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