to be changed. We shall have a community center on a lower basement level and this shall be used for meetings, weddings, parties, and all kinds of entertainment. When Hebrew lessons are in session, no other meetings or entertainment should disturb this session." |
1909 |
A little synagogue and schoolhouse were built, and classes for the children were held there. The teacher was Mr. Abe Shulewitz. |
1910 |
Mr. Aaron Zussman came to Appleton with his family. This man was our cantor, teacher, "shochet", and spiritual leader for many, many years. Her served the congregation officially from 1912 to 1919. In subsequent years, he helped whenever he was needed and continued to serve us faithfully for the remainder of his life. |
1913 |
During the following years the community flourished, and the Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and High Holiday dances and Services were held in the Odd Fellows Hall. These affairs were well attended and enjoyed by all. The Gabriel Furniture Company, 201 East College Avenue, occupies this building at the present time. |
1920 |
The little schoolhouse was traded to a man who was to build a new synagogue on Atlantic and Bateman Streets. The land was purchased for $2,000. |
1922 |
The synagogue was finally built in 1922 and dedicated on June 10, 1923. The officers at the time of the dedication were: Mr. Aaron Goldin, President; Mr. Isadore Bahcall, Secretary; Mr. Harry Ressman, Treasurer. |
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Moses Montefiore Synagogue, 1922 |
1926 |
The Moses Montefiore Cemetery Association was formed, and Mr. Aaron Goldin became president. A plot of land 132' by 462' was purchased for the sum of $770. |
1929 |
The Moses Montefiore Sunday School was organized under the able leadership of Mrs. Abraham Sigman. |
1930 |
Rabbi Glick was hired. No official Rabbi had served our congregation between 1919 and 1930. In the years to follow, a number of Rabbis served our synagogue: Rabbi DeKoven, 1937-1942; Rabbi Klein, 1942-1945; Rabbi Herson, 1946-1950; Rabbi Silverstein, 1950-1969. |
1949 |
The monthly Bulletin was begun under the supervision of Rabbi Herson. Mrs. Max Polisky edited it. |
1953 |
The first Bas Mitzvah in the history of the synagogue was held. Rochelle Cohen began this new era for young girls. |
1959 |
Mixed seating was allowed for members who wanted it. |
1964 |
The first second generation Bar Mitzvah was Gary Liess. |
1965 |
The congregation voted to join the United Synagogues of America, which officially made our synagogue a part of the Conservative movement. A few months later the planning began for a larger synagogue. A 360' by 360' plot of land at 3131 North Meade Street was purchased. |
1966 |
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new synagogue and construction began. |
1969 |
The building was not quite completed, but on April 12, Bruce Abramson celebrated the first Bar Mitzvah in our new synagogue. In June, Rabbi Silverstein retired after almost nineteen years of leadership and faithful service. On September 21, our synagogue opened its doors to welcome the Hebrew and Sunday School children to their new classrooms. |
