February 28, 2013 | General News

In honor of Women's History Month, we share this archival image of Rebecca Kohut.

Rebekiah (Rebecca) Bettelheim Kohut was born 1864 in Hungary into a learned family of rabbis. In 1867 the family immigrated to America. In 1887 she met Ahawath Chesed’s recently appointed and recently widowed Rabbi Alexander Kohut. Although never having children of her own she became mother to his eight children, six of whom were under thirteen years old. As the children grew up she found time to work as a champion of improved public sanitation and founded the Sisterhood of Personal Service at Ahawath Chesed. This group of ladies aided immigrant families adapt to their new life in America. She earned an honorary degree from the Jewish Institute of Religion in 1934 and wrote both her husband’s and her own memoirs. In 1951 she died at the age of 87. Surely Rebecca’s life is encouraging and inspiring to us. She was a dedicated stepmother and a leader who organized women to help others, exemplifying great determination and dedication.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist

February 27, 2013 | General News

On April 5, 1958, Rabbis Jonah B. Wise (left) and David J. Seligson (right) led a second night Passover Seder in Central’s Pavilion space. Matzos, Kiddush cup, embroidered cloth, candlesticks, and flowers on the dais combine to set the tone of Rabbi Seligson’s reading of the Haggadah, the story of the Jews escape from Egypt. A traditional Passover meal was enjoyed by all.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist

February 17, 2013 | General News

At Central Synagogue, Purim has always been a phantasmagorical dress-up occasion for our clergy and congregants. While the formality of the holiday celebrating the deliverance of the Jews from their oppressors as told in the Book of Esther remains the focus, costumes run the gamut from historical characters to Big Bird.

In 1987 our rabbi wore a Big Bird costume.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist

February 13, 2013 | General News

Some of our Nursery School students from Tutim/Red Room and Tzipporim/Blue Room learned to make hamantaschen as part of learning about Purim.

January 24, 2013 | General News | Worship and High Holidays

Watch and listen as Cantor Buchdahl sings her d'rash for Tu BiSh'vat and the Song of the Sea for Shabbat Shirah.