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L. H. MILLER SAFE & IRON WORKS
BUILDERS OF
Fire and Burglar Proof Protection
Office and Plant: FREMONT AVE., BRISCOE, HENRIETTA AND WARNER STS.
BALTIMORE, MD.
This company was established in 1857 by Luke H. Miller. The original and present location of the factory is at the intersection of Fremont, Warner and Henrietta Streets. Baltimore, IMd. The s])ecial and ycneral lines of tliis company are Fire and Ijurglar I'l'oof Safes, Bank Vaults, Safe Deposit Boxes, Grille Work, Coin Safes, Etc. Facilities of the plant are modern and first class in every particular, and its aim is to build the strongest and best finished work at the lowest cost possible, and to give full value and quality in every instance. Some of the contracts fulfilled b}' the L. H. .Miller Safe & Iron Works are given below:
National City Bank New York, N. Y.
National Copper Bank New York, N. Y.
Girard Trust Co Philadelphia, Pa.
Clearing House Association Philadelphia, Pa.
Hamilton Trust Company Philadelphia, Pa.
Franklin National Bank Philadelphia, Pa.
Provident Life & Trust Co Philadelphia, Pa.
Commonwealth Trust Co Pittsburg, Pa.
Union National iiank Pittsburg, Pa.
Third National Bank St. Louis, :Mo.
Union National Bank ^^'ilmington, Del. '
New Britain National Bank New Britain, Conn.
National Shawmut Bank Boston, Mass.
Industrial National Bank Pittsburg, Pa.
Fall River Savings Bank Fall River. Mass.
American National Bank Indianapolis, Ind.
Penobscot Safe Deposit & Trust Co Detroit. Midi.
Humbolt Savings liank San Francisco, Cal.
First National Bank San Francisco, Cal.
Soutiiern Trust & Savings Bank San Diego. Cal.
National Bank of Baltimore Baltimore, Md.
Bureau Engraving and Printing Wasiiington. D. C.
YORK SAFE & LOCK COMPANY
Manufacturers and Designers of
Fire and Burglar Proof Safes,
Bank Vaults, Safe and Deposit Vaults,
Safe Deposit Boxes, Etc.
Baltimore Offices and Show Rooms NUMBERS 5 AND 7 WEST GERMAN STREET
Factory and P.ant: YORK, PA.
The York Safe & Lock Co. was established in 1SS2, at York, Pa., with Israel Laucks, President, and S. Ferry Laucks. Vice-President and General Manager of the company. The \'ork Safe i*c Lock Co. are specialists in the designing and construction of high grade Fire and Burglar Proof Safes, Steel-Lined \'ault.s. Safe Deposit Boxes, etc. The success of this company has been most remarkable, and with the comiile- tion of buildings now in course of erection, the York Plant will be the largest in the country, covering 10 acres of ground. The York Safe & Lock Co. have equipped many of the largest financial Institutions, Office Buildings and Business Establishments throughout the United States with Fire and Burglar Proof Protection, and its reiautation has been earned and is maintained by liuilding, at no time in its career, other than the highest grade of work. The Baltimore office and salesroom are situated at 5 and 7 ^^est German Street, where is shown a full line of ^'ork Fire and Burglar Proof Safes, and from which point is handled the business of contiguous territory.
In Baltimore, the York Safe & Lock Co. have installed their Safes and X'aults in the following promi- nent institutions and buildings:
Continental Trust Co.
International Trust Co. Baltimore Savings Bank. Safe Deposit & Trust Co. Maryland Savings Bank. Maryland Trust Co.
TTnion Trust Co.
Calvert it Equitable Buildings.
Cnmther Building.
United States Custom House, Etc.
N.\TIO.V.\L REFERENCES.
Treasury Department, ^^ ashington, D. C. Na\'j' Department, \Vashiagton, D. C. War Department, Washington, D. C. Isthmian Canal Commission. Chemical National Bank, New York. Hanover National Bank. New "^'ork. Knickerbocker Trust Co., New York.
New York Stock Exchange. Logan Trust Co., Philadelphia. I'nion National Bank, Philadelphia. First National Bank of Detroit. New Engl.and Trust Co., Boston. International Trust Co., Boston. I'nion National Bank of Indianaiiolis.
JOHN MILES
Wholesale Millinery Goods
610-612-614 BROADWAY
2-4-6-8-10-12-14-16 EAST HOUSTON STREET \
Pioneer of the Cash System in the Millinery Trade
NEW YORK
JOHN MILES, INCORPORATKD
Left ail orphan at the age of eleven years in 1S72, John Miles started in as a cash boy in a Grand street department store, his salarj- being $2.50 per week, but in a very short time was increased to S4.50. Not being satisfied with this amount, he utilized his spare time to any available work that would increase his means. ^^ hen it came to his vacation, instead of spending what little he had, he worked on a farm and added to his savings. The proprietor of the Grand street store saw that he had in this boy a remark- able and valuable character, and his advancements were quick; but with his energy and ambition to climb, it was no surjjrise to his associates when he left to take a position with the Eminent Millinery House of James G. Johnson <fe Co., New York, to travel for them, but all the time he was with this house his previous employers wanted him back, and finally he severed his connections with James G. Johnson it Co. and returned to the Grand street store as buyer of dress goods, silks, upholstery and millinery at the rate of two million dollars a year. At the same time he managed their wholesale millery department, which made it second to none in New York, but this could not last long in a man like John Miles. His aim was to be a great merchant, so in 1891 he rented a small room on the fifth fioor of 96 Spring street with a capital of $50, and there on a SiH second-hand table he placed his stock, every article chosen that would be bound to attract attention and sell quickly.
It was only a few months before his success was assured. His first stock was quickly sold and larger stock added, and after six months' time he had to look around for larger quarters. He rented half of a loft at 603 Broadway, and shortly afterward occupied the entire floor. In 1S92 he outgrew these quarters and secured more spacious ones at 654 Rroadway, where he occupied three floors. He left these in 1S97, and opened in the large buikling 636-63S Broadwav, and from there he moved into his present enormous establi.shment 610-612-614 Broadway and 2-4-6-S-10-12-14-16 E. Houston street.
The les.sous that John Miles had learned in the school of actual exiierience were ajitly applied as is evidenced by the growth of his busine-ss from a small beginning to its prosperous and conuiieiuiatory current state. He has made a most creditable record, and is to be counted among the representative merchants in Greater New York. He has contributed a fair share toward upholding the commercial renown of the city in all the essentials of serving his customers well and showing a high sense of responsibility.
The entire stock is admirably selected. It contains the best products of the importers and manu- facturers, selections always being made to the best advantage by buyers entirely familiar with their branch of the trade, so that the retailer may rest assured of being well served. Much thought, time and effort are expended upon bringing together all that is suitable, and nowhere can a purchaser get better value or more courteous treatment. In fact, thorough knowledge of the sources of protluction and of the wants of the community enables this house to give its patrons special inducements in the way of variety.
Absolute reliability has been the Keystone of John Miles' success, and the elevated principles adopted by him in the beginning have always been adhered to.
WEAR THE SCRIVEN UNDERWEAR
^(mth (^
TRADE MARK ^ffy
REG US Pal Off
S=3A FOR FIT, COMFORT AND DURABILITY, THEY ARE THE BEST. TRY THEM AND YOU WILL BE CONVINCED
ORDER FROM YOUR HAB- ERDASHER. OUR ILLUS- TRATED BOOKLET WILL BE SENT ON REQUEST
J. A. SCRIVEN COMPANY
Sole Manufacturers, 16-18 E. 15th STREET, NEW YORK CITY, N. Y.
N. SHULMAN
Photographer
924 EAST BALTIMORE STREET, BALTIMORE, MD.
Established sin.-e 1899. Group and Life Size Photographs a specialty. AwanliMl prizes at four state conventions of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia (1903) and at Huston National Convention (1905). Official photographer "History of the .lows of Baltimore."
JOSEPH C. CHRISTHILF
Official Commercial Photographer
OF THE
History of the Jews of Baltimore
201 PARK AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MD.
Mr. Cliristhilf began business on his own account in 1904 with studio at 201 Park Avenue. He makes a specialty of view pliotography and general commercial work and has special facilities for copying and enlarging. He maintains one of the most up-to-date establishments, equipped with high-class printing-machines and enlarging apparatus, and liis aim is to do only the finest work possible. The exterior photographs in the History of the Jews of Baltimore show the character of Mr. Christhilf's art. He has pre- served the negatives of all the photographs used in this work and duplicate copies may be had from him at any time.
RENNOUS, KLEINLE & COMPANY
Brush Manufacturers
BALTIMORE, MD.
Rennous, Kleinle & Co. is one of the largest and oldest brush manufacturing con- cerns in the United States. It is a great satisfaction to us to call the attention of the trade and general public to the history and success of their business.
The business was established by W. A. Megraw & Co. in 1850, and was succeeded by Rennous. Kleinle & Co. in 187*), Messrs. John R. Rennous and Wni. Kleinle com- posing the firm, whicli met with great success, especially between 1880 and 1890, and became one of the leading brush manufacturers in the United States. It was during this time that the merits of black Chinese bristle were exploited by this firm. The firm built up a large trade in the introduction of Chinese bristle in the manufacture of brushes, and the exceptionally fine line of goods placed on the market at this time gave an impetus to the business which has resulted in placing this concern in the front rank as brush manufacturers in the United States. Rennous, Kleinle & Co. were the pioneers in the use of Chinese bristle and practically for many years had little competition, as the process of preparing the bristle was unknown to their competitors, who were consequently slow to enter into the manufacture of this line of goods.
HOME OF RENNOUS, KLEINLE & COMPANY
The business continued to increase by rapid strides until 1886, when larger facil- ities had to be sought in greatly extended premises for a factory. The three build- ings Nos. 413, 41.5 and 417 Exchange Place were secured, where the business was suc- cessfully carried on until tlie great fire of 1904. The concern, which had previous to the fire been incorporated, purchased the large property now occupied by the com- pany at 848 to 856 Frederick Avenue, and 847 to 855 Stafford Street, which is one of the largest and best equipped brush plants in this country.
The company make all kind of brushes which are known as the '"Horse Shoe Brand," various lines being designated under their trade-marks, "Mikado," "Tj'coon," "Arkaco," "Czar" and "Czarina," which names are synonyms for superiority and durability.
The company is represented by a large staff of traveling salesmen and agents, who cover this entire country, Canada, Cuba, Porto Rico and Australia.
The officers of the company are: Mr. W. P. Bigelow, President; Mr. Edw. Pit- cairn, Treasurer; Mr. E. H. Welbourn, Superintendent, and Mr. F. A. Pilling, Secretary.
WILLIAM A. TOTTLE & COMPANY
Manufacturers of
Brushes for the Trade
120-124 HANOVER STREET, BALTIMORE, MD.
The firm of William A. Tottle & Company was estab- lished in 1884 by Mr. William A. Tottle, since which time his son, Mr. Morton P. Tottle, has be?n taken into the firm.
William A. Tottle & Com- pany are large manufacturers of brushes and are selling their product, which consists in part of the following: flat and round paints, flat and oval varnish, whitewash, sweeping and dust- ing brushes, and a full line of artist goods, in all parts of the country. They are also ex- porters.
The above company has a large, up-to-date plant and salesroom, which are well adapted to its increasing busi- ness.
The integrity which has char- acterized the policy of this firm lias won for it a high standing, not only here but throughout the entire country.
We are also members of the ^Merchants' & Manufacturers' Association.
Our business began in the building to the extreme left, as shown in cut, but owing to in- cieasing needs we have taken in the two adjoining warehouses.
Established Thirty-five Years
J. J. HAINES & CO.
Wholesale
Wooden and Willow
Warehouse
NUMBER 31 HOPKINS PLACE BALTIMORE, MD.
This tirm is one of the largest of its kind ill the East, ocenpying a structure which ex- tends two hundred and forty-one feet from Hopkins Phiee to Sutton •Street, and lias a lioor space of not I'esi? than forty thousand feet. J. J. Haines & Company are direct im- porters of china. Japan matting, manufac- turers and wholesale dealers in cedar ware, cordage, brushes, brooms, mats, baskets, paper, sieves, twines, flasks, carpets, floor oilcloths, linoleums, etc.
Tliis business was established in 1874 by ]\lr. J. J. Haines, who came here from Upper- ville, Fauier County, Va., where he had kept a general store, and founded the firm of Haines & Small. Operations were commenced at 2-1 South Howard Street, and from the be- ginning tlie enterprise prospered. In 1878 ^Ir. E. D. Robinson was admitted as a part- ner, the firm being changed to Haines, Small & Robinson. Four years later the other two jiartners bought out Mr. Small and the firm became Haines & Robinson. After anotlier four years, in 1886, Mr, Robinson retired and a further alteration of the name took place, the device being J. J. Haines & Co. In 1891 Mr. H. L, Haines, a son of the founder, was admitted as a ]iartner. and in 1900 Mr, J, J. Haines retired, turning the Imsiness over to the son and Messrs. C. T. INIarston. The old name was retained, and the house is still known as J. J. Haines & Company.
Tile goods of the firm have a fine reputa- tion for reliability and its renown has been built 11]) by rigid integrity and fair dealing. Its trade extends from Pennsylvania to Texas.
Mr. II. L. Haines is the buyer of the gen- era] woodenware, giving every detail of tliis woik his close, ])ersona] attention and kee])- ing closely in touch with the trend of the trade. ]\Tr. INIarston buys all the fioor cover- Jill's carried.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Index to Representations XI
Index to Biographies xxv
Index to Illustrations xxvii-xxix
Publisher's Note XLix
Mayor Mahool's Letter li
Title Page 1
The Jews of Baltimore, a Historical Sketch, by Isidor Blum 3
Eeligious Life of Baltimore Jews, by Rev. Dr. Charles A. Rubenstein 33
Zionism, by Rev. Dr. S. Sehaffer 39
Charities of Baltimore Jews, by Rev. Dr. Adolf Guttmacher 48
The Jews in Baltimore Education, liy Wcv. Dr. ^^"i]liam Rosenau 54
The Jew in Political Life, by Hon. Lewis Putzel 57
Autobiography of Rev. Dr. S. Scliafi'er 59
Sketch of Shearith Israel Congregation, by Rev, Dr. S. Scliafi'er 62
Sketch of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, by Rev. Dr. Adolf. Guttmacher 03
Sketch of Oheb Shalom Congregation, by Rev. Dr. William Rosenau- 65
Sketch of Chizzuk Amoonah Congregation, by Rev. Dr. Henry W. Schneeberger 67
Sketch of Rev. Dr. Henry W. Schneeberger :■ 68
Sketch of Rev. Dr. William Rosenau 69
Sketch of Rev. Dr. Adolf Guttmacher 70
Sketch of Rev. Dr. Charles A. Rubenstein 70
Sketch of Phoenix Club 77
Sketch of Suburban Club 87
Sketch of Clover Club : 95
Sketch of Hebrew Orphan Asylum 99
Sketch of Jewish Home for Consumptives 103
Sketch of Council of Jewish Women Ill
Sketch of Hebrew Education Society 117
Sketch of Council Milk and Ice Fund 117
Sketch of Baltimore Branch of the Alliance Israelite Universelle 119
Sketch of The Purim Association 121
Sketch of Hebrew Hospital 125
Sketch of Hebrew Free Burial Society 129
An Account of Mrs. Betsv \Viesenfeld and Her Father, Jonas Friedenwald 133
DR. SALZMAN
D. D. S., Inc.
Painless Dentist
327 WEST LEXINGTON STREET, BALTIMORE, MD.
Dr. Salzman has had 12 years of the most exacting experience in dentistry and in all its branches, and gives his personal supervision to the establishment over which he presides. The offices of Dr. Salzman, D. D. S., Inc., are located at 327 West Lexing- ton Street, where absolutely painless work and honest treatment are conferred upon all. Prices are arranged to suit.
INDEX TO REPRESENTATIONS
BEING A LIST OF BALTIMORE'S MORE REPRESENTATIVE COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL
AND MANUFACTURAL INTERESTS, WHOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE
HISTORY OF THE JEWS OF BALTIMORE HAS MADE
THE WORK A PRACTICAL SUCCESS.
PAGE
Adams, Henry 344
Ades Bros 360
Adt, John B 198
Aetna Life Ins. Co 338
Aflfelder, M., & Son 388
Alpha Dairy 400
Alpha Photo Engraving Co 448
American Street Lighting Co 154
American Bonding Co 204
American Mirror Works 214
American Funeral Benefit Association 262
American Coat Pad Co 440
Arnold, W. E., & Co 230
Arnreich, F. M 242
Asset-Audit & Adjustment Co 466
Atlantic Coppersmith and Plumbing Works 420
Basshor, Thomas C. Co 386
Baker-Whiteley Coal Co 390
Bartlett Hayward Co 152
Baltimore & Philadelphia Steamboat Co 304
Baltimore, Chesapeake & Atlantic Ry 318
Baltimore Shoe House 372
Baltimore & Washington Concrete Co 376
Baltimore Audit Co 394
Baltimore Trust Co 194
Baltimore Trust & Guarantee Co 202
Baltimore Equitable Society 204
Baltimore Steam Packet Co 238
Baltimore County Water & Electric Co 274
Baltimore Ferro-Conerete Co 282
Baltimore Bridge Co 284
Baltimore Towel Supply Co 278
Baltimore Lumber Co 454
Baltimore Roller Co 457
Barnstein, R - xii
Bagby Furniture Co 206
Baum, Fritz W 460
Bennett, Edwin, Pottery Co 82
Berger, George 106
Bevans, Samuel 0., & Nikol Co 410
Bennett, B. F., Building Co 461
Big Vein Pocohontas Coal Co 114
Bissing, H. W 459
Black & Hunter 392
Blumenthal & Langfeld 136
Bohne, Henry W 106
Boettigheimer, Reier & Co 400
Brown, H. C, & Co 238
Broadway Central Hotel 462-470
R. BARNSTEIN
Ladies^ Tailor
505 NORTH GILMOR STREET, BALTIMORE, MD.
Mr. R. I'.iirnstein estal)lislie{l this business August 1.1, 1007, at 503 North Gilmor Street, and later lie moxcd to .lOS Nortli (iilmor 8trcc1. where lie is at present located. Mr. Barnstein is a ladies' tailor, and lias earned a ])osition of high standing by the superior excellence and the artistic llidioughness of his productions.
]\Ir. Barnstein maintains a perfectly ('(piipped establishment, where is employed a large and elhcient corps of nnikers, mochdeis and iinisiiers of robe.s, gowns and costumes from ])is own designs and jiat terns.
R EPRESENT ATIO NS— Co7) i i n nod
PAGE
Burnliam. Walter E 368
Eurt Machine Co lOS
Buffington, John J., & Co 176
Carter, Webster & Co ; 118
Calvert Bank 306
Calvert Stove & Heatinp- Co 416
Carr, Owens & Co 326
Canton Box Co 448
Carbondale Machine Co 412
Carter, J. S., & Co 436
Castelberg National Jewelry Co 442
Central Sash, Door & Blind ^Manufactory 358
Central Savings Bank 192
Chamberlin Metal Weather Strip Co 71
Chloride of Silver Dry Cell Battery Co ; 124
Chipman, George, & Son 218
Chesapeake Steamship Co 238
Chatard, Wm. M 412
Christhilf . Joseph C v
Club Hand Laundry 469
Cohen & Hughes 314
Commercial & Farmers' National Bank XLiv
Consolidated Cotton Duck Co 316
Consolidation Amusement Co 234
Consolidation Coal Co 110
Continental Trust Co 234
Cohn, Wolf 236
Cowan, John 461
Cronhardt, Dnmler & Co 254
Crowley & Skip])er 450
Cumberland Coal Co • 338
Ciishen, P. J 416
Cunningham, Chas. L., & Co 459
Davis, Milton C 124
De Long & Co 274
Diggs-Vanneman Mfg. Co 370-371
Dorsey, J. W 464
Dobson, John & James xxvi
Drovers' & Mechanics' National Bank 338
Duer, John & Sons 224
Du Brau, Otto M 436
Duker, J. H., Box Co 272
I'.'aton & Burnett Business College 138
Eagle White Lead Co 444
Eclipse Manufacturing Co 140
Eichengreen & Co 116
Elliott, Chas., & Co 71
Elite Dyeing & Cleaning Co 122
Emerson Drug Co xlvi
Enterprise Steam & Hot Water Heating Co 96
Engineering & Contracting Co 280
Esselmann, George Co 280
Euker, Chas. A., & Co 320
Evans, David E., & Co 156
xiii
"the house of little prices and big values"
spot-cash house, and while its mission is to perform a will not begin its career without the kindest of feelings and respect to all men either in the com- mercial or professional world.
The promoter of this proposition, Mr. Peter J. Scully, really desires to use this opportunity to pay a personal tribute to a people to whom this book is dedicated rather than to advertise; his associations with the Hebrews of this community have been extensive both in a commercial and social way, and he desires to pay an humble tribute to them for the great part they have played in the different walks of life in the world generally.
SCULLY'S
50 Stores in One Company
BROADWAY
AND EASTERN AVENUE
BALTIMORE, MD.
" The House
of Little Prices and Big
Values "
The idea of this store is to build up the trade of this the great eastern section of this the great metropohs of the south. The policy of this store will be equal to any store in Baltimore, and also to serve a great, deserving and thrifty public. It will be a service to the eastern locality, it
peter J. SCULLY
REPRESENTATIONS— Con^mwecZ
PAGE
Falconer Co ^^^^
Farley, James F xviil
Fishpaw, Eli L. M 1'^^
Fidelity & Deposit Co 196
Fidelity Trust Co « 196
Fickert, Charles 460
Fleischer, E., & Son 116
Fleckenstein & Co 400
Flannery-Griffiths Co 450
Foster Bros. Mfg. Co 184
Frey, George E 1^4
Friedman, L 1'"
Friedman, H , ^^^
Francis Co ^^^
Frederick, Wm. C -, 426-427
Furst Bros. & Co 92
Fuchshoehle, The 462
Gardiner Dairy ^28
Garthe, Wm., Co • 246
Gans Bros 406
Ganter, F. X., Co 416
Gaither's City & Suburban Express Co 458
Gernand, Edward L 86
Gehrmann, Ph. F. Co 142
German-American Bank 468
George, H. Barry ^^
Gilpin, Langdon & Co 324
Gillet, Martin & Co 158
Ginsberg, S xxii
Ginsberg, S., & Co '. 428
Gibson & Young 410
Goldman, Ralph 300
Golden Trading Stamp Co 396-397
Goodman, Wallach & Helber ■ 256
Goldstrom Bros ■ 404
Gomprecht & Benesch 428
Gottlieb-Bauernschmidt-Straus Brewing Co XLViii
Graham's Storage Warehouse 352
Griffith, John A., & Co 452
Guth Roman Cafe 264
Gutman, Joel, & Co 270
Haines, J. J., & Co viii
Hanline Bros 126
Halle, S., Sons 126
Hartwig & Kemper 404
Hawley Down-Draft Furnace Co 432
Harrigan, Mark D 457
llecht, Brittingham Co 398
Henry & Stromenger 136
Held, Mrs. Charles 402
Herstein, L. A., & Ck) 292
Henkel, W. G 466
Hilgartner Marble Co 342
Hicks, Chas. A. Co 410
H. FRIEDMAN
232 AND 234 NORTH GILMOR STREET
Mr. Fricdiiian began busint'ss on his own account at 504 Smallwood Street. His growth was very rapid, and he now occupies tlie double liouses known as 232 and 234 North Gilmor Street. Mr. Friedman's reputation as a Ladies' Taihir of high order needs no higher testimony than the statement that he turns out seventy-live suits and upwards per week.
Mr. FriiMlnian was Unn in (ialicia, Austria. July, ISTll. and came to tliis country in IS'.l."). wlicrc lie received liis education. In ISHd lie began business on liis own account in a small way on Smallwood Street and now ranks as one of the Leading Ladies" Tailors in Baltimore City, having in his employ forty people.
REPRESENTATIONS— Conrtwi/ec?
PAGE
How, John K., & Co 122
Holme & Waddington 330
Hopkins-Mansfeld, J. Setli, Co 380
Howser, G. S., & Co ■ 136
Hopkins Place Savings Bank 182
Howard Furniture Co > 200
Hubbs & Corning 398
Hughes Furniture !Mfg. Co 208
Hutzler Bros 268
Hurst, John E., & Co 469
Hurlbutt & Hurlbutt 272
Hughes & Woodall 276
Huyler's 468
Hygeia Dairy 334
Isaacs, 1 73
International Bedding Co 184
Independent Coal Co . . Back Inside Cover
Jackson, H. W., Co 442
Dr. Jarvis Bilious and Bowel Bullets 468
Jenkins & Jenkins XX
Jones, A. E 124
Johancen, S., & Co 392
Johnson, Boyd & Co 136
Jones, W. E., Fine Art Rooms 278
Kahl-Holt Co 122
Kaiser, The 308
Kaufman Fireproof Storage Warehouse 354
Kaufman Beef Co 418
Keeley Institute 348
Kemp, C. M., Mfg. Co 294
Keller, Dr. Frank M xxiv
Kirkpatrick, Dr. A. M 108
Kipp, George, & Son 188
Knowles, Frank A.. & Co 248
Kohlerman, Mnie. Pauline 112
Kries, M. A 410
Kruse's Hotel 418
Kramer, N 464
Lamdin, Thompson & Co 104
Lapsley & Brother Co 226
Lauer & Harper Co 286
Lang, L. M ' 466
Lexington Moving Picture Parlor 84
Levenstein & Lubin 372
Levin. Julius, & Sons 380
Ledvinka, Charles S 400
Leatherbury, Webster & Co 186
Levenson & Zenitz 222
Levi, M. & A 454
Leydecker, Chas. W 302
Library Bureau 374
Livezey, John R 430
Lobe, isT. B., & Co 336
wii
JAMES F. FARLEY
Contractor and Builder
43 FRANKLIN BUILDING, BALTIMORE, MD.
SNOW, MCCASLIN & CO. BXJILDING
James F. Farley
Contractor
Mr. Farley entered into the General Contracting and Build- ing Business August 20, 1904, and is prepared to build any kind of a structure from foundation to roof — no contract being too large for his facilities and no contract being too small to not receive his best attention. Among the many contracts fulfilled by Mr. Farley may be notably mentioned the fol- lowing :
Engine House No. 13, Engine House No. 34, Engine House No. 1, Truck House No. 8, Truck House No. 14, Truck House No. 1, Truck House No. 4,
Factory Building for Messrs. Hamburger Bros. & Co., Store Building for Mr. Samuel Jacoby, Store Building for Mrs. B. Altman, Store Building for Mr. Benjamin Schleisner, Bank Building for The Bernstein-Cohen Co., Warehouse for The Colonial Trust Co., Warehouse for the Misses Bogue, Warehouse for The Ciotti-Vinventi Co., Warehouse for George Gunther, Warehouse for Cronin & McDonald, Warehouse for M. D. Martin, Residence for Dr. Charles O'Donovan, Residence for Mr. Clifford Dietrich, Residence for Mrs. George Harrison, St. Mary's Home,
The Snow-McCaslin Building, and numerous other build- ings in all parts of the city.
! REPRESENTATIONS— Confinwed
PAGE
Louis, Henry D 356
Lurssen, C. C, Son Co 394
Lucas, Chas. H 450
Lyon, Conklin & Co 410
Masson, Paul 306
Markoe, Frank 132
Maryland Trust Co y , ., 78
Maryland Rubber Co 120
Maryland & Pennsylvania R. R 144
Maryland Steel Co 145
MacCarthy, Florence VV. Co 174
Macht, Ephraim 178
Mallory Machinery Co 420
Matthews, Thomas, & Son 422
Mann Piano Co xxxvi
McGinnis Distillery 78
Mclntyre & Henderson 420
Merchants' & Miners' Transportation Co 304
Meigs & Heisse 338
Meiser, H., & Son 342
Meislahn, C. F., & Co 342
Mercantile Trust & Deposit Co 202
Mengers, Charles F 240
Miller, N 82
Millar, W. J. S 420
Miller, L. H., Safe & Iron Works Inside Front Cover
Miller, Daniel Co LH
Miles, John ii
Morris, Dr. John A •. 108
Monogram Lunch & Dining-Room 310
Mottu, Theodore, & Co 188
Monumental Custom Tailoring Co 250
Morgan Co 422
Monarch Laundry 444
Monarch Metal Weather Strip Co 459
Monitor Steam Generator Co 232
Morrow Bros 362
Myer, Dr. Bernhard 336
National Exchange Bank 80
National Window & Office Cleaning Co 364
National Mechanics Bank 382
National Marine Bank 382
National Howard Bank 444
National Enameling & Stamping Co 296
National Heating Co 458
National Bank of Commerce 464
Nelson Refrigerator Co 76
Newton & Painter 422
Niederhoefer's Restaurant 460
Norris, R. Milton 102
Novelty Steam Boiler Works 386
North Bros. & Strauss 418
Obrecht, Charles F 336
Oriental Rug Co 232
JENKINS & JENKINS, Inc.
Manufacturing and Retail
Silversmiths
216 NORTH CHARLES ST., BALTIMORE, MD.
This firm needs no introduction to Baltimoreans. Located at 216 Nortli Charles Street, their establishment is a Mecca for Fastidious Buyers of Silverware — the kind that has all the substantial character of the ware our j^randparents loved ; besides possessing a charm of design and excellence of finish all its own. Jenkins & Jenkins are "makers and retailers" of silverware that fulfils every essential requirement.
H. BARRY GEORGE
MOTOR REPAIRING AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
223 N. CALVERT STREET BALTIMORE, MD.
Mr. George established this business in 1908, at 1204 Greenmount Avenue. The business was later moved to its present quarters at 223 N. Calvert Street, where is maintained every facility and equipment to make high-grade repairs for motors, fans and electrical apparatus of all descriptions. Mr. George is also an electrical con- tractor in all branches, his policy being to extend the highest efficiency into every department of his work at satisfactory prices.
LOOK FOR THE ELECTRIC SIGN
REPRESENTATIONS— Con^mi^erf
PAGE
Orr, Eppley & Co 288
Ottenheimer Bros 418
Old Town National Bank 460
Patiixent Lumber Co 434
Penn Mutual Life Ins. Co 132
Peabody Piano Co 442
Penniman & Fairley 298
Photo-Chrome Engraving Co 457
Pikesville Dairy Co 74
Piet-Robertson-Rainey Co 102
Pimes, M., & Co 216
Pollack's 220
Price Co 86
Pnulen. C. D., Co 300-301
Purity Creamery Co ♦. 458
Radecke, H. F., & Sons '. 162
Rasch & Gainor 228
Ramsey, James W.. Co 408
Rettberg, Louis .H 312
Reeder, Charles L 346
Reinhard, Meyer & Co 380
Read, William A., & Co 382
Reliable Furniture Mfg. Co 212
Rennous, Kleinle & Co vi
Rieger, Henry P 384
Rice Bros. Vienna Bakery 290
Ripple, S. A., & Bro : 456
Roesser, Henry, & Son 408
Rock Island Sash & Door Works xxxv
Ruhe, Wm. L., Co 408
Rubenstein, L xxviil
Sanders & George 388
Sadler's Bryant & Stratton College 150
Safe Deposit & Trust Co 193
Salzman, Dr x
Schanze's Modern Drug Store 82
Schmidt, Peter, Vienna Bakery 82
Schafl'er, D. S .* 124
Sehwind Quarry Co 342
Schoppert & Spates 358
Schindler & Schindler 366
Schoen & Co 160
Scherer, John C, Jr., & Co 170
Schloss Brothers .& Co 190
Scherer, William C, & Co 414
Schneider, F. E., Paving Co 456
Schwarz, Henry 466
Schwarz, William, & Sons 366
Scully's 50 Stores in One xiv
Scriven, J. A., Co m
Security Storage & Trust Co 350
Security Heating Co 452
Second National Bank 366
xxi
S. GINSBERG
LADIES' TAILOR AND IMPORTER 419 NOBTH CHARLES STREET, BALTIMORE, MD.
Te'.cphoiie Communication, Mt. Vernon, 3827 Y
Mr. Ginsberg established at the above address in 1910, backed by an experience in the ladies' tailoring field of fifteen years, during which time engaged high-class patronage for nine years with Mme. Glyder, and also with the well-known house of Isaac Hamburger & Sons — with the latter house he was fitter in the ladies' tailoring department.
Mr. Ginsberg was born in Riga, Russia, thirty-two years ago and came to Baltimore twenty-two years ago, and to-day enjoys a large clientele of Baltimore's best people.
This establishment is complete in every detail and the most exclusive European models and fabrics are on display.
WASHINGTON SANITARIUM
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST TAKOMA PARK, D. C.
The Location — Beautifully situated in Takoma Park, one of Washington's most attractive suburbs, amid thickly wooded surroundings and attractive walks, on a bluff' overlooking the Sligo, a famous, rippling stream.
The Building — Imposing in appeararwe, and of modern fireproof and sanitary construction throughout.
Facilities — Treatment rooms are thoroughly equipped with modern appliances, and all physiological healing agencies of recognized value are used, including the various applications of hydrotherapy, phototherapy, massage, electricity, etc.
The Diet — Each patient is earefully advised by a physician as to the choice and combination of foods. More healthful substitutes replace tea, coffee and flesh meats. Reforms in eating are made so pleasantly tiiat the patient soon loses the desire for harmful foods.
Education — Instructive and interesting health lectures are given by the physicians; also instruction in scientific cookery, physical culture exercises and drills. The aim is to teach patients how to keep well after they return home.
The Life — The Sanitarium lias a corps of Christian nurses and attendants who render cheerful service to patients. The atmosphere of harmony, "good will" and home comfort that prevails causes patients soon to forget their illness as they find themselves members of a happy family.
Correspondence is Invited.
REPRESENTATIONS— Conimwed
PAGE
Severn Eealty Co 378
Sharp & Dohme 322
Sherwood Distilling Co 412
Shriver, Bartlett & Co 160
Shulman, N iv
Sigel, Rothschild & Co 172
Siehler, J 406
Simmons Mfg. Co 412
Smith, Layton Fontaine 148
Southern Bedding Co 74
Southern Investment & Security Co 366
Solmson, M., Fly Screen Co 406
Spranklin, Dr. Thos. Wm 166
Spindler, George 408
Springer, Eugene D 414
State ]\Iutual Life Assurance Co 86
Standard Accident Insurance Co 88
Standard Cap Co 414
Standard Salt Co 360
Stanfield, Thos. B., & Co 368
Stanfield-Bevan Construction Co 464
Stewart & Co 266
Steil. Frank, Brewing Co 412
Stebbins. Wallace, & Sons 414
Stone, Dorsey & Preston 438
Strauss Bros 244
Stockham, Grant & Co 456
Sutton. R. M., Co L
Swindell Bros 326
Swartz, Manno 466
Taylor, Howard R., & Co 382
Tall Bros 186
Teichmann, Max, & Co 390
Thanhouser & Wciller 362
Tliienieyer, J. H., Co 446
Tongue, X. T 88
Tottle, Wm. A., & Co vii
Treide & Sons ' 134
United Shirt & Collar Co 180
United Craftsmen ■ 452
Walnut Grove Dairy 332
Walpert. Fred., & Co 146
Wallerstein, David S 252
Warsaw Elevator Co 132
Warren, Ehret Co 461
Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railway 318
Washington-Sunset Route xxxrv
Washington Sanitarium xxii
Weiskittel, A., & Sons Co 90
Wernig, Joseph S 100
Western National Bank 162
Western Maryland Railway xxxii
Westmoreland Lunch Room 362
Welsh, Wm. F 459
xxiii
DR. FRANK M. KELLER
Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania
Veterinarian
HOSPITAL AND OFFICE
NUMBERS 404-6-8 NORTH CASTLE STREET BALTIMORE, MD.
FRANK M KELLER
|
. |
E.NTKA.Nt'K TO 1 lib: HOSIMTAI. OX CASTLK STREKT
This husiness was established by Dr. Keller in 1900, and the Keller Veterinary Hospital is an "L"-shaped structure — two-story brick, 40x50x74 feet — fully equipped with all the latest appliances for the scientific treatment of animals. The hospital is sanitary throughout, and the seventeen stalls are very seldom unoccupied. A special feature of Dr. Keller's practice is the care of dogs and cats, wliicli are boarded by day, week or month and every care given them.
The local 'phone number is C. & P. Wolfe 1087, and calls are promptly responded to during all hours of the day or night.
Dr. Keller is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and is ranked among the expert veterinarians of the East, as attested by the large patronage he enjoys.
REPRESENTATIONS— Con^nwec/
PAGE
VVhelan, Duer & Lanahan 340
Willms, Charles, Surgical Instrument Co 320
Wilson, J. S., Jr., & Co 146
Winchester, V. W 210
Wiessner, John F., & Sons Brewing Co xxx
Wood, William E., Co 98
Wolf, M., & Son 130
Wolf, Marcus W., & Co 182
Woodward, Baldwin & Co 134
Young & Seldon Co 260
Young, John R 456
York Safe & Lock Co i
Zeller, Wm. F., & Co 302
Zies, Charles, & Sons 424
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
PAGE
Ades, Harry 269
Ades, Simon 269
Adler, Dr. Harry 203
Adler, Sigmund M 199
Ambach, INIichael 255
Amberg, Dr. Samuel 255
Baehrach, David 199
Bendann, Daniel 101
Binswanger, A. C 215
Block, Myer J 173
Blum, Dr. Joseph 239
Blumenbei'g, Leopold 169
Burgunder, Henry 161
Castelberg, Joseph 225
Cohen, Mendes '. 149
Cohen, Abraham 149
Cohen, Dr. Lee 215
Cohen, I., Son 225
Cone, Dr. Sydney M 211
Davidson, Isaac 253
Drey, Elkan 249
Eichengreen, Irvin 273
Epstein, Jacob 181
Fleischer, Silas M 243
Frank, Eli 157
Frank, A. L 189
Frank, Moses 207
Franklin, Fabian 149
Frank, Moses N 243
Friedenwald, Dr. Harry 153
Friedenwald, Dr. Julius 157
Friedenwald, Joseph 161
Friedenwald, B. B 277
Friedmann, Benjamin 207
Gichner, Dr. Joseph E 253
PAGE
Ginsberg, Solomon 211
Glass, Rev. Herman 229
Goldman, Ralph 225
Goldsmith, Meyer B 211
Goldsmith, Jacob S 239
Goldstrom, Lewis A 229
Goldstrom, Herman 173
Goodman, Leon 253
Gottlieb, Fred. H 207
Greenbaum, Dr. H. S 277
Gutman, Louis K 249
Halle, Meyer S 273
Hamburger, Isaac 273
Hanline, Simon M 173
Hanline, Alex M 277
Hartogensis, B. H 203
Hartogensis, Henry S 281
Heeht, Emanuel 173
Herzberg, Philip 195
Hirsliberg, Moses H 243
Hochheimer, Lewis 253
Hoohheimer, Rev. Henry 177
Hochschild, Max 207
Hutzler, Abram G 229
Joffe, Max 199
Keyser, Ephraim 157
Lauchheimer, Sylvan H 261
Lehmayer, Martin 255
Levinstein, Israel 273
Levi, Louis 235
Levj', Michael S 153
Likes, Sylvan H 269
Lobe, Napoleon B 235
Macht, Ephraim 229
Mandelbaum, Seymour 239
JOHN & JAMES DOBSON
The Pioneer
Manufacturers of Pile Fabrics
in America
MILLS
FALLS OF SCHUYLKILL, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
NEW YORK SALESROOMS
134-136 SPRING ST., NEW YORK CITY
( LOUIS C. GANZEL Under Management -
( HENRY J. GABEL
BIOGRAPHIES
PAGE
Meyer, Maurice J 269
Meyer, Moses Maurice 269
Moses, Jacob M 173
Nusbaum, Max 239
Putzel, Lewis 249
Rab, Jacob 161
Rabinowitz, Ellas N 177
Rayner, William Solomon xL
Rayner, Isidor 153
Reinliard, Samuel E 255
Rosenfekl, Mrs. Rosie Wiesenfeld 177
Rosenfeld, Col. Israel 225
Rosenfeld, Michael 277
RoWisehild. Benjamin 261
Rosenthal, Samuel 177
Rosenberg, Simon 195
Samuels, Dr. Abraham 195
Schuman, Rev. Jacob 169
Schvanenfeld, Rev. Jacob 207
Schloss, Nathan. 187
Schloss, William 187
Contiyiued
PAGE
Schloss, Michael 187
Schloss, Jonas 189
Schloss, Julius 189
Schloss, Meyer 189
Schloss, Louis J 189
Schloss, Toney 277
Siegel, David 239
Silberman, Tanchum 261
Skutch, Max 225
Sonneborn, Henry 165
Stein, Simon H 199
Steiner, Hugo 261
Strauss, Manes 255
Strauss, Henry F 273
Strouse, Isaac 169
Strouse, Mrs. Hennie (Eli) 235
Wallach, Samuel M 261
Weinberg, Daniel A 211
Wiesenfeld, David 243
Wolf, Harry M 199
Wolman, Dr. Samuel 229
Wyman, Julius H 249
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS INDIVIDUALS
Ades, Simon (deceased) 355
Ades, Harry 361
Adler, Dr. Harry 325
Adler, Sigmund M 411
Affelder, Max ( deceased ) 388
Ambach, Michael 183
Amberg, Dr. Samuel 333
Bachrach, David 401
Bendann, Daniel 399
Benesch, Isaac (deceased) 405
Benesch, Jesse 353
Blum, Dr. Joseph 329
Burgunder, Henry (deceased) 423
Castelberg, Joseph 227
Cohen, Mendes 147
Cohen, Dr. Lee 341
Cohen, Sidney B 417
Cohen, I., Son 315
Cone, Dr. Sydney M 335
Davidson, Isaac 219
Drey, Elkan 421
Elchengreen, William (deceased) 339
Eichengreen, Irvin 409
Eisenberg, A 410
Epstein, Jacob 179
Fleisclier, E. (deceased) 339
Fleischer, Silas M 209
Frank, Eli 271
Frank, Solomon 415
Frank, Albert L 293
Frank, Moses N 463
Franklin, Fabian 175
Freudenthal, Rev. Samuel 99
Friedenwald, Dr. Julius 319
Friedenwald, Joseph 159
Friedenwald, Dr. Harry 267
Gichner, Dr. Joseph E 323
Ginsberg, Solomon 213
Goldman, Ralph 309
Goldsmith, Meyer B 251
Goldsmith, Jacob S 247
Gomprecht, Jacob 351
Goodman, Leon 257
Gottlieb, Frederick H 307
Greenbaiuu, Leon E 265
Gutman, Joel (deceased) 270
Gutman, Louis K 241
Hanline, Alexander M 259
Hartogensis, B. H 299
Hamburger, Isaac (deceased) 407
Hanline, Simon M 191
Hartogensis, H. S 359
Hochschild, Max 245
Hollander, Jacob H 317
Hutzler, Abram G 233
llntzler. David 237
L. RUBENSTEIN
"The Different Ladies' Tailor"
L. RUBENSTEIN. Designer
1531 WEST LEXINGTON STREET
Two Doors from Gilmer Street
BALTIMORE, MD.
This firm was founded January 1, 1910, and is owned by L. Rubenstein. !Mr. Rubenstein has been identified with the manufacturing of Ladies' and Misses' Suits under the firm name of Rubenstein & Brookman, at 312 West Baltimore Street.
On the interior finishing of a ladies' garment depends the permanence of the fit. Mr. Rubenstein personally superintendents every minute stitch — every tailoring detail in the garment being made so that the frequent loose, baggy efiect is forestalled and the garment insured to retain its shape. All the latest English Imported and Domestic Fabrics are .shown, and at prices astonishingly low.
C. & P. Telephone Gilmor 2210
ILLUSTRATIONS— Con<tw2/ed
Keyser, Ephraim
Kohn, Benno
Kohn, Louis B
Laiichheimer, Sylvan H
Lehmayer, Martin
Levi, M
Levi, A
Levi, Louis
Levenson, Getzel
Levenson, Samuel
Levenstein, Israel
Levy, Michael S
Likes, Albert H
Likes, Dr. Sylvan H
Lobe, Napoleon B
Lubin, Joseph
Macht, Ephraim
Mandelbaum, Seymour
Meyer, Maurice J
Meyer, Moses Maurice
Moses, Jacob M
Myer, Dr. Bernhard
Nusbaum, Max
Pimes, Maurice
Pimes, Isaac
Pimes, David
Pimes, William
Putzel, Lewis
Rab, Jacob
Rabinowitz, Elias Nathan
Rayner, Hon. Isidor
Rayner, William S. (deceased) . . . ,
Reinhard, Samuel E
Rosenfeld, Mrs. Rosie Wiesenfeld. Rosenfeld, Col. Israel
'AGE
155 245 245 303 297 303 365 .377 223 223 373 171 367 331 321 375 178 197 383 379 391 337 357 217 217 217 217 389 387 231 151
XLI
.381 113 369
Rosenfeld, Goody
Rosenthal, Samuel . . . . Rothschild, Benjamin .
Salzman, Dr. S. J
Schloss, Nathan
Schloss, William
Schloss, Michael
Schloss, Jonas (deceased)....
Schloss, Meyer
Schloss, Louis J
Scoll, Jacob
Shulman, N
Siegel, David
Silberman, Tancluim
Skutch, Max
Sonneborn, Henry
Stein, Simon H
Steiner, Hugo
Strauss, Henry F
Strauss, Louis (deceased) . . . . Strauss,. Moses ( deceased ) . . . Strauss, Abraham (deceased)
Strauss, Manes
Strouse, Mrs. Hennie (Eli) . . Strouse, Isaac
Wallach, Samuel M
Weiller, Charles I.... Weinberg-, Daniel A . . .
Wiesenfeld, David
Wolf, Moses (deceased) Wolf, Hon. Harry B . . ,
Wolf, Harry M
Wolman, Dr. Samuel. . Zenitz, Moses N
'AGE
115 201 349
313 275 279 283
287 289 291 395
XX
347 305 205 1C3 413 295 343 244 244 244 403 109 167
257 303 345 263 130 385 311 327 223
RABBIS AND CANTORS
Glass, Rev. Herman 46
Guttmacher, Rev. Dr. Adolf 18
Kaiser, Rev. Alois (deceased) xli
Rosenau, Rev. Dr. William 14
Rubenstein, Rev. Dr. Charles A 22
Schatier, Rev. Dr. S 10
Schneeberger, Rev. Dr. Henry W 6
Schuman, Rev. Jacob 72
Schvanenfeld, Rev. Jacob 50
Szold, Rev. Dr. Benjamin (deceased) . . .xxxix
TEMPLES, CLUBS AND INSTITUTIONS
Lloyd Street Synagogue xlv
(former Home Balto. Heb. Cong.)
Lloyd Street Synagogue xxxi
(former Home Chizuk Emunah Cong.)
Madison Avenue Temple 34
Oheb Shalom Temple 30
Phoenix Club 75
Shearith Israel Temple 42
Suburban Club 85
Chizuk Emunah Temple 38
Clover Club 93
Har Sinai Temple 26
Hebrew Benevolent Society 135
Hebrew Friendly Inn 139
Hebrew Hospital and Asylum 123
Hebrew Orphan Asylum 97
Jewish Home for Consumptives :
Jacob Epstein Memorial Building 101
Solomon Kann Memorial Cottage 105
Samuel & Emma Rosenthal Cottage. . . 107
Jewish Working Girls' Home 127
Lexington Street Synagogue xlix
(former Home Har Sinai Cong.)
Levj% Betsy, Memorial 131
JOHN F. WIESSNER & SONS BREWING COMPANY
1700 NORTH GAY STREET BALTIMORE, MD.
Tliis renowned brewery was established in 18(33 by John F. Wiessner, on the same spot now occupied by the magnificent structures which have grown out of the business begun nearly fifty years ago. The company now trades as John F. Wiessner & Sons Brewing Company, which was incorporated 1891, of which Mr. George F. Wiessner is president and treasurer, and Mr. Henry F. Wiessner vice-president and secretary. The
OFFICE I700&I702 N GAY £T
BOTH PHONES
BOTTLING DEPARTMENT I7C4" 1710 N GAY ST
product of this l)rcwcry ranks witli that of the leading bieweries of the country. The offices are at 17<)<) and 1702 N. Gay Street, and the bottling department 1702 to 1710 N. Gay .Street, where the "Superlative Beers" of the Wiessner Brewery are bottled for hotel and family use. That the policy inaugurated by the father has been maintained by the sons is shown l)y the prt'seiit liigli staiuliug aiid the ineicasiiig ])i()sperity of this famous brewerv.
mmniiiji."^
III II III
M^^^s'^&^^^^^^^^^^^
OLD LLOVU STREET SYNAGOGDE, (CHIZUK EMUNAH CONG.)
THE WESTERN
MARYLAND RAILWAY
COMPANY
" The Road of a Thousand Beauties "
The Western Maryland Railroad was chartered in 1852, and, al- though only recently freed from a receivership, into which it went in March, 1908, is to-day enjoying the highest degree of jDrosperity, and occupies tlie unique position of a road rebuilt, the receivership hav- ing brought order out of chaos. From an humble beginning the Western Maryland Railroad has developed into a great system, which ere long will become a section of an important trunk line between Baltimore and the Pacific Coast. The line of the road traverses three States — Mary- land, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — through a section of America marked by the most glorious scenery and noted for its surpassing natural resources. The Blue Ridge and Alleghany are among the noblest mountain ranges in the United States; in the summer ranking among the country's most favored resorts by reason of the superb climatic condition and vacation advantages. The region is dotted with splendid hostelries and home-like cottages, which are patronized by thousands of summer resi- dents seeking sure relief, which is to be found among these enjoyable hills, from the heat and oppression of crowded cities. Pen Mar and Gettys- burg, both on the line of this road, offer opportunities for excursional recreation full of historical interest to thousands of visitors during the summer and fall. The ever-growing appreciations by the public of the advantages to be found in the territory covered by this road is shown by the enormous increase in traffic. Pen Mar is an ideal summer resort situ- ated on the crest of the Blue Ridge Range, where every amusement and diversion is provided; while Gettysburg is too well and favorably known, as the scene of one of the world's greatest battles, to need further comment here. The equipment of the Western Maryland Railway is of the latest and most approved type, maintaining the most powerful mountain-climbing engines and running handsome vestibule coaches, with observation, parlor and buffet cars connected with each train. It is the scenic road of America with a thousand beauties to fascinate the picturesque eye.
i.
REV. VR. BENJAMIN SZOLD
Born November 13, 1829 Died July 31, 1902
WASHINGTON-SUNSET ROUTE
TO CALIFORNIA
SANTA BARBARA MISSION
The Washington-Smisot Route began to be aggressively exploited as a tourist route to and from the Pacific Coast in September, 1895. From that time on every measure has been adopted to attract and satisfy the traveling l)ublic from a point of service and equipment.
Starting from Boston, nineteen States and Territories are traversed before Los Angeles or San Francisco is reached — a rich opportunity, indeed, to study, from actual observation, the dis- tinctive features of commerce, agriculture, manu- facture, flora, climate, topography and all man- ner of places and peoples, in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Old Mexico, Arizona and California. There are stop-over privileges permitted en route, which make these opportunities especially enticing.
Standard sleeping cars are operated from New York to New Orleans and from New Orleans to San Francisco; and tourist sleeping cars are operated from Wash- ington to San Francisco without change, constituting the longest run in the world for any cars in regular service ; and a particularly pleasing feature of this tourist sleeping car service is that the same conductor and porter go through with the car without change, thus adding largely to the comfort and pleasure of the passengers. These features have been prime factors in building up this Tourist Car Line from one car a week to four cars per week.
Many people in the East who have not traveled in the tourist cars of the Wash- ington-Sunset Route do not appreciate the ex- treme superiority of these cars.
The offices of the Washington-Sunset Route are conveniently accessible to the traveling pub- ]£i^^si^J2i~U^\\ri'~:--j::'/^'7^^^S^^I^''^>?:^ lie at 170 and 228 Washington Street, Boston; No. 1, 366, 1158 and 1200 Broadway, New York; 632 and 828 Chestnut Street, Phila-
delphia; 119 East Baltimore Street and 29 West Hg^^^^^"^//i|^H|li^:'u.>^ Baltimore Street, Baltimore; 705 15th Street B^^^^W/:i^^W^I,^^4;£>i and 905 F Street, Wasliington. along thk kio or.\ni)i;, ti;xas
ROCK ISLAND SASH & DOOR WORKS
Main Factory
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
The total area of floor space of the factory and warehouses of the Rock Island Sash and Door Works is over thirteen acres. This company manufactures sash, doors, mouldings, blinds and mill work of all descriptions and makes a specialty of the cele- brated "Crown Door," made in veneer hardwoods. The Rock Island Sash and Door Works maintain branch offices and warehouses in the following cities, all carrying stock and always at your service:
Baltimore, Md. Columbus, Ohio Wichita, Kans.
Muskagee, Okla. Denver, Colo. Salt Lake City, Utah St. Louis, Mo.
The Baltimore branch carries in stock, or can furnish on special order, the following products:
Adjustable Gable Ornaments
Altar Railings
Balusters. Porch
Barber Poles
Balusters, Stair
Base Beads
Bead Mouldings
Beam Ceilings
Bent Windows and Sash
Bevel Plates, Leaded
Blinds, Inside
Blinds, Outside
Blinds, Venetian
Blocks, Corner, Head, Base
Brackets, Outside
Cabinets, Medicine
Caps, Composition
Caps, Newel or Post
Cap Trim
Ceilings, Paneled
C hipped Glass
Church Furniture
Clock Shelves
Colonnade Openings
Columns, Interior
Columns, Porch
Counters, Store
Cresting, Outside
"Crown" Doors, Open and Glazed
Cupboards
Door Jambs
Drapery, Outside
Drops, Porch
Entrances, "Crown"
Factory Windows
Fancy Butt Shingles
Fifteen-Light Windows
Finials
Fireplaces
Flooring
Floor Finishing Supplies
Floors, Inlaid
Florentine Glass
Frames, Window and Door
Fruit Pickers' Ladders
Glass, Leaded, Double Strength
Glass, Geometric Chipped
Glass, Prism
Glass, Ribbed
Glass, Maze
Glass, Wire
Grates, Mantels and Fireplaces
Grilles, Inside and Porch
Gutters. "V"
Hot-Bed Sash
Ladders, Step and Extension
Legs, Table and Sink
Mantel and Clock Shelves
Mantels, Hard and Soft Wood
Mouldings, Pearl and Bead
Mouldings, Pressed
Newel Caps
Newels, Porch
Newels, Stair
Office Partitions
Paneled Wainscoting
Parquetry Floors
Pew Ends
Plate Rails
Porch Spindles
Post Caps
Pulpits
Rosettes
Screen Doors
Shutters
Sink Trimmings
Spark Guards
Spindle Guards
Spindle Turnings
Store Doors
Table Legs
Thresholds
Ventilators
Wainscoting
Weights, Sash
THE
WON-
DERFUL
INNER-
PLAYER
An hourly occurrence at the Home of the INNER-PLAYER — The Photograph tells its own story — You are coidiallj^ invited to call, SEE! HEAR ! — and PLAY ! the INNER-PLAYER — If you do these three things, — You will buy NO OTHER!
BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD
Founders: Geo. Brown (1787-1859), Benj. C. Howard (1791-1872), Alexander .Bridge (1766-1839), Talbot Jones (1770-1834), Philip E. Thomas (1776-1861), Wm. Patterson (1752-1835), Robert Oliver (1757-1834), Chas. Carroll, of Carrollton (1737- 1832), Alexander Brown (1764-1834), J. V. L. McMahon (1800-1871), Chas. F. Mayer, Sr. (1791-1864), Fielding Lucas (1782-1854), VV. G. McNeill (1800-1853), Isaac McKim (1775-1838), Benj. H. Latrobe (1806-1878), Peter Cooper (1791-1883), Sam'l F. B. Morse (1791-1872), Louis McLane (1784-1857), Chauncey Brooks (1794-1880), Wm. G. Harrison (1803-1883), Thos. C. Jenkins (1802-1881), Thos. Swann (1809-1883), Johns Hopkins (1795-1873), Albert Schumacher (1802-1871), John B. Morris (1785-1874), John Garrett (1820-1884), John H. B. Latrobe (1803-1891).
The history of the First Railroad in America began with an act of incorporation granted by the State of Maryland February 28, 1821, and confirmed by the State of Virginia March 8, 1828. The construction of the road was commenced July 4, 1828, and at the laying of the "First Stone," Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, cast the first spadeful of earth, saying: 'T consider this among the most important acts of my life, second only to that of signing the Declaration of Independence, if indeed second to that."
Originally it extended from Baltimore to Ellicott Mills, a distance of fifteen miles, then to Frederick, sixty-one miles. Relays of horses were first used as motive power, followed by sail-cars. The stone freight-house at Frederick is the oldest freight-house in the world. In Avigust, 1830, steam was introduced, and Peter Cooper, with his crude engine, hauled the first train.
The first locomotive built in America was Peter Cooper's "Tom Thumb," which was successfully run on the B. & O. Railroad; then followed the "Davis Grasshopper," designed by Phineas Davis in 1832; then by "Winan's Camel-back" in 1848; after this, in 1852, came the "Hayes Dutch Wagon," designed for hauling passenger trains. Crude sleepers were introduced in 1848. The next extension of the road was from Relay to Washington, thence to Harper's Ferry, to Cumberland, across the Allegheny Mountains to Wheeling, and finally from Cumberland to Pittsburg and Chicago. The first through train was run in 1857 to St. Louis.
When the Civil War broke out the eyes of the whole nation were constantly on the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, because of its strategic importance and the part it was compelled to play in the fierce struggle. The entire line from Parkersburg and Wheeling, W. Va., to Point of Rocks, Md., during the Civil War was debatable ground, over which the contending hosts marched and fought. Many of the famous battles of the Civil War were fought along or adjacent to the line of the B. & 0. Railroad, viz.: At Harper's Ferry, Antietam, South INIountain, Gettysburg, Monocacy, and in all one hundred and eighty battles were fought, from 1861 to 1865, on or near this historic road.
It ivas the first railrond in America — first to obtain a charter and the only existing railroad bearing without change its original charter name; first to he operated for pas- sengers or freight; first to utilize locomotive power; first to penetrate the Allegheny Mountains ; first to employ electricity as a means of communication. It Jiad the first telegraph line in the loorld, and over which Prof. S. F. B. Morse sent his first message, "What hath God xm'ought," from Baltimore to Washington in 1844. First to employ electricity as a motive power. It has a fully equipped electric power plant of its own in Baltimore, which supplies current for tlie operation of several of the most immense passenger stations, all freight terminals, warehouses, shops and water front.
What must be the impression of the thousands living to-day wlio traveled in the old style of car and who have since enjoyed a journey between Washington and New York in the palatial "Royal Limited," or indeed, on any of the "Royal Blue" trains!
WILLIAM SOLOMON RAYNER
Merchant and financier; born in Oberelsbach, Bavaria, September 23, 1822; died in Baltimore, Md., March 1, 1899. In 1840 he removed to the United States. Declining an offer of the position of religious teaclier in the old Henry Street Synagog\ie, New York, he removed to Baltimore, -and entered upon a successful mercantile career. At the close of the Civil War he became one of the chief figures in tlie financial development of Baltimore, serving for many years on the directorates of the Western National Bank, the Baltimore Equitable Society and the Western Maryland Railroad.
William S. Rayner was well versed in German and Hebrew and materially assisted the famous Rabbi Einhorn in the translation of the first German prayer-book used in Baltimore. As an illustration of his scholarly ability, when Bayard Taylor's translation of "Faust" appeared Rayner suggested an important change in the text of the first edition. Sending the corrected copy to Mr. Taylor, the distinguished author sent in return a written acknowl- edgment of the valuable assistance thus rendered him, and in the edition of 1898 the change was made. As a matter of historical interest we give the letter written by Bayard Taylor to Mr. Rayner:
142 East Eighteenth Street, New York.
January 7, 1876.
Dear Sib:
I thank you for calling my attention to the line you quote. My translation is un- doubtedly incorrect. As it was written nearly six years ago, I cannot recall what cause led me to translate Herr as "God" instead of "lord" or "master," but I was probably misled by one of the many commentaries which I then studied, in order to acquaint myself with all varieties of interpretation. I shall change the line in the next edition. I have been too much occupied, of late years, to give the work a thorough examination, line by line, but I fully intend to do so.
Very truly yours,
BAYARD TAYLOR.
He was instrumental in organizing the Har Sinai Verein, which soon after became the Har Sinai Congregation, and of which he was for many years the president. He was a strong advocate of reform, and it was mainly through his influence that David Einhorn became rabbi of this congregation (1855). Being one of the pioneers of the movement in favor of Sunday services in the Reformed Hebrew churches, he warmly advocated them in inspiring addresses and communications to the i-eligious and secular press. That Mr. Rayner's idea was correct is shown by the fact that the Sunday-service movement has generally grovra among American Jews, notably in New^ York, Chicago. St. Louis, Detroit and many other cities. In Baltimore the services have since been held without interruption from the time of his advocacy of them.
He was one of the founders of the Baltimore Hebrew Orphan Asylum, donating its first building and grounds, the first president of the Baltimore Hebrew Benevolent Society under its present State charter and represented the City of Baltimor'e for many years in the man- agement of the House of Refuge, served as a vice-president of the Baltimore Poor Association, and was one of the managers of the Home for Incurables. During the Civil W'ar he was very active in the formation of the Union Relief Association, and was one of its first vice- presidents. In 1844 he married Amalie Jacobson. Of this union four children survive; Two of them, in memory of their father, endowed a fellowship in Semitics in the Johns Hopkins University; the eldest son, Isidor Rayner, was elected in 1904 to the United States Senate.
WILIJAM SOLOMON RAYXER
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THE FALCONER COMPANY
Bank and Commercial Stationers, Printing, Lithographing and Blank- Book Making
N. W. CORNER GAY AND WATER STREETS BALTIMORE, MD.
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Established in 1849, The Falconer Company, Bank and Commercial Stationers, has built up a reputation second to none in the country. Originally at 204 Water Street, since 1904 it has been located at 5 and 7 North Gay Street, where are situated the office and factory. Owing to the great demand for its products from all sections of the country, the business has grown to such an extent that these quarters are entirely inadequate. Early in the year 1910 a large lot, fronting 80 feet on South Gay Street and 125 feet on Water Street, facing the National INIarine Bank and directly opjiosite the new United States Custom House, was purchased from the Savings Bank of Baltimore, whose business for many years prior to the fire was con- ducted on this site. A stately factory building of steel, concrete and brick, absolutely fireproof, with an abundance of light, is now being erected. This is to be equipped with the most modern machinery for the jiroduction of all processes of printing, litho- graphing and blank-book making, for which the Company has gained a reputation for the highest grade of work. Their capacity will be threefold what it is at present, but so rapid is the increase in their business, due to ])utting forth notliing but goods of the highest quality, that it is expected every foot of space will, before long, be required. While their specialty is supplies of every description for banks, they also enjoy quite a large trade in commercial stationery with corporations and firms in every kind of business. This great enterprise has been built up by fair dealing, unvarying courtesy and a thorough understanding of all that is required to manufacture goods of the highest quality and deliver tlieni in proper condition exactly when want^'d. A large number of skilled operators are kejit busy the entire year by a corps of genial and well- posted traveling salesmen, who cover the fifteen States immediately .surrounding Baltimore on the south, west and north. The policy of the Company is to be right up to the minute, and the processes employed in their factory are at all times the very latest. So attractive is their way of doing business tiiat with thera the saying "Once a buyer, alwavs a customer" has an absolute truism.
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THE COMMERCIAL AND FARMERS NATIONAL BANK
Federal, State and Municipal Depository. Capital $500 000
HOWARD AND GERMAN STS., BALTIMORE, MD.
This ancestral bank was founded in 1810 and has always stood on the original site — the building, however, was slightly improved by extensions and the addition of an extra story. This bank has to its credit an uniiroken record of one hundred years of integrity, and during the days of 1812 and up to the present has always stood ready to aid the National Government in any instance. On Tuesday, May 4, 1813, the records show that the directors met and formulated plans for removing all the funds to Fredericktown, Md. (now Frederick, Md.), as a place of safety by reason of the threatened attack on Baltimore by the British — which removal was made, however, more than a year later of $43,000 silver and gold, $63,776 in foreign money and
COMMERCIAL AND FARMERS BANK AS IT APPEARED IN 1810 FROM A REPRINT MADE IN 1832.
$290,000 in notes of the bank. This removal, however, was made to Westminster, Md., and was the starting of the Union National Bank of that place, now known as Dr. Herring's Bank. February 3, 1815, the Commercial and Farmers Bank notified the United States Government that it was prepared to advance to the Government one- half of the $600,000 direct tax that the Government expected to receive from the State of Maryland, and same date notified the Secretary of the Treasury that they would join with the other banks in Baltimore in raising $1,200,000 as a loan for the defense of Baltimore.
Officers :
Samuel H. Shriveb President
James M. Easter Vice-President
Maxwell Cathcart Assistanf Cashier
Directors :
Hugh L. Bond, Jr., 2d Vice-Pres. B. & O. R. R. Daniel B. Miller, Daniel Miller Co., Dry Goods.
Maxwell Cathcart, Assistant Cashier. J. G. McHenry, President Columbia Co. National James M. Easter, Vice-President D. Miller Co., Bank, Benton, Pa.
Dry Goods. Geo. M. Shriver, Asst. to President B. & O. R. R.
Geo. M. Gillet, Montague & Gillet Co., Manufac- Samuel H. Shriver, President.
turers of Straw Hats. T. T. Tonguf, General Agent Md. Casualty Co.
Henry H. Hubner, Attorney-at-Law. Joseph W. V.iliaiit, The J. G. Valiant Co.
Ernest J. Knabe, Jr., Wm. Knabe Co., Pianos. N. Winslow Williams, Secretary of State, Md.
Courtesy and consideration to everij one nasured. Your banking arcoimt, lari/e or amill, solicited.
xliv
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EMERSON DRUG COMPANY
Established 1888 BALTIMORE, U. S. A. Incorporated 1891
Offirrrs:
Isaac E. Emkrsox. C'lminiuiii nf t!ic I'^xct-utive CVumiiittee.
Joseph F. Hixdks rrosidont and Treasurer.
Pakkkr Cook Secretary.
Philip I. Heuislki: Second Vice-President and Director of Laboratory.
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Brewers of Pure Beer
G-B-S BREWING COMPANY
Our breweries are equipped with the latest and most approved appliances for the brewing of beers of high quality.
No other estabhshment in any city of the United States has better facihties for safeguarding the purity of its products.
We use only high quality materials, which guarantee nutritive well-flavored beverages.
BREWERIES AND BRANDS
Durley Park Geo. Bauernschmidt
"Ideal" "Extra Pale Lnger"
Eigenbrot National
"Adonis" "Schiller" "Bohemian"
Globe Bay View
"Goldbrau," "Munich" "Imperial"
G-B-S "Special" (Bottled Only) SI. 25 Case
GOTTLIEB-BAUERNSCHMIDT-STRAUS BREWING COMPANY
General Offices
CENTRAL AVENUE AND FAWN STREET BALTIMORE, MD.
xlviii
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
The Mayor of the City of Baltimore and -iOO of its most distin- guished mercantile factors have joined in a common act of recognition of the civic integrity and the personal genius of the Jews of Baltimore.
In formulating the "History of the Jews of Baltimore" the question arose whether it should be strictly a class book confined solely to a, re- view of the work of the Jews of Baltimore, from a Jewish estimate, or whether the class idea should be laid aside and the tribute come from without — a tribute from Baltimore as a whole to its Jewish citizens as a part.
The latter policy has been adopted for the reason that under the other policy the Jew, in self-recording his relations to Baltimore's devel- opment, would appear as simply testifying of himself, which might be construed as mere vanity; whereas by allowing the tribute to come from all classes of his fellow-citizens, the idea of self-laudation is forever elimi- nated. Under the one phase it would be glory inferred — under the other it is honor conferred.
The "History of the Jews of Baltimore" needs no defense from within, because it is justified from without; as testified by the esteem, which the magnificent patronage of the book evidences, as a recognition, by all classes of men, of the important part played by their Jewish fellow citizens in Baltimore's Financial, Commercial, Manufactural and Educa- tional development.
It can be with pride only that posterity will look into this book at distant times and find recorded there the life data of ancestors long since passed to their great reward — and to note with exalted pleasure the dis- tinguished position occupied not only individually, but collectively, by the Jews of Baltimore in the year of nineteen hundred and ten.
If there are any omitted from this record, it is rather because of the indifference of the living to historical opportunities, than to inefficient effort of the publishers to accomplish the legitimate end to which this work has been directed. As an historical ark, we feel it will preserve much of vital data, that otherwise could have been forever lost in the waters of temporal oblivion.
There is no precaution which can preserve to future generations the wealth which to-day's genius so zealously accumulates; far surer in- heritance, indeed, is the properly preserved record of a good name, which time cannot diminish nor fortuity imperil.
clix
THE R. M. SUTTON CO.
Importers and Jobbers of Dry Goods and Notions
LIBERTY AND LOMBARD STREETS BALTIMORE, MD.
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The business was established in 1866, in a much smaller way, under the firm name of Weedon, Johnson & Co. In 1869 it was changed to Johnson, Sutton & Co. In 1890 it was changed to R. M. Sutton & Co., and in 1904 it became incorporated as The R. M. Sutton Co., with R. M. Sutton, president; Thomas Todd, vice-president and treasurer; John R. Sutton, vice-president; E. K. Patterson, vice-president, and Wm. F. Sutton, secretary.
The building occupied by the company is located on the corner of Liberty and Lombard Streets, and is of nine stories, with a total floor space of 144,000 square feet.
It employs fifty traveling salesmen, and sells from Pennsylvania to the Gulf and to the Mississippi River.
At the death of Mr. R. M. Sutton, his son, John R. Sutton, was elected president.
^mrixt's (^iiite.
^RV MAHOOL
Baltimore. Md. April 38, 1909.
The Historical Review Society, Baltimore, Md.
aentlemen:-
It Is with great pleasure that I note the effort be- ing made to properly record the worK, and achievements of the Jewish people of Baltimore.
There is every reason why this record should be kept. Our Jewish citizens have much of which to feel intensely proud. I know, from my own experience, that they have been wonderful factors m the task of building and developing our city. Their magnificent enterprise and public spirit have been exhibited on many and important occasions. I have found them energetic lab- orers in every field of commendable effort. I have never called for aid in any worbhy direction but what they have re- sponded heartily and effectively. Nor is that strange when we recall some of the splendid personalities who are found in their circle of leaders. Big brains and big hearts are plentiful, - for which reason they have played a conspicuous part in our com- mercial and philanthropic and political history.
I congratulate our Jewish people upon what they are and what they have accomplished in our midst. They are a valuable and cherished portion of our people: and I wish them a continuance of their loyalty to Baltimore and to Baltimore's interest s.
Very truly yours.
>^C.Sg!f^^
Mayor
DANIEL MILLER COMPANY
Importers and Distributors of
Dry Goods, Silks, Notions, White Goods, Carpets,
Mattings, Etc.
28-30-32-34 HOPKINS PLACE, BALTIMORE, MD.
The original house was founded in 1846 by John Dallam and Daniel Miller. The title originally Avas Daniel Miller & Co., but is now the Daniel Miller Co. The business was originally on Baltimore Street, near Liberty Street, but now occupies two large warehouses of eight floors each, including basement and sub-basement, with 200.000 square feet of space, at 28, 30, 32 and 34 Hopkins Place. Daniel Miller Co. are importers and distributors of Dry Goods, Silks. Dress Goods, Notions, Hosiery, Gloves, Underwear, White Goods, Carpets, Mattings, etc., and are manufaclurers of Underwear, Shirts and Neckwear. Tlie trade of the house extends into all States soutli of New York and east of the Mississii)pi and Ohio. The sales of this house approximate $5,000,000 and its ter- ritory is covered by fifty salesmen.
■^THE
JEWS OF BALTIMORE
An Historical Summary of Their Progress and Status
as Citizens of Baltimore from Early Days to the
Year Nineteen Hundred and Ten
BY
ISIDOR BLUM
WITH SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY
REV. DR. WILLIAM ROSENAU
REV. DR. S. SCHAFFER
REV. DR. CHARLES A. RUBINSTEIN
REV. DR. ADOLF GUTTMACHER
REV. DR. HENRY W. SCHNEEBERGER
HON. LEWIS PUTZEL
%XXxxstvntz£i
HISTORICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY
BALTIMORE — WASHINGTON
1910
^
Copyrighted, 1910
BY
HISTORICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY
:CI.A265453
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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE JEWS OF BALTIMORE : A HISTORICAL SKETCH
By Isidor Blum
The date of the first settlement of Jews in Baltimore cannot be determined. There were no Jews among the men who bought lots Avhen Baltimore Town was laid out in 1729-30. Isaac Markens^ in his "Hebrews in America," tells in Baithnore^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ 1756, Jacob Mvers erected an inn at the southeast corner of Gay and Market (Baltimore) Streets; but, even if this inn-keeper is not the same Jacob Myers who was a few years later an elder in the First German Eeformed Congregation, it is highly improbable that he was a Jew. Markens could have relied more safely upon the Hebrew name of Benjamin Levy, who advertises in the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser of December 9, 1773, that he "has just opened store in Market Street, at the corner of Calvert Street, where he sells, wholesale and retail, for ready inoney only," a large number and variety of articles, including liquors, spices, drugs, foodstuffs and drygoods. In 1776 Benja- min Levy was one of a number of men authorized by Congress to sign bills of credit or money. Jacob Hart, the father-in-law of Haym M. Salomon, headed a subscrip- tion in 1781 for a loan to General Lafayette: Nathaniel Levy served under Lafa- yette in the "First Baltimore Cavalry." It is almost certain that there was no Jewish commimity in Baltimore at the time of the Eevolution. All that may be inferred from our fragmentary knowledge is the presence of a few sporadic settlers.
The first Jews in Baltimoi'e of whom we know anything besides their names are the Ettings. Elijah Etting, born in 1724 at Frankfort-on-the-Main, came to America in 1758, and in the following j^ear married Shinah Solomon, ^j'®. the daughter of a London merchant who had settled in Lancastei , Pa.
After her husband's death, Shinah Etting is said to have come to Baltimore with five of her children, and to have kept a boarding house on Market (now Baltimore) Street, near Calvert. Her grandson wrote the following account of what he calls the "Oldest Jewish Family in Maryland" :
"Shinah Etting (grandmother), widow of Elijah Etting, removed to Baltimore, Md., from York Town, Pa., in the month of September, 1780, two years after the death of her husband, and with her family resided at Mr. Joseph Donaldson's (on corner of Market and Gay Streets) until a house was built for her by Jas. Edwards, situated in Gay Street, opposite Gerard Hopkins's (now General Eidgeley's), to which she removed in 1782. Solomon Etting came to Baltimore from York in 1789 [at the age of twenty-five], and commenced the hardware business in a store on South Calvert Street, below Lovely Lane, after which he removed to corner of Lovely Lane and Calvert Street, where he pursued the same business until the years 1805-06, when he purchased a house on Market Street, between Howard and Eutaw Streets (owned and built by Jas. West), where he removed to (then engaged in a general shipping and commercial business) and in which house he resided until May, 1841, when he purchased the house on West Lexington Street, No. 4 Pascault Eow,
where he rcpidcd until the time of his deatli, August G, 184T. In 1790 Isaac Solomon (the brothel' of Sliinah Etting) arrived in Baltimore from St. Eustated [St. Eustatius?] and commenced the hardware business in a store on Market Street, some four or five doors below Calvert Street. Levi, a brother of Isaac, joined him in business a few days after. Myer Solomon, the eldest brother, came to Baltimore from Lancaster, Pa., in 1793, purchased a house (on Market Street, a few doors below Calvert Street) from Henry Wilson, and commenced the drygoods trade."
Isaac Solomon must have been in Baltimore before 1790. In 1783 he advertises in the newspaper the furniture and metal ware which he ofPers for sale in his "iron- mongery store" on Gay Street.
Eunning north from Monument Street, between Elisor Street and Harford Avenue, tliere is a blind alley, which bore until recently the name of Jew Alley, A hundred feet north of Monument Street, a lane called Abraham The First Jewish Street connects Jew Alley with Harford Avenue. On this little block was the first Jewish cemetery in Baltimore. In 1801 it was conveyed from Charles Carroll, William McMechen, and John Leggett to Solomon Etting and Levi Solomon. But the plot of ground was used as a cemetery, or set aside for burial purposes, at least fifteen years earlier. "The Jews' Burying Ground" is one of the items on a document dated 1786 and headed "Mr. Carroll's Claims." The last interment was made here in 1833. Part of the cemetery ground was later covered by a shanty or shed used as a negro church; a few years ago this was torn down to make way for a brewery.
Beuben and Solomon Etting soon became active citizens of Baltimore. When
the "Independent Blues" reorganized in 1798, in expectation of a war with France,
Beuben Etting, who had been their lieutenant, was elected captain of
Reuben and |.|-,g company. President Jeiferson appointed him United States Mar-
Solomon £'L'Lin&' i »/ l i
shal for Maryland. In 1793, at a meeting of the citizens of Baltimore, Solomon Etting was appointed on a committee to forward resolutions to President Washington expressing disapproval of the proposed (Jay's) treaty with Great Britain. He was one of the organizers in 1796, and for many years a director, of the Union Bank; and he was a member of the first board of directors of the Baltimore Water Company, which he helped to organize in 1805. He was a street commissioner in 1816, and in 1838 a director of the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad. In 1836 he was elected to the City Council.
In 1796 the stockholders of the Union Bank included Solomon and Eeuben Etting, their mother, Shinah Etting, and their sisters, Kitty and Hetty; their
uncles, Levy and Myer Solomon; and Jacob F., Philadelphia, Ben- Jews in jamin, and Hetty Levy. The first "Baltimore Town and Fells' Town in^iTae""^ Directory," published in the same year, contains, in addition to some
of those that have been mentioned, the names of Philip Itzchkin, one Kahn, Benjamin Lyon, Solomon Eaphael, and seven men bearing the name of Jacobs, including Moses, Samuel, and Joseph Jacobs. In the list of letters remain- ing at the post-office in this year occur the names of Benjamin Myers and Hheym Levenstene, the latter being perhaps the Levingston whose family name is given in the directory. The Jewish population of Baltimore in 1796 has been estimated at fifteen families.
Two years later, Levi Kalnius (Collmus), a youth of fifteen, came to Balti- more from Bohemia. Levi and Jacob Block were here in 1803. In 1813 Zalma Eehine (1757-1848), a native of Westphalia, came to Baltimore from Eichmond, where he had been one of the first members of the Congregation Beth Shalome. Eehine died in 1843, at the age of eighty-six years.
A number of Jews aided in tlie defence of Fort McHenry, including Philip I. Cohen, Mendes I. Cohen, Samuel Etting, Levi Collmus, Jacob Moses, Samuel Cohen, and many others.
Under its constitution of 1776, Maryland, renowned for religious tolerance, required all who held office under the State government to subscribe to a declaration of belief in the Christian religion. In December, 1797, Solomon Political Etting and Barnard Gratz petitioned the General Assembly that Jews
Disabilities of i^^\g\ii "be placed on the same footing with other good citizens." The iiiaryiand petition was read, but a committee to which it was referred reported
on the same day that they "have taken the same into consideration and conceive the prayer of the petition is reasonable; but as it involves a constitu- tional question of considerable importance, they submit to the House the propriety of taking the same into consideration at this advanced stage of the session." Five years later a petition from "the sect of people called Jews," stating "that they are deprived of holding any ofQce of profit or trust under the constitution and laws of this State," was refused by a vote of 38 to 17. When a new bill was introduced at the session of 1803, consideration of the question was deferred; when it was re- introduced at the following session, the bill was again defeated, though by a slightly smaller majority than in 1802. It was fourteen years before the. Jews again de- manded the removal of their civil disability.
In this period a number of Jews settled in Baltimore. The most notable of the new settlers were the members of the Cohen family. Jacob I. Cohen, a native of Ehenish Prussia, had come to America in 1773, and, after residing Cohen Family "^ Lancaster, Pa., and in Charleston, S. C, had finally settled in Eichmond, Va., where he was one of the early members of the Beth Shalome Congregation. After the war he was joined by his brother Israel I. Cohen, who married Judith Solomon, of Bristol, England. In 1808, after the death of Israel I. Cohen, his widow removed to Baltimore with her daughter Maria I. Cohen and her six sons — Jacob I. Cohen, Jr., Philip I., Mendes I., Benjamin I., David I., and Joshua I. Cohen. The eldest son was the founder of the firm of Jacob I. Cohen, Jr., and Brothers, Bankers, which acquired a national reputation for strength and integrity. AVhen the religious test was eventually removed, he was elected to the City Council, and, after serving several terms, chosen president of the First Branch. For five successive years he was one of the Commissioners of Finance of the city of Baltimore. He was one of the founders of Baltimore's public school sys- tem, and continued for many years the first treasurer of the school board. He was a director of the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad and the first president of the railroad leading to Philadelphia, and held other offices of honor and trust. Joshua I. Cohen was an eminent physician. Many of the Egyptian antiquities in the Cohen collec- tion of the Johns Hopkins University were collected by Col. Mendes I. Cohen in the Nile Valley. All of the Cohen brothers were distinguished citizens of Baltimore.
The elder Jacob I. Cohen served in the Eevolution, and later, as a banker, rendered valuable services to his adopted country. In Eichmond he was "conspicu- ous in all municipal movements, being chosen a magistrate and member of the City Council." Barnard and Michael Gratz,.the former the father-in-law of Solo- mon Etting, were among the signers of the Philadelphia Non-Importation Eeso- lutions of 1765, having taken a leading part in this "First Declaration of Inde- pendence." The nephews of the elder Jacob I. Cohen, and Samuel Etting, the grandson of Barnard Gratz, had aided in the defense of Baltimore, but they could hold no office under its government. Eeuben Etting had been appointed Federal Marshal for Maryland, but his religion debarred him from the office of constable.
5
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REV. DR. HENRY W. SCHXEEBER(iER
For the Cohens and the Ettings, who occnpied high positions in commercial and public life, their civil disabilities must have been especially irksome; and Solo- mon Etting and Jacob I. Cohen, Jr., engaged in a determined and sus-
Th.6 Jbw Bill ^ J o *^
tained effort to have the religions test abolished, Jacob I. Cohen, Jr., ])eing the author of the successive petitions for relief and the proposed constitutional amendments that besieged every session of the Legislature from 1818 to 1825. The prestige of these leaders and the righteousness of their cause enlisted the sympathy and active aid of a group of men prominent in public affairs : Thomas Kennedy, Thomas Brackenridge, E. S. Thomas, General Winder, W. G. Worthington, and John V. L. McMahon. The "Jew^ Bill" attracted attention and favorable comment throughout the country, and was an issue in Maryland politics until, in 1825 and 1826, an act for the relief of the Jews of Maryland provided tliat "every citizen of this State professing the Jewish religion who shall be appointed to any office of profit or trust shall, in addition to the required oaths, make and subscribe to a belief in a future state of rewards and punishments, instead of the declaration now required by the State."
The Jews in Baltimore probably managed to hold religious services as soon as they were sufficiently numerous. The first regular meeting for divine worship of
which we have certain knowledge was held in the autumn of 1829, se^rvices^ in the home of Zalma Eehine, on Holliday Street, near Pleasant.
Among the men who attended these services were Zalma Eehine, John M. Dyer, Moses Millem, Lewis Silver, Levi Benjamin, Joseph Osterman, Joseph Ancker, Levy Collmus, Tobias Myers and Jacob Aaron.
This minyan must have been the nucleus of the Congregation NidcJie Israel, better known as the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. In December, 1829, the
Legislature was presented with a memorial in which "sundry citizens Congregation °^ ^^^® ^^^J ^^ Baltimore" prayed that they might be incorporated under
the name and style of "the scattered Israelites, for the purpose of building a synagogue." A bill to incorporate the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation was favorably reported, but was rejected by a decisive majority on its second reading. A few days thereafter, however, the vote was reconsidered, and a bill was passed granting the petition of "the scattered Israelites of the city of Baltimore," and incorporating John M. Dyer, Moses Millem, Lewis Silver, Levi Benjamin, and Joseph Osterman as the electors of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.
The first synagogue in Baltimore was a room over a grocery store at the corner of Bond and Fleet Streets (Fleet Street is now Eastern Avenue). In 1832, when the congregation moved to Exeter Street, near what is now Lexington Street, it had the following members : Jacob Aaron, Joseph Ancker, Levi Benjamin, Simon Block, H. Bowman, Levy Collmus, Joseph Demmelman, Michael De Young, John M. Dyer, Leon Dyer, H. ]\I. C. Elion, Jacob Ezekiel, Jonas Friedenwald, Charles J. Hart, S. Hunt, Gabriel Isaacs, A. Kookegey, W. Marschutz, Orias Mastritz, Moses Millem, Tobias Myers, Wm. Myers, Joseph Osterman, Zalma Eehine, Aaron Eeider, Benjamin Seixas, Lewis Silver, Joseph Simpson, S. Waterman. In 1835, when the congregation occupied a one-story dwelling on High Street, near the bend between Fayette and Gay Streets, the number of members had increased to fifty-five.
Some of these same men were among the organizers of a society known as the "Irische Chevra," which is said to have held religious services, in 1832, over an inn
at the corner of Bond and Fleet Streets. The date of the society's
The • • •
"Irish Chevra." birth is unknown ; the earliest documentary evidence of its existence
is its charter, whereby the General Assembly of Maryland, on March
4, 1834, incorporated the members of the "United Hebrew Benevolent Society of
Baltimore'' "for the laudable purpose of affording relief to each other and to their respective families in the event of sickness, distress or death." The men who petitioned for this charter and who were thus incorporated were : Simon Eytinge, Joseph Osterman, Leon D,yer, Jacob Ezekiel, S. I. Block, Joseph Simpson, Levi Fhiut, Levi Benjamin, Aaron Reutter, Benjamin Seixas, Leopold Schneeburg, Selig Strupp, PL M. C. Ellion (Elion), Emil Nicwiehl, L. ITammcrsclilak (Hammer- schlack), Levi IIcss, M. 'J^ohias ]\Ievers, Solomon Benjamin, H. Hein, Wolf Myers, Levi Keothen, Abraham Leon. Lazer Levi, Lewis Myers, Joseph Jacobs, Meyer Hertzburg, A. D. Waehman (Washman), Jonas Baumann, Joseph J. Posnanskie (Posnankio), Isaac Strupp, Julius Kann, Jolni M. Dyer, Solomon Hunt, David Taub, Jacob Aaron, Samuel Muntzer, Michael Ileilbrunn, Solomon Carvolho (Car- valho), Joseph Anger, Levi Collmus, Jacob Lieser, Morris A. Cohen, Jonas Freden- waJt (Preedenwalt), S. A. Waterman, Gustavus M. Heinwald, Kritz Kayser, Moses Kayser, Carle Schlectern (Schlecktern).
According to one explanation, the Irish Chevra was named after an Irishwoman who used to sit at the door of the society's meeting-place ; some tell us, however, that the organization was really known as the "Iris Chevra." Whatever the etymology of its peculiar name, the Irish Chevra was probably a mutual benefit society, with some social features, and providing especially, no doubt, for the proper burial of its mem- bers and "their respective families." It seems to have included in its functions the holding of religious services ; after worshipping for a time at the corner of Bond and Elect Streets, the members met over Schwartz's Matzah bakery on Bond Street. The chevra was continued for half a century, but the later members were less interested in it, and when most of them had died, the society itself succumbed to old age. The United Hebrew Benevolent Society has recently been reorganized for the sole pur- pose of maintaining the cemetery which Joseph Ancker gave to the society on the condition that it should be forever preserved as a burial ground.
Portuguese Jews, who formed the first stratum of Jewish settlement in most of the American cities in which Jews settled more tlian a hundred years ago, are conspicuously alisent in Baltimore. Practically all the early Jewish immigrants were Dutch or German, some coming directly to Baltimore from Europe, others, especially the earlier settlers, coming from other American cities or from the West Indies. In the thirties there was a considerable immigration of German Jews, which rose to its height in the early forties. Many, perhaps most, of these came from Bavaria.
In 1825, Solomon Etting computed tlie number of Jews in Maryland to be 150. Miss Henrietta Szold has estimated the Jewish population in 1835 at 300 souls. In an address delivered at the fiftieth anniversary of the Har Sinai Congregation, William S. Eayner said that when he arrived in Baltimore, in 1840, the Jewish population "aggregated less than 200 families," most of which were German. A few, he said, had settled in Baltimore before 1830 ; most of them had come between 1835 and 1840.
With a few exceptions, the Jews of Baltimore lived together in the eastern sec- tion of the city. ]\Iost of them were very poor and followed hmnble callings. One immigrant, for example, who later became a man of means and a prominent Jew and citizen, was absolutely penniless when he came to Baltimore with his family in 1832, and mended umbrellas until he had laid aside enough money to open a little store. Most of the immigrants began to earn a livelihood by shouldering a pack and travelling through the counties of Maryland and Virginia. ITsually they spent some time in learning the language and accumulating a little capital; sometimes they accepted the help of friends in stocking a peddler's sack. It was probably ihe
8
continual absence of many of the members of the Jewish community tliat precluded the forming of a congregation before 1830. It is said that services were held on Rosli lia-Hlianah in 1828, but that a minyan was secured only with great difficulty. Aside from the lack of public divine service, however, the Jews probably conformed with all the laws and usages of orthodox Judaism. Wolf Marschutz was the schocliet of the colony, and as early as 1822 Gabriel Isaacs was the mohel.
In 1838 the community had grown large enough to have a second congregation. Finding the location of the sj^nagogue inconvenient, and sufficiently numerous to form a sclmle of their OAvn, a number of men living in that part of FeU's Point |.]^g ^jj-y ^j^id-i -^yas formerly Fell's Town and is still known. as Fell's ongrega ion. pg^j^^^ organized, in this year, the Fell's Point Hebrew Friendship Congregation. It has been said that the congregation was organized by the h-ish Chevra, and that it was merely a continuation of the Chevras sclmle; but it seems more probable that the Chevra did not, as such, take any part in its formation. Some of its members, however, may have done so; and the Chevra discontinued its religious services when the Fell's Point Congregation erected its synagogue on Eden Street in 1848, if it had not done so even earlier. Because of its name and its lo- cation, the Fell's Point Hebrew Friendship Congregation was known colloquially as the "P'int Schule," the older congregation being called the "Stadt Schule."
In these early days there was little difference between those who needed charity
and those who gave it, and the fewness and homogeneity of the Jews in Baltimore
strengthened the feeling of brotherhood created by common faith and
The Poor and traditions. Soon, however, with an increase in the number of those
Cnanty. ' '_
who needed temporary assistance, and with the rise of an indigent class, the relief problem became more serious.
The l)oard of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation frequently voted relief to some poor stranger, or to some one "who has grown poor in our midst." The records of the congregation contain such items as these: "Owing to the continued illness
of , his family is in want, and the board donates $5 to that family" ; and "A
stranger made application to bury his child, and the board, respecting his poverty, agreed not to make any charge." The benevolence of the Irish Chevra, and of other societies that may have existed, doubtless extended beyond their members; but the community required a charital^le institution, especially as the Jews have always been unwilJing to allow their poor to become a charge upon the community in which they live.
In order to assist the poor systematically, and especially help new immigrants, the United Hebrew Assistance Society was organized in 1846, Leon Dyer being elected president.
Leon Dyer was the son of John M. Dyer, who had been one of the organizers of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and its first president. He was born in Alzey, Germany, October 9, 1807, and came to Baltimore with his yer. parents in 1812. As a young man, he worked in his father's beef-
packing establishment, the first in America. Of large physique and strong per- sonality, he possessed a commanding presence and great executive ability. He was very popular with the citizens of Baltimore, was appointed acting mayor during the bread riots, and held a number of minor public offices. He enlisted in the Texan forces in their struggle for independence, and received a commission as major. He was on General Scott's staff in the Seminole War, and was wounded in the final bat- tle of the campaign against Osceola. In the Mexican War, he was appointed quar- termaster-general, with the rank of colonel. Dyer was elected president of the Bal- timore Hebrew Congregation in 1840, and seven years later, when his health obliged
9
\ h
^
REV. DR. S. SCHAFFER
him to leave the city, he was jDresented Avith a medal by the Jewish community of Baltimore. He settled in San Francisco, Avhere he founded the first Jewish congre- gation on the Pacific Coast. He died in 1883, in Louisville, Ky.
Moritz Henry Weil and Louis Hamburger, of Baltimore, served in the Mexican War. A company composed entirely of Jews was formed, with Levi Benjamin as first lieutenant, but it does not seem to have engaged in active service.
With the increase of Baltimore's Jewish population, the congregations grew steadily. A few years after the organization of the "Stadt Schule," Joseph Jacobs became cliazan ; at first the prayers were doubtless read by different members, for they were all familiar with the orthodox service. Eev. I. Moses was cantor from 1835 to 1844. The congregation changed its quarters frequently; in 1837 it pur- chased a three-story brick dwelling at the southeast corner of Harrison Street and Etna Lane. Three years later Abraham Eice became its rabbi.
Abraham Eice was born, in 1800, at Gogsheim, near Wiirzburg, Germany. As a young student he was placed in the care of Eabbi Abraham Bing ; later he studied under Eabbi Wolf Hamburger. When he came to America in 1840, Eice declared that it was his mission to re-establish orthodoxy in America. Upon his arrival in New York he was persuaded by friends to go to New- port to reopen the synagogue there^ in the hope of re-establishing the Jewish com- munity. Unsuccessful, he returned to New York, where he met Aaron Weglein, a native of Eice's birthplace Tind president of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. Weglein offered him the leadership of his congregation, and Eice thus became the first rabbi in Baltimore, beginning his ministry on Eosli ha-Shanah of 1840. The congregation could pay him only a small salary, and he kept a little drygoods store, observing thus the rabbinical injunction not to use the Torah as a spade to dig with, and the command to follow a worldly vocation besides studying and teach- ing the law. Eice was known in Germany and throughout the United States as a learned Talmudist, and was recognized as an authority, questions involving matters of ritual being referred to him for decision. He was a cripple, and is said not to have been particularly eloquent in the pulpit. There are men and women still living, however, who are thrilled by his name, and it is due largely to him that Baltimore was and, to some extent, still is, a stronghold of conservative Judaism. His learn- ing, his sincere piety, his loving and lovable character gave him an influence which has not yet disappeared.
Eice found in Baltimore a fruitful soil for his labors, for the community was almost a unit in its orthodoxy, anxious to conform with every detail of the biblical and rabbinical law.
Almost a unit, but not quite; for in 1842 a number of young men, influenced by the Hamlnirg Temple Movement, and stimulated in part by an expression of Bice's orthodoxy, formed themselves into the Har Sinai Verein, for the pur- Reform; Har pQgg q£ giving expression to reform doctrines. In October the Verein Congregation. organized a congregation, the first in America established as a Ee- form Congregation. Services were held on Rosh ha-Shanah of 1842 in a public hall at what is now the southeast corner of Baltimore Street and Post- Office Avenue. "A number of persons attended, some to take part in the services, some out of curiosity." Their orthodox brethren refusing to lend them a scroll of the law, the members of the Verein had to content themselves with an ordinary copy of the Bible. Joseph Simpson and A. T. Wachman read the service from the Ham- burg prayer book; hymns from the Hamburg hymn book were sung to the accom- paniment of a parlor organ. The society met for some time on Saratoga Street near Gay ; then it occupied, for several years, a room in the dwelling of Moses Hutzler, at
11
the northeast corner of Eastern Avenue and Exeter Street, liolding rejarnhir weekly services, with j\Iax Sutro as lecturer. Alter changing its quarters several times, the congregation found a permanent home in its synagogue on High Street, which was dedicated on September 7, 1849. In the same year Moritz Brown succeeded Sutro a3 rabbi. Following the example of David Einhorn's congregation in Budapest, a num- ber of the liar Sinai members met for services on Sunday mornings, until, one morn- ing, the board of the congregation refused to let them enter the synagogue. Nothing daunted, these ultra-reformers, the first men to hold Sunday services in America, rented a hall at the corner of Gay and Front Streets, which the Har Sinai had once occupied, and formed a congregation of their own. It had, however, only six months of independent existence; iinding that their defection endangered the continuance of the parent congregation, its members returned to the fold of their more conserva- tive brethren. The reunited congregation now invited Einhorn to become its rabbi.
David Einhorn, born at Dispeck, Bavaria, on November 10, 1809, had been a disciple of Rabbi Wolf Hamburger and Eabbi Joshua Moses in Fiirth, and had pursued philosophical studies in Wiirzburg and Munich. Because of his radically liberal views, Einhorn encountered opposition on the part of the Bavarian government, as well as from conservative Jews in Germany. Accepting a call to Budapest, he provoked loud protests by holding services on Sun- day. When the Austrian government closed his synagogue, Einhorn resolved to continue his career in America. He became the rabbi of the Har Sinai Congrega- tion in September, 1855; and in the following May the Har Sinai adopted the Ein- horn prayer book, the "Olath Tarn id," which was soon used by many other reform congregations, and which is the basis of the "Union Prayer Book" published by the Central Conference of American Eabl)is. Soon after coming to Baltimore, Einhorn founded the "Sinai,"' a German monthly, which he continued to publish until 1863. Einhorn was soon recognized as one of the great leaders of the reform movement in America, and he is so regarded to-day. "A man of resolute character and well- defined principles, Einhorn impressed friends and antagonists alike by his consistency and courage." Ever liberal, and ever fearless in the defense of what he considered right and true, he became an ardent abolitionist. His sermons and addresses against the institution of slavery aroused such hostility that, in April, 18G1, he was obliged to flee from Baltimore.
In 1819 Babbi Eice, of the Stadt Schule, was succeeded by Henry Hoch-
heimer. Eabbi Hochheimer was born on October 3, 1818, in Ansbach, J\[iddle
Franconia, Germanv. At the age of ten he Avent with his parents
Henry ' . & i
Hochheimer. ^0 Ichenhausen, where his father became rabbi. After studying in the Lateinschule of Ansbach, under his grandfather, Moses Hoch- heimer, and in the Augsburg gymnasium, he entered the University of Munich, whence he was graduated with the doctor's degree in 1844. He then acted for five years as his father's assistant in Ichenhausen. Eevolutionary addresses and articles caused warrants to be issued against him, and he had to flee the country. Emi- grating to America, he was invited, upon his arrival in New York, to become rabbi of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. He served the Stadt Schule for ten years, resigning in 1859 to accept the rabbinate of the Fell's Point Congregation, the views of which were more in accord with his o\m, and where his leadership was accepted with greater unanimity. Hochheimer was a man of learning and ability, and for half a century a frequent contributor to the Jewish press; ainong his friends in Baltimore he was famous as a wit.
12
Two years after leavino- the Stadt Scliule, Eabbi Eice organized a small con- gregation on Howard and Lexington Streets, for which he officiated as rabbi and reader of the Torah. In 1862, when the Stadt Schiile was without nabbi Rice. ^ rabbi, he returned to his old charge, refusing, however, half of the thousand-dollar salary which the congi-egation offered him. He died on October 29, 1862, having officiated only a few months.
The Baltimore Sun and the German Correspond cvt of October 30, 1853, con- tain the following advertisement :
ISRAELITES OP BALTIMORE — All you who wish to joiu and become members of the NEW SYNAGOGUE which is now about being started are requested to attend a meeting which is to be held at Mr. Philip Meyer's, in North Gat Street. on TO-MORROW, October 30th, at 2 o'clock P. M.
All those who will attend the alwve-stated meet- ing will also have the privilege to participate in adopting the Laws. Rules and Regulations which will be adopted ; also to elect the officers for said con- gregation.
Philip Herzberg,
Chairman.
At this meeting twenty-odd men organized the Oheb Shalom Congregation,
■electing Julius Stiefel president. One of the reasons for the formation of the new
congregation Avas a desire for conservative reform. The officers of the
Oheb Shalom ^^^^^ Schule refused to lend the members a scroll, on the ground
Congregation. ' oi t
that Oheb Shalom was an enemy of existing institutions. Succeeding in borrowing a scroll of the law from Mr. N. A. Schloss, of Georgetown, the Oheb Shalom Congregation held services in the third story of Osceola Hall, at the north- east corner of Gay and Lexington Streets, Isaac Hamburger officiating as reader until Beverend Altmeyer was elected cantor. The congregation showed its enter- prising and progressive spirit b}^ advertising its hours of service in the daily papers, and its membership increased at a marvelous rate.
Eeverend Salomon became preacher of the congregation in March, 1854, but he held the position less than a year. Little is known of Salomon; he is said to have been a native of eastern Prussia, and a man of unusual ability. The confirma- tion of a large class of boys and girls, during his tenure of office, marked "an im- portant step toward reform." In 1854 Abram Lissner succeeded Altmeyer as can- tor; two years later S. M. Landsberg was elected rabbi. Under him the congrega- tion took a first step in ritual reform, resolving to omit the SJdr ha-Yichud in the Sabbath morning service. Ill health forced Landsberg to resign in 1857. The con- gregation determined to secure a synagogue before electing a new rabbi. A church on Hanover Street, between Pratt and Lombard, was purchased and remodeled, and on April 13, 1858, dedicated by Eev. Dr. Isaac M. Wise, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Two weeks later the congregation procured an organ and introduced a choir. Desiring now to secure a rabbi of first rank, the congregation published notices in the Jewish journals of America and Europe. From among many applicants. Dr. Lewisohn, of Worms, was chosen. After being elected, however, Lewisohn reconsidered his appli- •cation, and Abraham Geiger also declined the position when it was proffered to him. Lewisohn now recommended Benjamin Szold, who had just been called to the rabbi- nate of a Stockholm congregation, which LcAvisohn himself desired to occupy. He persuaded Szold to accept an invitation to come to Baltimore, and sent to Oheb Shalom such hearty recommendation and such convincing endorsements that Szold was elected rabbi of the Baltimore congregation.
13
^^
RKV. DR. WILLIAM ROSENAXT
14
Benjamin Szold was born on November 15, 1829, at Xemiskert, Neutra Ko- mistat, Hungary. Although his parents were the only Jews in the village, he began the study of Bible, Mishnah, and Talmud at an early age. After at- SzoieT'"'" tending the famous Presburg Yeshihali, he was given the title Morena
at the early age of fourteen. In 1848, Szold took up his residence in Vienna, in order to continue his studies, but participation in revolutionary activities obliged him to leave the Austrian capital in the same year. From 1849 to 1855 he tutored in private families; one of his pupils was Fraulein Sophie Schaar, who later became his wife. In the following three years he attended the University of Bres- lau, officiating as rabbi during the holidays in Brieg and Glogau, Silesia, and in Stockholm, Sweden. The congregation of each of these towns offered him the posi- tion of rabbi; but, persuaded by M. Lewisohn, by Zacharias Frankel, the head of the Breslau Seminary, and by other friends, he decided to accept the call of the Oheb Shalom Congregation of Baltimore.
The numerical growth and the spiritual strength for which the Oheb Shalom Congregation acquired a wide reputation were due chiefly to the efforts and the char- acter of the man who was its sole rabbi for thirty-four years and rabbi emeritus for nine years. Dr. Szold's interpretation of Judaism appealed to the many who were dissatisfied with orthodoxy, but were unwiling to adopt the radical reform of Ein- horn, Adler, Ilirsch, and Wise. His activities extended beyond his pulpit. He was an earnest worker, and often a leader in the charitable institutions of the city. When, during the Civil War, a Jew who had been sentenced to death as a deserter appealed to him for help, he visited Lincoln and then went to General Meade's headquarters in West Virginia. The Eussian immigrants who flocked to his home in the eighties found in Dr. Szold and his family earnest helpers and friends. Szold's strangth and courage inspired respect, his learning and ability gave him influence, his liberality won him esteem, and his generosity and true philanthropy made him beloved by thousands who found in their friend a master and a guide.
Before Szold came to Baltimore, the Oheb Shalom Congregation had adopted the Minliag Amerilia in the place of the Roedelheim Tefillah; but, only one volume of this prayer-book having been published, the old book was used on the holidays. Szold pointed out the inconsistency of using two difEerent rituals, and, after wait- ing in vain for the publication of the Minhag Amerika, he undertook the commis- sion of compiling a prayer-book himself. The Ahodath Israel, published in 1861, which well represents the Judaism for which Szold stood, was soon adopted by many congregations throughout the country. Besides writing a number of religious books for use in Jewish homes and schools, Eabbi Szold made scholarly contributions to Jewish literature, many of which have not been published. His Commentary on Job, written in the purest rabbinical Hebrew, is especially notable. Dr. Szold died on July 31, 1902.
In 18G6, Alois Kaiser was elected cantor of the Oheb Shalom Congregation. Kaiser was born on November 10, 1840, near Vienna, Austria. He received his early education in a congregational religious school, under Dr. Henry Zirn- ■^^iser. dorf, who later came to America, in the public school and high school
of Vienna, and in the Teachers' Seminary and the Conservatory of Music. When he showed musical talent and an inclination to enter the service of the synagogue, his father took him to Solomon Sulzer. The great cantor was highly pleased with his voice, placed him in his choir, a^d for eight years took charge of his musical training. At the age of nineteen, he became assistant cantor in one of the synagogues of Vienna. Four years later he became cantor of the "New Temple" of Prague. All the time which he could spare from his duties he devoted to the dili-
15
gent study of niiisic niid litiirg}', Id IniiniiiL;- his voito, niii! to flovolopiiiof his talent for composing synagogue musie.
Cari'ying out his ambition of |»irscr\ iiig the traditional music of the synagogue, TCaisev raised the musical services of the Ohcb Shalom Congregation to a high stand- ai-d, and was soon I'ccognized as the greatest cantor of America. He published, with several other men, the Zimnith Yah (1ST1-1 S.SO)^ a four-volume collection of music wliich is largely of his own composition, lie was one of the compilers of the volume of music published by the Jewish Women's Congress which met in Chicago in 1893, and of the Union Ifymnal, ])repared by tlie Society of American Cantors, or which he was a foundei-, and for several years president. The Central Conference of Amer- ican ]^abbis, which ])ul)lished tiie IJymnal, elected him an honorary member, in rec- ognition of his distinguished services to the synagogue. M i'. Kaiser was actively in- terested in the charitable institutions of the city, esiDecially in the Hebrew Education Soci(!ty, of which he was for many years president. He died on January 5, ]'J()S.
A few years after the organization of the Oheb Shalom Congregation, a Sc- furdlc Congregation was formed. The Cohens and the Ettings were of German-Eng- lish descent, but their parents and grandparents, upon settling in
.. America, had, in the absence of German congregations, affiliated tliem-
Cong^regation. ' ^ . o o ^
selves with Portuguese congregations. The younger generations were accustomed to the Sefardic Minliag, and when the German Jews of Baltimore estah- lished congregations, they preferred holding services at home to attending a syna- gogue which used the slightly different Aslihenazic ritual. In the course of years, a few Poi-tuguese Jews had settled in Baltimore, and, in 185G, these and the members of the Cohen and Etting families organized, under the leadership of Solomon Nunes Carvalho, the Sefardic Congregation Beth Israel, of -which Jacob M. De Solla became rabbi. There were not, however, enough Sefardim in Baltimore to support a perma- nent synagogue, and, allci' two years of existence, the congregation was dissolved. At about the same time, Mrs. Solomon N. Carvalho, with several young ladies of the 1^'iting and Cohen families, established a Sunday school for instruction in
th(! ])rinciples of conservative Judaism, taking as a pattern Miss ^choo^ir Gi'atz's school in Philadelphia, where Mrs. Carvalho had been a
teacher. This school, which was attended by hundreds of pupils, was the lii'st fi'ee Hebrew school in Baltimore; but it was not the fii'st Hel)rew school, Pabbi Pice having conducted a school in his synagogue. The first regular Hebrew teacher in Baltimore seems to have been Joseph Sachs, a native of Bavaria, who, from about 184S to 1850, conducted a school in the IJoyd Street synagogue under the auspices of the Stadt Schule. He was assisted by tin' I'abbi and by several other teaehei's; insti'uction was given in liCbi-ew, (Jei'uian, and English, a Mr. Beale being the teacher of ]^]nglish. At al)out tin- same time, Samuel B. Gump conducted a similar congregational school in the Eden Street synagogue.
''J'he best known of the Hebrew teaehei's of fifty years ago, and the most suc- cessful, was Jonas Goldsmith, who was born in Westheim, l^avaria, in 1823, and
came to Baltimore at tlu; ag(> of I iii i(y-si\. IJel'ore coming to America Gohismith ""^^ ^"' ^^'"^ employed as teacher and I'eader by tlu; Jewish congregation of
I lamnidburg. Goldsmith was a graduate of the University of Wlirzburg, and had I'ceeived, besides, a thorough Hebrew training. In 1859 he started a school in the Eden Street synagogue, which soon had so many pupils that he was obliged to employ a stall' of five teachers. The pupils' parents were expected to pay for their tuition, but he had many free scholars. In 1864, when many hun- dreds attended his scIidoI, he was persuaded by Rabbi Szold to move "up-town,"
1(1
into the vestry rooms of the JJanover Street synagogue. For many years practically all the Jewish boys and girls of Baltimore went to him for religious and secular in- struction. Pupils came also from other citieS;, for Goldsmith's was one of the lead- ing Jewish schools in the country, rivalling Sachs's school in New York. When free public schools were established in Baltimore, they drew away many of his pupils, and in 1874 Goldsmith disbanded his school. From this time until his death, in 1886, he was secretary of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum.
In February, 1852, in order to provide the children of indigent parents with secular and religious education, a "Society for Educating Poor and Oi'phan Plebrew
Cliildren" was founded. The society sent its wards to the various Hebrew scliools already in existence; for a time it seems to have conducted
s^cieV" '^ school of its own under Seligman Goodman. The society intended,
according to the original constitution, to determine the vocation of each cliild placed in its charge, but this purpose was not carried out. In 1889 the society conducted a night school and a day school, and sent other pupils to the daily He- brew school of the Lloyd Street congregation and to the Oheb Shalom Sabbath School.
In 1900 the society discarded its cumbrous name and was reorganized as the Hebrew Education Society. Three years later the Education Society purchased a building at the corner of Aiscjuith and Jackson Streets, and re-established its school. In 1909 a school for the training of Hebrew teachers was added. Dr. Samson Ben- derly, the superintendent, assisted by seven teachers, now conducts a school in which over three hundred pupils are taught Hebrew by the "natural" method, and are in- structed in other Jewish subjects.
With the growth of the community, the woi'k of the Assistance Society in- creased, and in 1856 the society was reorganized under the direction of its president,
William S. Payner, and was incorporated as the Hebrew Benevolent Hebrew Society of Baltimore. For many years the society's work was in
societ"^^" the hands of a number of "managers," who visited all the applicants
for charity, and, after investigation, gave them orders on the treas- urer. At present the society relieves its beneficiaries at their homes, thus saving their self-respect and, at tlie same time, giving the society's agents better opportunities for investigation. Funds were derived from the annual dues of members (three dollars a year at first) and from the money subscribed at the society's annual banquet. The society's first quarters were on what is now Post-OfFice Avenue. In 1900 the Benevolent Society and the I^adies' Sewing Society purchased a large building on West Fayette Street.
The ]lel)rew Ladies' Sewing Society was formed in the same year in which the Benevolent Society was reorganized. The young ladies who organized the society
received scant encouragement at first; but after a few years many Sewing Society ^^tl'*^i*s joined them, and they met regularly to make clothes for the
poor, ap[)licants coming each week to the hall in which the ladies met to be supplied with the garments that had been cut and sewed. The society has followed the example of otlic]' institutions and now employs an agent who visits the pensioners in their homes and sends the required assistance. The ladies did not content themselves with sewing, but collected money for charitable purposes by im- posing annual dues and by securing subscriptions at their annual banquet and balls. The Sewing Society, though an independent organization, has always co-operated with the Hebrew Benevolent Society.
17
RliV. DU. ADOLF CiUTTMAClIEE
IS
The death of a poor Jew whom the Benevolent Society had placed in a Chris- tian hospital, unattended even by the presence of a co-religionist, gave the first im- pulse to the movement which finally established the Hebrew Hospital. Hebrew ^|- ^ meeting of the Benevolent Society, and at a mass meeting of Jews,
^^^ * ■ individuals and societies contributed funds to erect an asylum for
the sick and aged, and in 1866 the corner-stone of the new institution's building was laid. The hospital grew so rapidly that it was deemed best to let it have a sepa- rate organization, instead of continuing under the auspices of the Benevolent So- ciety, and in 1868 it was incorporated as the HebreAV Hospital and Asylum Associa- tion. In 1886 the building was enlarged by the addition of a wing, and in 1908 the equipment of the hospital was more than doubled by the Samuel Leon Prank Me- morial Building, erected by Bertha Eayner Frank (the daughter of William S. Ea}'- ner) and dedicated to the memory of her husband. x\t about the same time a laun- dry building and several other small buildings were erected on the hospital grounds. The old building is now used as a home for the aged, the Frank Memorial Building being devoted entirely to the care of the sick. The hospital maintains a free dis- pensary, an outdoor clinic, and a training school for nurses.
Almost the earliest evidence of Jews in Baltimore is the mention of ''the Jews' Burying Ground" among "Mr. Carroll's claims." The Irish Chevra, perhaps the oldest Jewish organization in Baltimore, was largely, if not chiefly, a burial society, conducting funerals and paying the bereaved family a benefit that they might he able to observe strictly the prescribed period of mourning. The Baltimore Hebrew Congregation bought a cemetery two years after it was incorporated, and the other congregations also acquired burial grounds soon after their organization. The proper preparation and burial of the body of his dead has always been a matter of great concern to the Jew.
Before the establishment of tlie Free Burial Society, the burial of poor Jews depended upon the efi^orts of a few individuals, who were aided by the Benevolent Society, by the Ladies' Sewing Society, which furnished shrouds, and Burial Society, '^y ^^^® Congregations, which provided, in turn, graves in their ceme- teries. In 1867, Jacob Goldenberg, Israel Posninsk}^, and a few others collected some funds, and attended regularly to the funerals of the poor. Two years later, they organized the Hebrew Free Burial Society. Johns Hopkins offered the society an acre of land on Harford Eoad as a burying ground, but this offer was declined because the society did not wish to l)ury all the poor together, as in a "potter's field." A short time later, however, a plot in one of the cemeteries was accepted. The Oheb Shalom Congregation Avas the first to have family lots in its cemetery. Jonas Friedenwald, who succeeded S. Fiteman as president of the society, had bought a lot in this cemetery; and when the Baltimore Hebrew Congre- gation, of which he was a member, divided its cemetery into family plots, he gave his plot in the Oheb Shalom cemetery to the Burial Society. The society exchanged it for a larger piece of ground in a less favored part of the cemetery, and later, Ijy gift and by purchase, acquired ])lots in other cemeteries. As in all the charity institutions, the directors of the Free Burial Society were in the beginning its active managers, personally arranging and attending the funerals of the poor. Now- adays, when a poor family needs its services, a telephone message to the society's headquarters in the building of the Benevolent Society summons an agent, who is employed to take charge of funerals.
19
Several attempts were made to establish a Jewish orphan asylum in Baltimore, notably by the B "nai B'rith, one of the officers of which presided at a large meeting at which a considerable sum of money was subscribed for founding a As??um. •'^^"^^ ^°^' orphans. Dr. Szold and other leaders pointed out the urgent
necessity of an orphan asylum, and when the Benevolent Society, the oldest and largest Jewish charitable society of the city, undertook, in 1872, to es- tablish such an institution, ample financial support was quickly secured, the sub- scrf^tion of Alfred J. Ulman being especially liberal. ^Iv. and Mrs. William S. Eay- ner gave the society a piece of gi-ound at Calverton Heights, on the outskirts of the city. Five children for whom the Benevolent Society had been caring were put, with five other homeless children, into the charge of Eabbi Abraham Hofmann, who be- came the superintendent of the Orphan Asylum. A year after its dedication, the building of the Asylum was destroyed by fire, but a new home was quickly erected, chiefly with funds secured at a great fair held in the Concordia Opera House. The Imildings of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum now include the Hannah U. Cahn Me- morial Building, which was erected by Bernard Cahn, and is used as a gymnasium, and a manual training school built by Bertha Eayner Frank as a memorial to her husband. The hundred inmates of the asylum attend a public school in the neigh- borhood, and are instructed, in the asylum, in Hebrew and German. Eev. Samuel Freudenthal has been the superintendent of the institution since 1887.
x4.fter Einhom left Baltimore, the pulpit of the Har Sinai Congregation was occupied for eleven years by Eabbi S. Deutsch, who was succeeded, in 1873, by Jacob Mayer. While Mayer was serving as rabbi, it became known that he co^ngr^egation ^^^^ ^^^^ Converted to Christianity in England a number of years be- fore. His denials and the loyal defense of his friends did not daunt his accusers ; and when it was proven that he was an apostate, he was asked to re- sign. The controversy which followed the charges against him was very bitter, and led many to withdraw from the congregation. Eabbi Emil G. Hirsch, who was called to Baltimore in 1877, was succeeded by Eabbi Samuel Sale, who remained with the congregation from 1878 to 1883. Eabbi David Philipson, who had just been graduated in the first class of the Hebrew Union College, and who succeeded Sale, established Sunday services in the Har Sinai Congregation, lecturing at first on every other Sunday evening, and, later, holding regular morning ser-\dces every Sunday. He was succeeded in 1888 by Eabbi Tobias Shanfarber, who was himself succeeded in 1898 by Eabbi Charles Eubenstein.
In 1874, the Har Sinai Congregation removed from its synagogue on High Street to a building which it purchased on Lexington Street, near Pine. Twenty years later, a new house of worship was dedicated on Bolton Street.
Under the guidance of its rabbi, the Oheb Shalom Congregation became gradu- ally and conservatively more reformed. In 1867 the second days of holidays were no longer observed, and the Misheberacli was abolished. Two years Oheb Shalom ]ater a number of changes were made in tlie ritual : the president and
Congregation. . . , "^
Vice-president were to assist in taking out the scrolls, instead of sum- moning mem])ers from their pews for this service; only one scroll Avas to be used on the holidays, except on Simckoth Torah; the members were no longer to wear the Talith,; those who said Kaddish were to stand at tluMv i)ews instead of coming to the pulpit; the El Maleracliamim was abolished, and the cantor was henceforth to face the congregation when ho read the prayers. In 1810 the congregation worshipped for a time in the New Asseml)ly Eooms, while the synagogue was rel)uilt. A few years later a congregational religious school was established.
In 1879 Julius Stiefel, who had been the president of the congregation since
20
it was formed, was succeeded by Isaac Stroiise, to whose ability and labors the con- gregation largely owes its material prosperity. When Dr. Szold had been with the congregation for a quarter of a century he was elected rabbi for life. For the younger members of the congregation he now preached in English once a month. In 1891 he preached on alternate Sabbaths in English and German, the prayers usually read in German being read in English when he preaclied in English.
For many years after its organization, the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation was strictly orthodox; when Eabbi Eice, in 1845, suggested the omission of some of the Piyutim in the service, his proposal was rejected, although Baltimore fifteen 3'^ears later most of these poems were abolished. In 1850 the
Hebrew congregation passed a law requiring its officers to keep their places of
Reforms. business closcd on the second days of holidaj's ; the congregation was
staunch in its orthodoxy, but some of its members were evidently in- clining towards reform or becoming lax. Eabbi Hochheimer introduced a con- firmation service for boys and girls, which Eice had denounced as a Gentile institu- tion. After 1866 the Haftarah was read in German instead of Hebrew. In 1859 Eabbi Hochheimer was succeeded by Bernhard Illoway, a native of Kolin, Bohemia, who had attended the school of Moses Sopher in Presburg, received the doctor's de- gree from the University of Budapest, and studied at the rabbinical college in Padua, and who had been obliged by political conditions to leave his native country. Emi- grating to xlmerica, he occupied rabbinical positions in New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Baltimore, Xew Orleans, Syracuse and Cincinnati. An accomplished linguist, an eloquent preacher, a learned Talmudist, a writer of Hebrew poetry, and a fre- quent contrilmtor to the Jewish press, Illoway was one of the ablest champions of orthodoxy in America. He remained with the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation for only two years, resigning in 1861 to go to New Orleans.
Eabbi Eice then returned to his old pulpit, but death summoned him after a few months of service. During the six years that followed, the congregation had no rabbi, the number of members diminished greatly, and the congregation lost its posi- tion of first importance. Al)raham Hofmann, who became the rabbi of the Balti- more Hebrew Congregation in 1868, was born in Dittlofsroda, Bavaria, on August 20, 1822, and received his rabbinical education in Wiirzlmrg. He left the pulpit of the "Stadt Schule" in 1873 to become the superintendent of the newly established Orphan Asylum. In 1876, he accepted a rabbinical position in Eiclimond, where he died two years later.
For a number of years there had been some tendency in the congregation
towards reform ; in 1860, when Isaac M. "Wise, of Cincinnati, visited Baltimore, he
wrote in his "Israelite" : "Though the Lloyd Street congregation is
Reform and nominally orthodox, the large maioritv favor reform." A decided step
Schism. t/ - o .J . -L
was proi^osed in 1870, when a number of the members urged the adoption of the moderate reforms recommended by the Leipzig Synod of the previous j^ear, in order "that the religious life of the congregation may not suffer." These reforms M'ere rejected; a few months later, hoAvever, a number of changes in the ritual, which were earnestly advocated by Eabbi Hofmann, were adopted by a de- cisive majority. The conservative minority would proliably have acquiesced, if tlTe measure had not included, among minor innovations, the introduction of a mixed choir, which had long been the subject of contention, and which had been the most important innovation in the rejected proposal. On the ground that so radical an innovation violated a clause in the congregation's charter, the men who had opposed reform petitioned the Circuit Court of Baltimore to enjoin the officers of the congregation from intrducing any changes in the service. The case was re-
21
^
REV. DR. CHARLES A. RUBEXSTEIN
22
ferret! to an examiner, and there was considerable controversy before the two parties agreed amicably to disagree. The dissatisfied members resigned from the Stadt Schule and formed a congregation of their own. With the resignation of most of the orthodox element, the progress of reform became easier and more rapid. In 1873 family pews were introduced, the men and the women having before this oc- cupied separate parts of the synagogue ; the members of the congregation ceased wearing the Talith; members were no longer "called up" for the honor of assisting with the scrolls; the three-year cycle of reading the Pentatuch was adopted, and the Misheberachs and Ehnalemckamims were abolished. Five years later the Boedelheim Tefilldli was superseded by the Szold-Jastrow prayer-book, and shortly thereafter services were no longer held on the second days of the holidays.
In 1881, when the congregation had had no rabbi for eight years, Maurice Fluegel was called to its pulpit. Eabbi Fluegel was born in Germany, and emigrated at an early age to Eoumania. He studied at the Universities of Leipzig and Paris, has held several rabbinical positions in the United States, and has published a num- ber of books and essays on Jewish, Biblical, and religious subjects. He remained with the Stadt Schule for only three years.
Two years after Eabbi Fluegel left its pulpit, Aaron Siegfried Bettelheim be- came the rabbi of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. Bettelheim was born in Lipto, Szt. Miklos, Hungary, on April 4, 1830. He studied in the B^r^",v^" Presburg Yeshibah and other schools, and received a rabbinical diploma
from S. L. Eapoport. After officiating for a short time as rabbi, he entered the University of Prague, whence he was graduated as a doctor of philosophy. He then became a teacher and the editor of a political weekly. While rabbi in Kaschau, he edited a Jewish weekl}^, and later a political periodical. His utterances in the latter aroused such feeling against him that he decided to emigrate to ximerica with his family. In 186? he was elected rabbi of a Philadelphia congre- gation and a professor at the Maimonides College. Two years later he was elected rabbi of the Beth Aliabah Congregation, of Eichmond, where he established and edited a German weekly, and where he studied and was graduated at a medical col- lege. In 1875 he was elected rabbi of a congregation in San Francisco, where he also held several public offices. He came to Baltimore in 1887 and became identified with a number of public and charitable institutions. He died on board ship, August 20, 1890, on his homeward journey from a visit to Europe. Bettelheim was a most able, active, and versatile writer; his Avork includes contributions to the press, short stories, and biblical criticism.
For twenty years the membership of the Stadt Schule had been steadily dimin- ishing. In 1865 one hundred and sixty-five families were affiliated with the con- gregation ; when Eabbi Fluegel left in 1884 there were only forty- Baltimore eight. The spiritual leadership of the congregation changed hands Hebrew frequently, and there were several long intervals when there was Deciine^Vnd' ^^^ rabbi. These facts must have been partly the cause and partly Growth. the result of the diminution in the number of members. Another cause for the decrease was the removal of the Jews to other parts of the city. Those who moved to the west were near the Oheb Shalom synagogue on Hanover Street, where Szold and Kaiser were earnestly laboring. The congrega- tion was in desperate straits, when its president, Mr. Samuel Frank, united with Dr. Bettelheim in urging the members to build a new synagogue in the northwestern section of the city, to which many Jews had removed. In 1889, the congregation sold its synagogue on Lloyd Street, in which it had worshipped for forty-four years, and two years later dedicated a new synagogue on Madison Avenue. Under Rabbi
23
Adolf Guttnuiclier, who succeeded Bettelheini, the coniiregation luis taken on new life.
In 1893, Dr. Szold was elected rabbi emeritus of the Oheb Shalom Congrega- tion, and was succeeded by Eabbi William Rosenuui. In the following year, the con- gregation moved to its new house of worship on Eutaw Place. Rev. Alois Kaiser, who died in 1908, after more than forty years of serv^ice, was succeeded by Eev. Jacob Schuman.
The men who resigned from the Stadt Schule in 1870 because of the intro- duction of reforms organized the Chizuk Emunah Congregation. After worship- ping for five years in Exeter Hall, on Exeter Street, near Fayette, chizuk ^^,-^]:^ j^Q^ L Heilner as cantor, the congregation built a synagogue
on Lloyd Street, near the home of the Stadt Schule. Rabbi Henry W. Schneeberger, of New York, led the dedication exercises ; the members of the con- gregation were so favorably impressed with him that, although they had had no in- tention of securing a rabbi, they invited him to become their leader. A few vears later Rev. Herman Glass became the cantor. Jonas Friedenwald, who had been, wdth Philip Herzberg, especially active in the organization of the congregation and in the work of building the synagogue, succeeded Judali Rosewald as president, and was himself succeeded by his son. Dr. Aaron Friedenwald, who refused, however, to occupy the president's chair on the pulpit during his father's life time. Because of the active interest of several members of the Friedenwald family in the congrega- tion, it is frequently called "Friedenwald's Schule." In order to preclude such in- novations as had led to their secession from the Stadt Schule, the founders of the Chizuk Emunah have inserted a clause in theii" constitution that any memljer who proposes a reform in the service shall cease thereby to be a member.
In 1895 the Chizuk Emunah Congregation moved up-town, erecting a synagogue at the corner of McCulloh and Mosher Streets. A few years later Michael S. Levy, who had been an active worker and leader, especially in the building of the new synagogue, succeeded Dr. Friedenwald as the president of the congregation.
After Rabbi Rice's death in 1862, the congregation which he had organized divided, some of the members continuing to worship on Howard Street, others holding services on Eutaw Street. In 1879 the two factions reunited Congregation^ under the name of the Shearith Israel Congregation, and erected a synagogue on Green and German Streets. Rev. Dr. Schepsel Schaffer has been the rabbi of the congregation since 1893. In 1903 a new synagogue was built at McCulloh and Bloom Streets.
In 1859, when Rabbi Hochheimer resigned from the Lloyd Street congrega- tion, he was immediately invited to become the rabbi of the Fell's Point Congrega- tion, and he occupied its pulpit until, in 1892, he was made rabbi congregaWon. emeritus. Hoclilieimer and Szold were intimate friends, and their congregations took similar positions between orthodoxy and radical reform. In 1871 Hocheimer collaborated with Szold on a new edition of the "Abodath Israel," and shortly thereafter the Eden Street congregation adopted this prayer book. After Hochheimer's retirement in 1892, Wolff Willner was rabbi of the "P'int Schule" for two years. He was succeeded by Clifton H. Levy, who was followed, two years later, by Rabbi M. Rosenstein.
For a decade the migration of the Jews to other sections of the city had been diminishing the membership of the "P'int Schule." In 1890, when the Stadt Schule resolved to move up-town, it had proposed that the two oldest congregations in the city should unite and build a new synagogue in the northwestern section of the city. At this time, however, a large number of the Point members still lived down-
24
town, and these succeeded in having tlie overtures rejected. As members of the Eden Street congregation moved up-town, they affiUated with the Madison Avenue or the Eutaw Place congregations, the majority with the former. These constant defec- tions probably helped to keep tlie "down-towners" always in the majority in the councils of the congregation. Finally the congregation was too small to maintain itself, and in 1899 it was dissolved. Desiring to preserve the cemetery which they had used for a generation, a number of the former members had themselves incorporated in this year as the owners of the Hebrew Friendship Cemetery.
Eabbis Levy, Eosenau, and Shanfarber were, in 1895, the founders and first editors of the Jeivislt Comment, a weekly journal of high character, which is now edited by Mr. Louis H. Levin. Besides the Sinai and the Comment, PubHcations ^^^® following Jewish periodicals have been published in Baltimore : The Jetvish Chronicle (1875-77) ; Der Fortschritt (Yiddish, June- July, 1890) ; Dcr Baltimore I sraelit (Yiddish, 1891-93) ; Ila-Pisgah (Hebrew, 1891- 93, continued in Chicago) ; Der ]yegweiser (Yiddish, 1896).
The Jews of Baltimore did not occupy themselves solely with the organization of congregations and the establishment of charitable institutions. Although these activities may have been deemed more important then than now, they Activities. *''^^ ^^°^ preclude a development of the lighter side of life. A Young
Men's Hebrew Association, the Hebrew Young Men's Literary Society, and the Mendelssohn Literary Society flourished in the fifties ; twenty years later the Beacon Lights, a literary and social organization, had many members. And there must have been many social and semi-social clubs of which record is lost and recol- lection has died out.
A society of unusual longevity was the Harmony Circle, which was organized in 18G0. The members disbanded on the outbreak of the Civil War, but reorganized in 1864, electing Charles C Hutzler president, and David Hutzler Circi^""^ the master of ceremonies. The Harmony Circle is to-day one of the
largest, as well as one of the oldest, Jewish social organizations in the country. For nearly half a century it has given an annual series of fashionable balls, for the last twenty yeai's, mider the efficient management of Mr. Moses N. Frank.
The most important social functions in Baltimore Jewry took place under the auspices of institutions which were serious in name and purpose. There w6re many occasions on which the congregations and the charitable societies rnd^Banquets^ gathered their members together, or even the entire Jewish com- munity. When any deserving institution stood in special need of funds, a great fair was organized for its benefit. Such a fair secured funds for the Hebrew Hospital, and made possible the establishment of that institution. The great- est affair of this kind was the magnificent bazaar held in 1878 for the benefit of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum, which filled the halls of the Concordia Opera House for ten days. Most of the charitable institutions depended for financial support less upon the annual dues of their members than upon the money subscribed at annual festive gatherings held for their benefit. The patrons of the Hebrew Hospital were in- vited each year to a Simchath Torah festiyal and supper; the Ladies' Sewing So- ciety held an annual calico ball. Most notable of all the year's gatherings, however, was the banquet of the Hebrew Benevolent Society. For quite fifty years this ban- quet was the gi-eatest social event of Baltimore Jewry. When the many hundreds of giiests had finished the sumptuous dinner, they were addressed by men active in the work of charity, and by the mayor, the^governor, and other men prominent in public life. Last on the program came the filling of the subscription list.
We may call these methods of raising money wasteful and unscientific, but we
26
must remember that the banquets, fairs and balls had a twofold reason for existence, for it was not solely to help the cause of charity that the people came together.
Most of the fairs and bazaars, balls and banquets were held in the Concordia Opera House, which was for twenty years the center of Jewish social activities in Baltimore. The society which erected and occupied the building was The Concordia. ^^^ organized by Jews. "The Concordia German Society" was formed by a number of Germans in 1864 for "moral, scientific, literary, dramatic, agri- cultural and charitable purposes"; in the following year the members dedicated as its home the handsome building which they had erected at the southwest corner of Eutaw and German Streets. When Dickens visited Baltimore in 1868, he lectured on the Concordia's platform; fashionable audiences filled its halls to hear famous virtuosi; the best German and English threatrical troupes performed on its stage. Some Jews joined the society soon after its organization, and its halls and gardens were gradually more and more frequented by Jews, many attending regularly the weekly concerts. Ideas and movements, plans and institutions were discussed here at sociable gatherings; and when meetings were called to consider and execute pro- jects, they were held in the Concordia. "The Concordia" was the greatest social in- stitution that the Jews of Baltimore have ever had. It occupied an important place in the community until, in 1891, the building was destroyed by fire.
After a futile attempt to reorganize the society, a number of former members organized the Mercantile Club. In 1896 some of the members of the Mercantile Club formed the Clover Club, which now has a handsome and well-equipped club house on Madison Avenue.
The Phoenix Club, another social organization, was incorporated in 1886, hav- ing been formed, in part, at least, by men who had resigned from the old Concordia Club. It occupies a magnificent home on Eutaw Place, and is the Suburban Clubs, fashionable social organization of Baltimore Jews. The Suburban Club, organised in 1901, now has five hundred members, and maintains an attractive club-house on its grounds at Park Heights and Slade Avenues, eight miles from the city.
In the course of half a century, great changes took place among the Jews of Baltimore — changes religious, social, and economic. The Har Sinai Congregation has always been radically reformed; in the two largest congregations ^^nd^Growth ^^ ^^® ^^^^> reform Judaism has progressed gradually and more con- servatively. The Jews did not entirely lose the marks of their Ger- man lurth ; many German features of Jewish life were retained. The first and sec- ond generations used the German language in their homes; it was only in the nine- ties that the reformed congregations substituted English for German in the prayers and sermons. The younger generations, however, were natives in the land whose tongue had been strange to their parents. Still members of the Jewish community, they were a more homogeneous element of the larger community of Baltimore.
The most noteworthy development probably consisted in the economic advance of the Jews. Erstwhile peddlers became wealthy merchants ; small store-keepers and second-hand dealers became large manufacturers. Their sons had all the advan- tages which America affords its citizens, and they used their opportunities. Many have risen high in commercial circles; many others have entered the professions, some have become active and prominent in public life.
27
Xumcrical increase, economic improvement, and cliaiiiics in tlic city itself have led tlio Jews to clian-re their places of residence. The lirst immigrants liad settled, for the most part, in the eastern section of the city. In the sixties Residence. Ldiiihard Street, l)etween Lloyd Street and the Bridge, was the center
(it the Jewish population, so far as such a center can be determined. In the eighties a westward movement was under way, and soon many, if not most, of the German Jews lived west of Greene Street on Lexington, Baltimore, German, Lomliard and Hollins Streets, many as far west as Carey Street and Carrollton Avenue. Fifteen years later another "migration"' had begun. From East Baltimore and West Baltimore, Jews moved to the newer northwestern section of the city, where practically all of the German Jews of Baltimore live to-day. Although the Jews are far from segregated, there are many l)locks almost entirely populated by Jews and manv sections are distinctly Jewish. iVU the German congregations are in the dis- trict bounded by North Avenue, Bolton, Lanvale, and McCulloh Streets, a district enni])rising about thirty-five city blocks.
In the eighties the Jewish population of Baltimore was augmented by an immi- gration which soon left the Jcavs of German l)irth or descent in the minority. The Iiussian May Laws of 1882, which restricted the Jews in their rights Russian Jews. ^^ residence, hampered them in their commercial dealings, and oppressed them in many other ways, resulted in hardships which drove large numbers of Jews to America. The many immigrants who came to Baltimore settled, for the most part, in the eastern section of the city, on the streets which the German Jews were just leaving. There is almost a "colony" of Bussian Jews in southwest Baltimore, and many have settled in other parts of the city ; Init the district in East Baltimore is still the center of Eussian Jewish life in Baltimore.
The refugees of the eighties were not the first subjects of the Czar to settle in Baltimore. The first distinct immigration of East European Jews came in the sixties, when a number of Poles and Lithuanians settled in Baltimore. Bikur choiim Although the services in the synagogues of their German co-religionists were conducted in Hebrew, the newcomers found slight differences in the ritual and liturgy. In addition, the fact that they spoke a different language separated them somewhat from the older Jewish residents. In 18G5 they organized the Bikur Choiim Congregation, worshipping at first in the building on Gay Street which the Oheb Shalom Congregation had used some ten years before, then occupy- ing successively two buildings on Exeter Street. The present quarters of the con- gregation are in a residence on High Street, the gift of Abraham Harris, one of the members.
Some years after the organization of the Congregation Bikur Choiim, dissen- sions led most of the Lithuanian and some of the Polish members to withdraw. These men formed the "Eussian Congregation Benai Israel,'' which now occupies the old synagogue of the Chizuk Emunah Congregation, on Lloyd Street.
The great wave of Eussian immigration set in in 1882. Arriving in vast numbers, and often in need of assistance, the immigrants were aided by the Benevolent Society and the other charitable institutions of the city. It was not long, however, before the new settlers had formed their own organizations.
The first institution that they established was a Hebrew school. When the
Talmud Torali had long outgrown the single room which was rented for its pupils,
adequate quarters were secured in a building on High Street. Yiddish,
Talmud Torah. , .\ . t , , ,, , ,. ,, t^ . . . _ , . '
which continued to be the vernacular of the Eussian Jews m Baltimore, was for many years used in this school ; the proposal to substitute English met with strong opposition, many holding the jargon almost as sacred as Hebrew and as
28
Judaism itself. It was chiefly through the efforts of Mr. Tancluini Silberman and Eabbi William Eosenau that English was at last introduced. Those who could not be reconciled to the change withdrew their support from the Talmud Torah and formed a new school — the Talmud Torah Ve-he-Emunah. When the extinction of the Talmud Torah seemed imminent, a few man undertook to rehabilitate the school by securing a new home. With funds collected from l)oth down-town and up-town Jews, a building on Baltimore Street, near Lloyd, was purchased and remodeled, in which a daily Hebrew school, of which Eev. Elias Eabinowitz is superintendent, is now attended by seven hundred pupils. The re-establishment of the Talmud Torah is largely due to the work of Mr. Tanchum Silberman. Several societies have their quarters in Talmud Torah Hall, which is becoming, even apart from the school, an important institution.
The Hebrew Literary Society, founded by a number of jMaskilim, was one
of a number of organizations formed by Eussian Jews. Feeling the need of English
instruction for themselves and their immigrant brethren, its members,
Russian ^^,j|-| ^^ assistance of Miss Henrietta Szold, established a night school
Night School. ■ r T
in 1889. Miss Szold was the superintendent of the school until 1893, when other duties forced her to resign. She was succeeded by Miss Grace Bendann (Mrs. B. H. Hartogensis). This school rendered invaluable service, aiding five thou- sand men, women and children in learning the English language, American history and the rights and duties of American citizenship. The school was closed in 1897, when its directors had been assured the city would establish similar night schools to continue its work.
The Daughters in Israel, organized in 1890, conducts a Working Girls' Home, the Frank Sabbath School and such classes and clubs as are usually found in settle- ment houses. The Maccabean House, established in 1900 for the Settlement purpose of keeping boys off the stre'ets at night, grew steadily until
more than a thousand boys and young men became members of the clubs or classes which met in the House. The Daughters in Israel and the Macca- beans amalgamated in 1909 under the name of the Jewish Educational i^lliance.
In 1890 renewed pogroms in Bussia increased the immigration which had continued since the year of the May Laws. Ten or twelve of the Eussian Jews who had settled in Baltimore formed a small organization to assist the new immigrants. Collecting money from their acquaintances, thev placed a number of poor men in boarding-houses and supported them a few days to give them an opportunity of securing employment. The society was soon large enough to purchase a house on Lombard Street, near Lloyd. Many old people who had to support themselves peddled matches and trinkets in the streets ; a number of these were sheltered by the society, which now assumed the name of the Hebrew Friendly Inn and Aged Home. Outgrowing its quarters, the society secured a large building on Aisquith Street, in which sixty aged men and women have found an asylum. The Inn is the headquarters for the relief of poor Jews who spend only a short time in Baltimore; all who apply for aid are given food and shelter for three days.
The formation of the Hebrew Children's Sheltering and Protective Association was somewhat similar to that of the Friendly Inn. Several men who saw a policeman leading some homeless children to a public institution persuaded the Children's officer to surrender the waifs to them and undertook to care for them.
Home^^*'^^ They were given, with several others, into the charge of a poor family
on Harrison Street. To provide a home for these and for other home- less or neglected children a society was organized which collected a few large and
29
OIIEB SHALOM TEMPI. E
30
many small contributions and purchased a building on South High Street. When, after two 3'ears, the society sheltered thirty children and a large number of appli- cants could not be accommodated, a new home was bought at the corner of Lexing- ton and Aisquith Streets. The society now cares for a hundred children, besides giving financial aid to the widowed mothers of a dozen others. Again over- crowded, the association has purchased a piece of ground on North Broadway, near Baltimore Street, on which M. S. Levy and his sons have erected the Betsy Levy Memorial Building.
In 1898 three philanthropic institutions were established: a Free Burial
Society, the Hebrew Emigrants' Protective Association and the Gemilath Chassodim,
or Free Loan Association. The Free Loan Society has enabled many
other men to help themselves, with slight expense to the community and
Charitable without obliging them to accept charity. Three years later the Young
Organizations. o& i -nir.
Ladies' Benevolent Society was organized by a group ot young women who had supported an invalid girl and her brother and who then determined to continue their good work. The society whicli they formed cares for many women who require medical attendance.
When Eussian Jews came to Baltimore they came at once in such great numbers that the immigrants from each town or district were able to organize a Dtinyan of their own. This is probably one reason for the large number of con- ongrega ions, gj-gggtions formed by East European Jews in Baltimore. In 1909 there were twenty-five Eussian congregations in the city. All of them are orthodox, nearly all of them maintain schools and many have other societies connected with them. A few have synagogues ; most of them hold services in the rooms of a dwell- ing and have no regular rabbi.
The corporate names of several of the congregations indicate the European homes of their founders. Most of the others bear, colloquially, the names of Eus- sian towns or districts. The "Mikro Kodesh," which was formed in 1886, is better known as the 'Tokroyer Schule"; the Aitz Chaim, which occupies the old Eden Street Synagogue, is the "Proshnitz Schule"; the Beth Yakov bears the name "Visheyer," and the Ohel Yakov is regularly known as the "Byalistoker Schule."
The most notable event of recent years in Baltimore Jewry is the federation
of the charitable institutions, a step which had been advocated and planned as early
as 1890 by men who were then active in communal work. As the old Tederation of i.i i " ^ • • j? i n i i
Charities methods ot raising funds grew more and more unpopular, and came
to be considered wasteful as well as annoying, the subscribers became convinced of the greater efficacy that would result from co-operation and a more scientific administration. In 1906, the older institutions of the city, which had been founded by German Jews, formed the Federated Jewish Charities, under the direc- tion of Professor Jacob H. Hollander, who became the first president of the Fed- eration. By a generous gift from Mr. Jacob Epstein, the Federation was enabled to establish a Jewish Home for Consumptives, purchasing land near Eeisterstown, Bal- timore County, on which have been erected the Jacob Epstein Sanatorium, the Solo- mon Kami Memorial Cottage, and the Samuel and Emma Eosenthal Cottage. In 1907, the charitable societies which had been organized by Eussian Jews were fed- erated under the name of the United Hebrew Charities. The existence of two fed- erations is justified by practical reasons of expediency; the two organizations work not merely in harmony, but in active co-operation. The centralized direction of their philanthropic work has resulted indirectly in strengthening the communal conscious- ness of the Jews of Baltimore.
31
The history of the Jews of Baltimore, extending over a period of a century and a quarter, is prol)ably a fair example of the growth and development of a Jewish community in an American city. In another country and in another century, it might be termed phenomenal, if a steady and orderly development can be so de- scribed. We must make allowance for the growth of the city itself, but the Jews of Baltimore have grown, in some senses, at least, even more rapidly. The innnigrants of seventy years ago were, with scarcely an exception, obliged to struggle for a live- lihood. Xo person who reads the signs on Baltimore's business streets or scans the advertisements in the newspapers needs to be told of the high position which their sons and grandsons occupy in commercial circles to-day. And the more recent immi- grants are making even more rapid progress.
Since 1826, when Solomon Etting and Jacob T. Cohen, Jr., were elected to the City Council, Jews have engaged in civic, as well as in commercial, activities. In legislative halls, on the bench, at the bar, and in other offices, they have worked for the common good, and, with physicians and other public servants, have sustained the reputation of the Jew.
In two generations, the numbers of the Jews have increased a hundredfold. In 1901, Dr. George E. Barnett estimated, after careful investigations and computation, that there were 25,000 Jews in Baltimore. In 1910, the number is probably between 40,000 and 50,000.
Baltimore is generally regarded a stronghold of conservative Judaism. That the Jews in Baltimore are more conservative than their co-religionists in other cities is due largely to the fact that Baltimore is itself conservative, in part, per- haps, to the manner in which Jews settled in Baltimore, and in part, it may be, to the fact that the first settlers came from religious communities in Europe and were more religious than were many other immigrants. In large measure, how- ever, the religious spirit which has always existed among the Jews of Baltimore is due to the work of two men — Eabbi Kice and Eabbi Szold. The first was able to imbue his people with that true spirit of orthodox Judaism which he so strongly felt. When reform Judaism began to claim adherents in Baltimore, Szold, in directing its ])rogress, kept it from obliterating all traces of orthodox Judaism, and kept alive tliat sympathy with the fathers wliicli is the keystone of conservatism.
MyUic>r l^jiAAA^'
Bibliography: Jeirish Encyclopedia, Art. "Baltimore," by Miss Henrietta Szold; ibid.,. Art. "Maryland," by Professor Jacob H. Hollander (for the "Jew Bill") : ibid., biographical articles, passim; American Jewish Year Book, published by the Jewish Publication Society of America (biographical data); Isaac Markens, "Hebrews in America"; Eev. Dr. William Rosenau, History of the Oheb Shalom Congregation; Rev. Dr. Adolf Guttmacher, History of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation; Jewish Exponent, 1889, a series of articles by Mr. Ben- jamin H. Hartogensis on the Jewish charitable institutions of Baltimore; files of Baltimore newspapers, and of the Jewish Exponent.
The writer gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to Miss Josephine Etting, ^Ir. Mendes Cohen, Mr. Solomon Collmus, Mr. Philip Herzberg, Mr. Henry S. Hartogensis, Rev. Herman Glass, Mr. Tanchum Silberman, Mr. Benjamin H. Hartogensis, and a number of others wha supplied him with interesting data. He is also indebted for helpful suggestions to Miss Hen- rietta Szold and Rev. Dr. William Rosenau.
\
RELIGIOUS LIFE OF BALTIMORE JEWS
By Eev. Db. Charles A. Eubexsteix.
THE religious life of Baltimore Jews gives scope for a very interesting study. Starting with a few scattered Jewish families in the early part of the last century the Jewish community of Baltimore today exhibits a congregational activ- ity that has long been noted in the religious history of American Jews. Without taking into consideration the religious institutions maintained by recent or com- paratively recent Jewish settlers in Baltimore, of which there is a very large num- ber, five large congregations, all in a flourisliing condition, testify to the uniform religious activity that has characterized Baltimore Jewish families through three successive generations. What is especially noteworthy is the fact that this relig- ious development has been of a varied kind, showing that the religious evolution of the Baltimore Jewish community is not due simply to the process of natural growth, but also to the influence of certain men, laymen as well as rabbis, who left their impress upon the Jewish life of Baltimore. The five congregations whose re- spective histories form the greater portion of the history of Baltimore Jews present practically five distinct phases of Judaism, both as to belief and practice, from un- compromising orthodoxy to equally uncompromising reform.
The history of the Jewish congregations in Baltimore begins with the year 1829. That was an eventful year for Jews of Maryland, because with the charter granted to the first Jewish congregation in the State, Jews in Maryland for the first time practically enjoyed the full rights of American citizenship. It must be recalled that in the settlement of Maryland in the middle of the seventeenth cen- tury full civic rights were withheld from Jewish settlers on account of their faith. The profession of Christian belief was then an indispensable qualification. After the formation of the American government an attempt was made in 1796-1797 to remove that disability from Maryland Jews. By the laws of the national govern- men no Jew could be debarred from the full prerogatives of citizenship, including the right to hold ofiice; yet in Maryland that specific right was denied to Jews be- cause of their faith. Such discrimination was so contrary to the spirit of the Amer- ican constitution, and so offensive to the liberal tendencies of the age, that an earnest attempt was made in the Maryland legislature in 1818 to remedy the anomalous situation. The attempt was productive only of long and bitter discus- sion, and ended at the time only in utter failure. The agitation, however, was not altogether in vain, for men's consciences Avere gradually aroused and much serious thought was given to the injustice inflicted upon the Jews of Maryland who were fast becoming a large and influential portion of the population of the State. The next time the matter was agitated, therefore, there was greater hope for success. In 1825 what was known as the "Jew Bill," carrying with it the removal of all disabil- ities from Jews, because they professed a different faith, passed both houses of the Maryland legislature. The success of this measure was largely due to the influence of the Etting and Cohen families, who had long been residents of Baltimore and who had long enjoyed the general esteem of the community.
The "Jew Bill" passed by the Maryland legislature in 1825 became a law in 182G. Following closely upon this favorable legislation there was presented a bill
33
JIADISON AVENUE TEMPLE
34
in the lower house in 1839 empowering certain Jewish citizens of Baltimore to or- ganize themselves into a congregation. Perhaps because it was felt that Jews in Maryland were acquiring too many privileges, the bill was defeated by a large ma- jority on its second reading. Better counsels, however, prevailed. The rejection of the measure was immediately reconsidered and this time the bill was passed. By February 33 it was passed by the Senate and immediately became a law.
The year 1829, therefore, marks the beginning of Jewish congregational ac- tivity in Baltimore and in Maryland. In the act empowering certain Jewish citi- zens to organize a congregation and build a synagogue in Baltimore, John M. Dyer, Moses Millem, Lewis Silver, Levi Benjamin and Joseph Osterman are named as the charter members. This congregation, styled the "Baltimore Hebrew Congre- gation," may properly be called the "Mother of Jewish Congregations" in Balti- more. The other congregations of the five now existing actually sprang from the membership of the original congregational body incorporated by the laws of Mary- land in 1829. Before Jewish worship thus received the authority and sanction of the State, Jewish families in Baltimore had gathered for divine service in the house of Zalma Rehine, a highly respected Jew of the city at that time. Those who con- stituted that informal congregation were among the first members of the Balti- more Hebrew Congregation, wdiich was soon to spread out and give out branches in the form of other congregations in various parts of the city.
From 1829 to 1843 this was the only Jewish congregation in the city. In 1838, in what is known as "Fell's Point," then an outlying district and separate and dis- tinct from the city, Jewish settlers organized the "Fell's Point Hebrew Friendship Congregation," now extinct. Later it built a synagogue in Eden Street, when "Fell's Point" became part of the city. With the removal of the majority of its members to other parts of the city the congregation rapidly declined and in 1899 was dis- solved. The venerable Henrv Hochheimer was rabbi of this congregation from 1859 to 1892.
The Baltimore Hel)rew Congregation in the city proper quickly grew in num- bers, and was compelled from time to time to remove to more spacious quarters. From a room over a grocery, at the corner of Bond and Fleet Streets, it moved first to North Exeter Street, then to High Street, then in 1837 to a three-story brick dwelling in Harrison Street. In 1845 its synagogue in Lloyd Street was completed, the first synagogue in Maryland. The dedication naturally was a great event for Jews of Baltimore, and special sermons were delivered on that occasion by Eabbi S. M. Isaacs, of New York, and the celebrated Pabbi Isaac Leeser, of Philadelphia.
The first rabbi of the congregation was Abraham Eice, a man knoAvn for great piety and learning. He was a fearless exponent of the orthodox Jewish faith, and his teachings carried great weight. It was his uncompromising attitude towards the Eeform tendencies in Judaism which, originating in Germany, soon began to modify Jewish worship and Jewish practice in this country, led to the first seces- sion from the mother congregation. In 1842 the "Har Sinai Verein," now the Har Sinai Congregation, was organized in protest against the strict orthodoxy of Eabbi Eice. This congregation secured its charter in 1843 and worshipped first in High Street, then in Lexington Street, and at present in its handsome synagogue at the corner of Bolton and Wilson Streets. Its first rabbi was Max Sutro, wdio was fol- lowed by Moritz Brown. With the coming of David Einhorn as rabbi, Har Sinai Congregation entered on a new and distinct line of development as the reform Jewish congregation of Baltimore. It is a source of pride to this congregation that it possesses the best traditions of the man who so greatly influenced the develop- ment of American Judaism for the past two generations. His utterances in the
35
pulpit and out are treasured by many families of the congregation as the utterances of a prophet wlio was not without honor in their midst, and his name is still a source of inspiration to them, though it is nearly thirty years since he departed this life and more than two score years since he left the Har Sinai pulpit. lie was rabbi in Baltimore only from 1855 to 18G1, but in those few years the whole course of Reform Judaism in America was formed. Einhorn, it nuiy be said, was among the chief forces in shaping its direction. Coming to this country with a brilliant repu- tation, his first essay in the Eeform field marked him a great power. His infiuence soon became far reaching and he was deemed as authoritative in the exposition of Jewish Eeform, as Abraham Eice in his day was in the expression of Jewish or- thodoxy. His infiuence, however, was rather felt by the thinkers in Jewish com- munities than by the general Jewish public. The popular reformer among Ameri- can Jews in Einhorn's time was Isaac M. Wise, of Cincinnati, 0.
The services rendered by Einhorn, important as they were considered at the time, appear now invaluable to the Eeform element of the American synagogue. His monthly Journal, the Sinnh which appeared in Baltimore from February, 1856, to January, 1863, is today the greatest inspiration for the Eeform rabbi. In all the eight volumes that he issued the best contributions by far are Einhorn's own ser- mons, with their marvelously eloquent exposition of Jewish idealism from the Ee- form point of view. Yet this journal, the Sinai, is minor in importance compared with that other work which is monumental of his great labors in the Eeform Jew- ish cause, his "Olath Tamid." This prayer-book, written for Har Sinai Congrega- tion, has long been regarded as the best prayer-book that has come from the Jewish Eeform movement. The congregation regards the fact with the greatest pride that Einhorn himself introduced this most notable work for congregational worship while officiating as the rabbi.
Following David Einhorn as rabbis of the congregation wore Solomon Deutsch, Jacob Mayer, Emil G. Hirsch, Samuel Sale, David Philipson and Tobias Schau- farber. The rabbi at present is C. A. Eubenstein.
The officers of the congregation are : M. Shakman, president ; Xathan H. Hirshberg, vice-president; M. S. Pacholder, treasurer, and iVlbert H. Likes, sec- retary.
Eeturning to the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, from Avhich the Har Sinai Congregation branched off, we find it in nowise weakened by the secession, but rather growing in numbers as new Jewish families began settling in Baltimore as a result of the general immigration movement from Europe that started in 1818. Eabbi Eice retired to private life in 1849 and was succeeded in turn by Eev. Dr. Henry Hochheimer, B. Illoway, Abraham Hofman, Maurice Fluegel, A. S. Bettel- heim"^and the present rabbi, Adolf Guttmacher. The congregation worshipped in the Lloyd Street Synagogue until 1891, when its present house of worship, corner of Madison Avenue and Eobert Street, one of the most beautiful synagogues in the coimtry, was dedicated. The officers of the congregation are: Moses Frank, presi- dent; Henry Burgunder, vice-president; Sody Salabcs, treasurer, and Solomon Preiss, secretary. Jacob Schvanenfeld is the cantor.
In 1853 there was another secession from the parent congregation, but this time along more conservative lines. It was not so much due to a desire for a change in the mode of worship as to the fact that the Jewish population was shifting towards the southwestern part of the city and great need was felt for another syna- gogue. So the Oheb Sholem congregation was organized with a place of worship in Hanover Street. The first rabbis of this congregation were: Solomon andQj)]\I. Landsberg. In 1859 Benjamin Syold became rabbi, serving until 1892. During
30
his long, active ministration of tliirty-three years he wielded great influence in the Baltimore Jewish community, contril)uting very largely to the shaping of its relig- ious life and thought. He rendered great service to Judaism in America by his scholarly labors, and, more especially, by writing a prayer-book, in which M, Jastrow, of Philadelphia, collaborated, that admiral^ly answered the needs of con- servative American congregations. The present rabbi of the congregation is Will- iam Eosenau. The cantor is Jacob Schuman. His predecessor, the celebrated cantor Alois Kaiser, contributed a great share to the development of the liturgy in the American Synagogue. From Hanover Street the congregation moved to its present beautiful house of worship, corner of Eutaw Place and Lanvale Street. The officers of the congregation are : Isaac Strouse, president ; Henry Sonnebom, vice-president; Louis Gump, treasurer, and Louis Adler, secretary.
Still another congregation branched off: from the original Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in 1871. This is the Chizuk Emoonali Congregation, worshipping now in its new synagogue, corner of McCuUoh and Mosher Streets. The Eeform movement among x\.merican Jews was making rapid strides. Isaac M. Wise, of Cin- cinnati, was formulating a plan for the education of Eeform rabbis, and his paper. The American Israelite, found rapid circulation throughout the Western and Southern Jewish communities and was wielding great power. In 1873 the Union of American Hebrew Congregations was organized, and Wise's idea of a seminary for the training of Eeform rabbis was fast approaching actualization. In Baltimore itself the Eeform ideas of Einhorn had taken firm root. The Baltimore Hebrew Congregation had consistenly held at first to orthodox views, liut was gradually veering toAvard the Eeform movement. A number of changes were made in the ritual for Sabbath and holidays and an effort was made to introduce a mixed choir. There was a minority in the congregation that did not favor these innovations and these withdrew and formed the Chizuk Emoonah Congregation. There was great dis- cussion following this withdrawal, the minority invoking the aid of the law. Of this congregation Henry W. Schneeberger has been rabln since 1876. The cantor is Her- man Glass. The officers of the congregation are: M. S. Levy, president; Dr. Harry Friedenwald, vice-president; Benjamin Friedman, treasurer, and Milton Fleischer, secretary.
Two small orthodox congregations that had grown up in the southwestern part of the city were consolidated in 1876 into the Shearith Israel Congregation, that now worships in its new • synagogue, corner of McCulloh and Bloom Streets. Of the five congregations here described, the Shearith Israel is considered the most orthodox. S. Schaffer has been the rabbi for the past sixteen years. The cantor is E. Jaffe. The officers of the congregation are: Manes Strauss, president; Herman Cohen, vice-president; Samuel Senker, treasurer; Abraham Plant, secretary.
In describing the five congregations which form an integral part of the history of Baltimore JeAvs, the list is far from exhausted. The disturbances in Eussia in 1881-1882, and those Avithin more recent years, drove hundreds of thousands of Jews to our hospitable shores. While the majority of the immigrants remained in jSTeAv York, a large number of them came to Baltimore. Here there are no less than twenty congregations formed of these ncAv settlers, the grouping being usually de- termined by the city or district in Europe from which they came. Of these con- gregations only eight have synagogues of their OAvn, situated in various parts of the city, but chiefly in the southern and southeastern sections.
Thus the organization of religious Avorship among Jews in Baltimore, from a modest beginning in 1829, has developed in the course of three generations into a great center of Jewish religious life. The manner in which the Baltimore Hebrew
37
Christhilf, Photo.
CHIZXXK EMUNAH TEMPLE
38
Congregation was first formed and the regiilarit}^, one might say, with which a certain group from time to time left the parent stock to begin a separate congrega- tional existence of its own, marks the whole religions development of Baltimore Jews with great interest. What is especially to be noted is the fact that the Jewish population kept pace with the successive secessions and the "mother" congregation, as well as those that issued from it, grew with time "from strength to strength." All now are in a flourishing condition. The five new synagogues which they all erected within recent years aiford substantial proof of their prosperous state. It is worthy of remark that while the first congregation to be formed from the parent religious organization has become a pronounced type of the Beform movement in American Judaism, the last congregation to be thus formed has remained consistently conservative. Har Sinai Congregation and Chizuk Emoonah Congregation, both springing from the original Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, present two contrasting aspects of Jewish worship and Jewish thought.
This sketch of the rise and progress of Jewish congregational activity in Balti- more would scarcely be complete without a word about the properties held by the various congregations for burial purposes. In the early days, when Baltimore Jews formed no corporate body, a burial place could be acquired only by an individual. The first cemetery was thus held by Levi and Solomon Etting. A lot near East Monument Street, Imown as "Jew Alley in Ensor's town," was deeded to them by Charles Carroll in 1801. Previous to that date, in 1786, there M^as a special burial place for Jews in the same locality. To-day there are eight large Jewish ceme- teries in or near Baltimore. The largest, in Belair Eoad, is the property of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. The Oheb Sholem Congregation owns the ceme- tery on the Trapp Eoad. The cemetery in Brehm's Lane, near Belair Eoad, is the property of Har Sinai Congregation. The Eell's Point Congregation, now extinct, which had its synagogue in Eden Street, owned the cemetery on the Philadelphia Eoad. When the congregation was dissolved the property was taken over by former members, who created for that purpose a separate corporation.
-Z>2^^^2^*^
ZIONISM.
By Eev. De. S. Schaffer.
ZIONISM, Avhich was introduced to the great public with due solemnity and can- did enthusiasm at the first Basle Congress but thirteen years ago, has already made history. The keen observer cannot fail to notice a marked change in the trend of the Jewish mind which is due to the influences of that movement. This is not surprising. The aim of Zionism is to create in Palestine a publicly legally secured home for the Jewish people. But this is an ideal which inspired, actuated and directed the children of Israel long before the very word, Zion, was coined; long before the fortress of that name had been erected. Indeed, this ideal is even older than official Judaism, and was one of the powerful factors which shaped Judaism or rather created that body which was destined to serve and still does serve as standard bearer and transmitter of tlio truth and the sublime principles which Judaism im- plies.
39
Ever since God promised Al)ra1iain in iiiakL' of liim a ^-I'cat nation and to give him the land Canaan as an inheritance, \vliich occurred, according to t!ie records, four centuries before Judaism was olficially launched from the top of Sinai by the divine revelation, Jewish nationality was inseparably wcdch'd to Palestine. The de- scendants of Abraham claimed that country as their jjroniised land, and the mere claim framed the conditions and effected the results which otherwise the actual pos- session of territory accomplished. That very claim banded together the single in- dividuals into a strong, characteristic unit, preventing their being assimilated with others and making of them a peculiar nation, just as the dwelling on one territory has made of other groups of mankind various and specific nations. Israel waged fierce and successful wars against the tribes which inhabited Canaan just because of that ]:)romise which the leaders often repeated and which convinced the people that, for reasons known only to Providence, Israel's message to mankind will have a greater and more general effect when j^roclaimed from the hill-tops of that peculiar spot of the earth.
Disastrous as the exile into Babylon was it did not destroy the confidence of the unfortunate exiles. On the contrary, the godly inspired jjrophets who with flaming words and vigorous, rousing speech repeatedly renewed the ancient promise and pictured pathetically the deplorable state of the desolate country and the sad con- dition of the children who are not ])ermitted to rest their weary heads on their mother's lap, infinitely strengthened the deeply rooted conviction which guided the former generations and having kindled within the bosoms of their afflicted brethren the dormant spark of love for their promised land into blazing enthusiasm, success- fully accomplished the reunion of nation and country, the restoration of Israel's previous home.
Strange though it be, the second and more severe exile likewise served to in- tensify beyond measure Israel's yearning for the sacred land. Many fervent prayers, touching elegies and tearful lamentations, which were written b}^ men of genius, distinguished alike as scholars and philosophers, as saints and sages, were incorporated in the liturgy and were recited with nnicli feeling, ardent devotion and great earnestness, often with real, burning tears, in every community that was ever established in all parts of the globe. By this means the ancient ideal which once stirred in Israel's veins the fighting blood and was the cause for war and re- bellion, gradually crystallized and became identified with a vital article of creed of equally ancient origin, with the belief in the coming of Messiah, ^^'hen peace and good-Avill shall reign supreme on earth no one would ever hinder Israel from return- ing to Palestine.
As a matter of faith, finding expression, as it did, not only in daily prayers but also on all occasions of either joy or sorrow, whenever the soul is roused to its va- rious manifestations, it also adopted the characteristic of true faith which is inspir- ing, cheering and consoling, instilling hope, courage and patience, but never stirring up excitement, never provoking fierce antagonism.
About the middle of the last century a number of associations of Lovers of Zion were organized in many cities of various countries for the purpose of founding colonies in Palestine which should be worked and cultivated by Jewish hands. This was done chiefly out of love for the land of the Fathers and also with the intention to make both Palestine and colonization conspicuous hi the eyes of the Jewish peo- ple. An indistinct hope, however, was equally chei'ished that if such work bo con- tinued for centuries it might possibly benefit in the last the nation at hirge.
Such was the nature of Zionism of late.
In 189fi, however, Zionism received a new impetus, which again changed its
40
character. From a sober principle of faith it was turned into a movement which means an object for agitation and propaganda. The new tendency was more ex- pressly indicated by the additional epithet of "political." Political Zionism, or Zionism viewed from a political and economical standpoint, has no other aim than that of the ancient idea, only the motives, the reasons, its scope and the mode of its promotion changed according to the different circumstances and the prevailing spirit of the time. ]\Iodern Zionism has no recent divine authority, but it can hardly be denied that it fully deserves divine grace and favor. It is not prompted by the express behest of him who rules the destinies of nations, but as it is prompted by dire necessity which cries for relief, it cannot but be pleasing in the eyes of the supreme Eegent.
Three distinct and grave causes jointly forced the advent of the new idea.
Millions of Jewish people, men, Avomen and children, are, in spite of general enlightenment, culture and progress, still wrongfully and cruelly oppressed in va- rious countries and treated as an inferior class of citizens for no other fault than that they are Jews. It is not necessary to describe in detail the distressing and humiliating position of these innocent suiferers, it is known to all who are familiar with the current events. These unfortunates for whom, it seems, there is no help whatsoever, and Avho are as much a reproach to civilization as they are an object of commiseration, are in urgent need of a home Avhere they could breathe freely the air which the good Lord provides for all living creatures and lead a life correspond- ing to the dignity of man. Nothing but a country for themselves with an adminis- tration of their own where they would offend no strangers and escape themselves from the injustice and insults of strangers could help those millions who are now doomed to poverty and degradation. There could be no nobler work than to assist by whatever means in the creation of a secure home in Palestine for these self- respecting. God-fearing, worthy people, whose steady and bitter complaints never touch the hearts of their tormentors.
Again, the general craving for independence, emancipation and liberty which made itself strongly felt towards the latter part of the nineteenth century in every country where civilization had acquired a firm footing, brought about in the house of Israel, as it did evervAvhere else, a deplorable decline of the religious spirit and also an inclination toAvards assimilation. The numbers of those Avho drifted aAvay from the religion of their fathers, either compelled by the force of circumstances, or uuAvittingly by mere negligence, or on purpose, carried aAvay by the rise of a ma- terialistic Avave and scepticism, grcAV Avith every year larger and caused apprehension and alarm in all directions. Those Avho firmly stand by tradition and who knoAV of no duty more urgent and more holy than the duty to perpetuate Judaism looked to the future Avith anxiety and fear and AA'ere ready to grasp any opportunity by which the groAving evil could be remedied or at least checked. Christendom, too, seemed to dislike the ncAv tendency. At least, anti-semitism spread in proportion to the spread of assimilation. The most cruel means were employed, as it were, to repulse the intruders and to Avarn them that they had l^etter stay AA'here they were. The consequence Avas that those AAdio had considered assimilation the most practical means for sohdng the aggravating and difficult prol)lem, the so-called JeAvish ques- tion, Avere sorely disappointed and found themselves isolated and forsaken. From their brethren they Avere estranged, and from the strangers Avhose friendship they courted they Avere unceremoniously repulsed. Their pride Avas humiliated, their na- tional feeling, of whose secret existence they Avere scarcely aAvare, was deeply wounded and roused, and their confidence in civilization was mightily shaken. They realized that they needed a home of their OAvn Avhere they could live among their equals and
41
ChriMhilf, Photo
SHEAEITH ISRAEL TEMPLE
42
escape the sting of chilly reserve and haughty demeanor with which they invariably met. The truth dawned iipon them that between Jew and Gentile good-will may prevail but never intimacy.
The first one to make this confession in public was Dr. Theodore Herzel, who by this time needs no introduction to the reader, and a large number of the uncom- promising, traditional religious wing heartily and loudly applauded both the con- fession and the unreserved frankness, the manly courage, the self-respect, the dig- nity and just pride which the open confession involved. With genuine brotherly affection they grasped the hand of the home-coming brother, bowed before the new champion of the truth in admiration, and offered him their congratulations together with their assistance. Thus encouraged, Herzel embraced the idea which is em- bodied in the words of the daily prayer, "Let our eyes behold thy return unto Zion," with the entire fire of his big heart, noble soul and trained mind, and at once raised the battle-cry, "Back to Judaism, back to Zion."
The acquisition of Palestine as a home for the Jewish people, he argued, is by no means beyond the bounds of possibility. Stranger things have been accomplished in the last century. He claimed, what every impartial, unsophisticated and just ob- server of things must concede, that the realization of Israel's everlasting desire would be unquestionably the greatest boon for Jew and Gentile alike and no less for the Turkish government. Palestine is now practically a desert and of little value. But, if inhabited, colonized and cultivated by millions of thrifty hands, it would soon prove its ancient fame of being a land that flows with milk and honey and would become a remarkable source of large revenue. Besides, the growth and steady development of commerce and industry which is bound to follow in the wake of Jewish centralization and activity would certainly benefit immeasurably the whole Turkish empire.
Herzel advocated peaceful but energetic and steady activity in behalf of politi- cal Zionism. The great masses of the Jewish people should be enlightened and roused to the realization of their sad situation, that they might be as persistent in their claim for relief of their intolerable condition as they are in praying and lamenting, that they substantiate the outpouring of their souls by practical work and raise sufficient funds which are necessary for the eventual purchase of the land and the colonization thereof. Strong and impressive appeals should also be made to the sense of justice of all intelligent classes of the entire civilized world and es- pecially to the reigning houses of the great powers who sway the destinies of nations. If Jew and Gentile were fully informed of the aim and the scope of Zionism and the blessings it involves they would both, he claimed, hasten to assist in the promo- tion of the work which, if successfully accomplished, would make the unjustly per- secuted of many centuries free and happy, would relieve Christendom of grave re- proaches, of a disgrace which hampered the progress of its lofty ideals and supreme endeavor, and would thus bring mankind a good stretch nearer the age of undis- turbed peace and general brotherhood.
Thus Herzel became father of the luovement for which he sacrificed his young life. Eight continuous years he labored indefatigably with might and main, plead- ing eloquently for the sacred cause that filled his great soul, interviewing nobles, captains of finance, rulers and kings, organizing the forces that flocked to his aid and guiding them with a strong hand, an iron will, political sagacity and a mild, well-balanced temper until exhaustion and, perhaps, some disappointment broke his true heart. He died bemoaned not only by the hosts of Zionists but also by all the intelligent of the entire world, who paid a high tribute to the brilliancy of his luind, the strength and firmness of his convictions, the sterling qualities of his clean char-
43
acter and his admirable skill for leadership whieli he proved by iinitinc: and con- trolling all factions, various though they were concerning their views, their dispo- sition and the degree of their general education.
Herzel was the father of the new idea, but he and the idea itself were crea- tions of the forceful current events and the predominating spirit of the lime. Dire need of the proletariat, anxious solicitations for the preservation of Judaism, strongly felt by the more enlightened of the faithful religious cohorts, and offended national pride experienced by those who, relying on civilization, claimed the priv- ilege of being counted as equals in all social circles, were the three factors that forced the ancient ideal to the front and prompted Herzel to serve as its champion.
Herzel died, but the idea which he set in motion is immortal, the movement is still on foot and will continue to influence the Jewish masses and some of the priv- ileged non-Jewish classes until either the sad causes disappear, which is not prob- able, or until the goal of Zionism is reached, which is more probable, because Provi- dence is bound to interfere for the sake of the oppressed as well as for the sake of the pledged promise which is still awaiting redemption.
When the first Congress opened in Basel in 189T there were representatives of all the three factors mentioned in large numbers present, and all greeted the begin- ning of a new era with unbounded enthusiasm, great hope and genuine joy. But just as many rose up in all parts of the world in vehement opposition to the new form of Zionism. ]\Iany of the religious flank who grew up in the belief that only the miraculous coming of the Messiah will bring back Israel to Palestine, con- sidered the new movement as an attempt to anticipate Providence, and therefore as irreligious. They also mistrusted and feared the leaders, who emphatically pointed to the economical moment of the question and laid stress upon the national feature of the aspiration but left the care for religion to the religious themselves. Again, Reform Judaism heard in the stirring notes of the song, "The Hope," the death- knell of reform, and rose in a body to fight Zionism. Many advocates of assimila- tion, too, were reluctant to give up the hope that the doors of society will finally be opened to them. They all condemned Zionism as a revolutionary movement, accused the Zionists of lack of patriotism, and attacked the leaders as demagogues. Feeling ran high, and fierce battles were fought by the pen and with the word in mass- meetings, by the medium of the daily papers, in pamphlets and in private circles.
However, after a few years the excitement perceptibly abated and made room for a cooler, more healthy and more acceptable conception of the movement, which brought the opposing parties a great deal nearer. The novelty of having a congress, and especially such a congress, composed of many hundreds of delegates who come from all parts of the world, represent every walk in life and vary from each other in external appearance, in the style of their apparel as much as in the degree of their education and the form and scope of their belief, but are united as one man in the burning desire, the great effort to solve a problem of such vital importance, which feature at first fascinated, almost intoxicated, the delegates as well as their con- stituents, this novelty gradually wore off, lost its powerful charm, and sound reason- ing and sober deliberation took the place of visionary rapture. The fact became ap- parent that the sanguine hope for immediate results, which the more arduous and less deliberate cherished, was without any foundation. The leaders cautiously warned against entertaining deceptive expectations and pointed out that for the present all work must be concentrated upon preparations. The national feeling must be stimulated, intensified, deepened and broadened. ^Phe solidarity of the Jewish people of all countries must be strengthened and made obvious by means of educa- tion, by the revival of the Hebi'cw language and hy the study of the Jewish litera-
44
ture and Jewish history. The proletariat should be trained in the work of prac- tical agriculture, which ever was and always will be the basis for the existence and prosperity of any country or nation. Land must be bought in Palestine and colonized, and, what is of no less importance, material means must be accumulated to be ready for use. Thus prepared and equipped with all necessary requirements and fortified with patience and a willingness to Avait, the day will surely arrive when the hotly pursued aim will be attained. After this the ardor of many cooled off some- what. The enthusiasm is no more so sweeping, but neither is the opposition now so sharp, so acrimonious, and a more general spread of the movement might l)e justly expected.
Considering the virtue of the whole question coolly and calmly from the view- point of an impartial judge, one finds that the underlying principle of the con- troversy is neither new nor characteristically Jewish, but is rather of international concern and has been alreay discussed time and again by men of science and of general prominence.
Mankind is divided in a multitude of nations. Each nation is precisely distin- guished by peculiar traits of the character, a special trend of the mind, certain inclinations and qualities, by temperament and mode of living. Each nation has a language, a literature, a history and a pride of its own. Such variety naturally causes rivalry, jealousy, envy, aversion, hostilities and wars. Civilization, however, besides religion, urges the establishment of permanent peace based upon a genuine feeling of general brotherhood. How can this end be best attained? Those who have never made a study of the human nature and still less of the nature of nations, advocate the unfication of mankind. Nations should intermingle and amalgamate. Each nation should develop a character common to all. All should speak one lan- guage, confess one religion, and adopt equal halnts. Mankind should be divided in homogenous groups, not in different nations. The cause for rivalry would be re- moved and peace assured. But the anthropologist, the ethnologist and the general thinker hold that such uniformity is by no means desirous ; on the contrary, it is de- testable and abhorrent. Harmony is not monotony, the charm of beauty lies in the variety of colors, symmetry is not to be found in sameness. Mankind reduced to one cast would be intolerably tiresome. Besides, such unification is absolutely im- possible. The variety of nations is due to natural causes. The difference in the climate, the variance in the hue of the sky noticeable in different parts of the world and the appearance and the conditions of the land and water that constitute the various countries all tend to create variously disposed and differently gifted groups of mankind, so much so that if, in spite of the hereditary traits and features which lie in the blood and cannot be eradicated, mankind would be artificially unified, nature would in course of a few generations again produce the same variety of the former times. To secure peace it is necessary that each nation should develop its own character in its own ways, by its own means, and that all .should learn to respect each other, each should learn to value the virtues of the others and to overlook the short- comings of the other. This is exactly the platform of religion. What can best se- cure peace? Disarmament, say the laymen; increase of armament, say the states- men.
The Jewish people have all peculiarities of a separate nation ; but, as they live among other nations, they are compelled by the force of circumstances, or forced by the will of the majority, to emulate the life of others. In so doing they represent a special specimen of half Jew and half Gentile, or neither Jew nor Gentile. As such they must offend others and in return be offended themselves, which is deplorable and a constant cause for aggravation and regret. Eeinstate the Jewish people in its
45
H i
REV. IlERMAiN GLASS
4()
old home, let them develop what is hest in them in their own way, by their own means according to their own traditions, and the world at large will be as much benefited as the Jews themselves and all will share in the blessings of permanent peace and in the blessings of Heaven.
It is not expected, nor desirous, nor even possil^le that all Jewish people should remove to Palestine. The largest population which that country accommodated when at the pinnacle of its fame and prosperity was estimated at between seven and eight millions, while the present number of Jewish people all over the world is cal- culated to be eleven million. During the last eighteen centuries that country was practically a desert and could be again colonized and cultivated onlj by degrees. Besides, it is well known that even while Palestine was the land of Israel a large number of Jewish people selected various other countries for their permanent domi- cile and settlement. Even then the Jewish people were living in the territory that is now comprised in the German empire. It is claimed that in Prague a Jewish community flourished already in the days when the second Temple was still standing in its full beauty and glory.
The Zionists have no more ardent wish than that all who are satisfied and happy in the respective countries where they live might prosper, thrive and enjoy the privileges granted to them in the fullest measure. The Jew is by nature grateful, patriotic, true, to the core and liberal. He deserves, by right, not only protection but also full recognition, respect and equality. Those who have labored and ac- quired these inalienable goods of citizenship certainly value them and are undoubt- edly justified, nay, even duty bound, to defend and guard them anxiously and jealously. But for that very reason the more fortunate should be fully alive to the crying need of millions of their own flesh and blood who are not granted sufficient space in this world to stretch their cramped limbs but are doomed to breath the im- pure, contaminated air of overcrowded quarters and narrow alleys. For that very reason should they be cognizant of the constant stream of emigrants who must be directed in a systematic and wise manner in order to avert calamities, and who could nowhere be made so happy, so self-respecting and self-supporting as in the land of their love which is the object of their prayers six times every day. The bet- ter situated should equally be sensitive to the mental anguish of those who feel them- selves isolated, scorned and are tired of knocking at doors without finding admis- sion ; they should also have a heart and a mind for the dignity and the good name of the nation or brotherhood of which they consider themselves an important part. Besides, assisting in the work of Zionism they would be themselves spared of a l)urn- ing feeling of shame which they invariably experience whenever they meet by chance with a wretched, unhappy, ridiculed immigrant.
To make an end of so much trouble, worries, inihappiness and disgrace there is but one effective means — lend a helping hand in building up a legally secured home in Palestine for the Jewish people, assist in the work of the Zionists, confess and embrace Zionism.
In Baltimore Zionism has a very strong footing, and its beneficial influence is everywhere strongly felt. Three years before Herzel made his first appearance, a "Zion Association," of the nature of "The Lovers of Zion," was here organized, and the writer of these lines was made president of the same. That association did good work right from the start. Assistance was regularly sent to the colonies in Palestine that needed aid, especially the colony Mishmar Hajordan, a subsidiary of considerable amount was sent to the Hebrew school in Joppa, where the Hebrew language is used as the only medium to impart general instruction and knowledge, and 1,000 francs were also sent as a contribution to the "Loan Association," founded
47
there among the colonists for the aid of thi- laniuM's. In IS'JT the writer was sent as delegate to represent tlie association and Baltimore at large to the first Congress in Basel. He was then the only delegate from America. He was sent again to the Fifth Congress in 1901, when there were fifteen delegates representing this country. Political Zionism created in Baltimore a number of societies, and all did strenuous and etlicient work in spreading the idea broadcast, selling shares of the Jewish Na- tional Trust, selling stamps for the increase of the national fund, and collecting the shekel for the defray of the expenditure of the Congress. Both the Trust and the Fund are now well established and ready for the use of practical work in Palestine.
For the present there exists here a Council of Baltimore Zion Associations, of which the writer is president and H. Kellman secretary. The Council comprises the Zion Association, Dr. S. Schaffer, president; the Esrath, J. L. Isaacs, president; the Tikvath, S. Applefeld, president ; the Daughters pf Zion, Fannie Berman, pres- ident ; the Ohabei Zion, G. Colin, president ; and other societies wdiich are but loosely connected with the Council.
The Baltimore Zionists are especially fortunate for the reason that the worthy President of "The American Federation of Zionists" is one of our foremost citizens. Dr. Harry Friedenwald.
CHARITIES OF BALTIMORE JEWS
Eev. Dr. a. Guttmachepv.
IN describing the efforts and activities of our age, a prominent place must be as- signed to charitable endeavors. The whole subject of charity is being carefully studied in all its aspects. Methods of dispensing charity are being thoroughly scrutinized. Men and women are trained to be charity workers, to devote their time and energies to alleviate suffering and poverty, in keeping with those methods, which are proving most effective. The aim of modern charitable endeavor is not only to cure, but to prevent poverty and all ills that result from it. In far-off days Moses, the great lawgiver, decreed : "Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother." Moses makes the cause of the poor, of the widow and fatherless, and of the stranger, the cause of each and everyone who is able to render assistance. Every- one was obliged to give a tenth of his income towards the relief of those in distress. As life became more strenuous, and civilization more complex, the sages in Israel devised new means and methods to deal wdth the growing demands for succor. Private charity was gradually replaced by organized communal effort. Josephus thus tells of overseers in Jerusalem who directed the work of giving relief to the needy. The Talmud also states that it was customarv to make collections during divine services for the different philanthropic societies, that charity-boxes were found in every synagogue and in some of the private houses. The synagogue be- came the center of all charitable activity. When charity became more diversified in purpose, semi-independent bodies sprang up outside of the synagogue, to which, in course of time, the synagogue delegated most of its benevolent functions. Thus Israel Abrahams, in "Jewish Life in the Middle Ages," tells that in the thirteenth
48
century societies were organized all over Europe for snppljdng food and clothing, for the education of poor children, for giving dowers to portionless girls, for nursing orphans, for visiting and aiding the sick, for sheltering the aged, for lying-in women, for free burial and for the ransoming of prisoners.
In Baltimore, Jews had settled in the middle of the eighteenth century. The purchase of a plot of ground in 1786 for a cemetery would indicate a community of some size. After the Jews were enfranchised in Maryland, in 182 G, a congre- gation was chartered. The congregation cared not only for the religious well-being of its members, but, following the usage of European countries, looked after the poor and the needy. Eor over two decades the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation (Madison Avenue Temple) did the work that was later done by different benevolent societies.
HEBREW BEXEVOLENT SOCIETY
With the increase of immigration, congregatio^is multipliejd, and it was found advisable to create agencies which would deal exclusively with the needs of the poor and the sick, the orphans and the friendless strangers. The first society established was the HebrcAv x4.ssistance Society in 1813. In 1856 this society was re-organized on broader lines, under the name of the Hebrew Benevolent Society. Mr. William S. Eayner was the first president. This society has a most honorable record of use- fulness. It supplies rent, coal, clothing, transportation, finds emplo5anent, and distributes milk and eggs to those suffering from tuberculosis. During 1908 3,351 families were helped, at a cost of $26,563.53. Up till five years ago a large sum of money was raised for the support of this society by holding an annual banquet. But the expense that the banquet entailed upon the society led to the discontinuance of it. In the beginning of this year, under the presidency of Prof. Jacob H. Hol- lander, many innovations were introduced, so that the society is doing is work ac- cording to the best scientific methods. Mr. S. Barroway is the superintendent. The offices of the society, at 411 West Fayette Street, are open daily.
HEBREW^ ladies' SERVING SOCIETY
The Hebrew Ladies' Sewing Society was organized in 1856; Mrs. Bernard Stern was its first president. Among the many good and pious women who gave their best energies to the furtherance of the aims of the society, Mrs. Betsy Wiesenfeld de- serves a most honored jilace. For thirty-two years she was the master-hand that guided the society. Besides supplying garments, groceries are given free of charge. During the past jesir $5,291.07 was spent by the society. The members meet Mon- day of each week. Mrs. Emma H. Stein is the president, and Mrs. Hannah Grins- felder the honorary 23resident.
HEBREW HOSPITAL AND ASYLUM ASSOCIATION
Hebrew Hospital and Asylum i\ssociation was organized as early as 1859, though actual Avork did not begin until 1868, when the building on East Monument Street, that had been provided by the Hebrew Benevolent Society, was dedicated and thrown open to the sick and the aged. Mr. Joseph Friedenwald was the first president. After serving sixteen years he was succeeded by Benjamin F. Ulman. Upon his demise, Mr. Menka Friedmann, who had been connected with the insti- tution since its establishment as a director, was chosen president. For seventeen years, until the day of his death, Mr. Friedmann was an indefatigalile and enthusi- astic worker. He was succeeded by Dr. Samuel L. Frank, who died in 1906. As a loving tribute to his memory, his widow, Mrs. Bertha Eayner Frank, offered a large
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REV. JACOB SCHVANEMLLU
50
sum of money to the association, to be used in the erection of a modern hospital. The dedication of "The Samuel Leon Frank Memorial Hospital" in 1908 marks a new epoch in the annals of the association. The new building made it possible to carry out what had been the intention of the board for many years, i. e., tlie placing of the sick in a building wholly separated from the home for the aged. By the use of bequests left to the institution by friends, notably that of Nathan Schloss, the public wards and outlying boiler and laundry buildings were constructed. Under the very able management of Dr. Harry Adler, who has been the president since 1906, the institution is taking a foremost rank among the hospitals of the city. It has a training school for nurses, a dispensary and an out-door dispensary.
During 1908 one thousand cases were admitted to the hospital, total number of operations 830; in the dispensary 12,155 patients received treatment, and 20,034 prescriptions were filled. On the visiting staff are the very best medical men of the city. Dr. Charles Bagley, Jr., is the medical superintendent, and Dr. Jos. A. Selig- man is the chief of dispensary. Mr. A. S. Adler, the present secretary, has been connected with the institution, as treasurer