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Congregation Ohave Sholom (Gardner, Mass.) Records

 Collection
Identifier: I-492

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains records of the Congregation Ohave Sholom and Ohave Sholom Sisterhood, Gardner Chapter Hadassah. The collection has been organized into two series: General and Ohave Sholom Sisterhood, Gardner Chapter Hadassah. The General series contains documents, mostly dated from 1995-1998, regarding the dissolution of the congregation. In addition, there is a book excerpt describing the history of Jewish people in Gardner, Massachusetts and a speech written by the nephew of Joseph L. Rome, one of the founding members. The Ohave Sholom Sisterhood, Gardner Chapter Hadassah series contains records dated from 1958-1986. Records include meeting minutes, membership lists, donation records, correspondence and annual donor party program booklets.

Dates

  • undated, 1957-1998

Creator

Language of Materials

The collection is in English.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Historical Note

Congregation Ohave Sholom was formed on January 20, 1910 in Gardner, Massachusetts. Listed as original members were Abraham Rosenberg, Barney N. Michelman, Bernard L. Cohen, Isidore Meyer, Hyman J. Rome, Abraham Cohen, and Max Rose. In the charter document, as well as the property deed, Ohave Sholom is spelled Ohowe Sholom. Ohave Sholom means Love-Peace. The synagogue was built in 1912 with approximately 20 families as members. Around World War I, the Jewish population peaked, and roughly 60 families were members of the congregation. The congregation’s first English-speaking Rabbi was Rabbi Israel Silverstein, hired in 1932. By the 1970s, there were fewer than 40 members. At the time of the dissolution, there were only 12 members left. The congregation was dissolved on February 26, 1998. The remaining funds were given to 15 different organizations, decided by the remaining members.

References

  1. "Gardner Synagogue Facing Final Passover", Susan Coleman, The Montachusett T&G, April 13, 1995
  2. "Memory of Gardner Synagogue Survives with Scholarship," The Montachusett T&G, May 13, 1998

Chronology

1910
Congregation Ohave Sholom was formed.
1912
Synagogue was built.
Post World War I
Congregation Ohave Sholom membership includes 60 families.
1932
Congregation Ohave Sholom hires first English-speaking Rabbi.
1970s
Congregation Ohave Sholom includes fewer than 40 families.
1998
Congregation Ohave Sholom is dissolved.

Extent

0.5 linear feet (1 manuscript box)

Abstract

Congregation Ohave Sholom was formed on January 20, 1910 in Gardner, Massachuesetts. At the time the synagogue was built, Ohave Sholom had 20 families as members, but during World War I the population peaked, and 60 families held membership. However, by the 1970s membership began to decline and in 1998, with only 12 members remaining, the congregation dissolved.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Arlene Rome.

Processing Information

Processed by Nancy Bernard, 2008

Title
Guide to the Congregation Ohave Sholom (Gardner, Mass.) Records, I-492
Author
Processed by Nancy Bernard
Date
2008
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository

Contact:
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116 United States
617-226-1245