Kehillath Israel Synagogue (Brookline, Mass.) Records
Scope and Content Note
This collection includes numerous photographs, publications and event information pertaining to services, fundraisers and anniversaries at the Synagogue from its first official year in 1924 to more recently, 2001. The primary bulk of the papers consist of photographs, K.I. Brotherhood papers and ephemera, and activities supported by the Synagogue. Kehillath Israel was home to noteworthy Rabbis, including Louis M. Epstein, Judah Nadich, and Manual Saltzman. Correspondence, photographs and programs about events regarding these three Rabbis are included in this collection. Also part of the collection are several scrapbooks, most of which are very fragile, that offer a glimpse into the synagogue's own historical documentation process.
Dates
- undated, 1924-2001
Language of Materials
The collection is predominantly in English, with some Hebrew.
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
Kehillath Israel Synagogue of Brookline, Massachusetts began as a small collective in 1911 before its establishment, with 36 members, in 1915. The State of Massachusetts granted the Synagogue a State Charter in 1917, and land was then purchased in Brookline, Massachusetts for the development of the Synagogue and Hebrew School. The first Holy Day services were held in the Synagogue in 1924, and in 1925 the building was formally dedicated with Rabbi Louis M. Epstein installed as Rabbi. Rabbi Epstein led the Synagogue until his retirement in 1947. Rabbi Judah Nadich succeeded him until 1957, when Rabbi Manuel Saltzman was installed. Most recently the Synagogue has been under the leadership of Rabbi William Hamilton.
Kehillath Israel established a Sisterhood in 1919, followed several years later by the creation of a Brotherhood in 1927. The two often shared fundraising responsibilities, but the Brotherhood also had an established Glee Club under the direction of Mary Wolfman for many years. Both groups hosted various events, including teas, dances, performances, lectures and Shabbat dinners. The two groups were also responsible for the production of the K.I. Yearbooks.
In addition to its Hebrew School and adult learning opportunities, Kehillath Israel is also home to the Judge and Mrs. Louis Goldberg Nursery School, also known as KINS. The congregation remains active in the community with a Social Action Committee, youth leadership program, and youth department, in addition to regular and holiday services.
References
- Materials from the collection.
- "History of KI." https://congki.org/about-2/history-of-kehillath-israel/
Chronology
- 1911
- Initial services are held in a private residence.
- 1911
- First Holy Day Services and First Hebrew school classes at Oddfellows Hall.
- 1915
- K.I. Congregation established with a membership of 36.
- 1917
- K.I. Congregation is granted a State Charter.
- 1917
- Land is purchased for the Synagogue and Hebrew School.
- 1917
- The Kehillath Israel School is organized.
- 1919
- The K.I. Sisterhood is created.
- 1921
- Land is purchased for the site of the Temple.
- 1923
- The cornerstone of the Temple is laid.
- 1924
- First Holy Day services are held in the new Synagogue.
- 1925
- Dedication of Kehillath Israel.
- 1925
- Louis Epstein is installed as Rabbi.
- 1925
- K.I. High School organized.
- 1927
- The K.I. Brotherhood is organized.
- 1929
- The school building is completed and dedicated.
- 1946
- Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman installed.
- 1947
- Rabbi Epstein retires.
- 1947
- Rabbi Judah Nadich installed.
- 1957
- Rabbi Manuel Saltzman installed.
- 1966
- Judge and Mrs. Lewis Goldberg Nursery School established.
- 1987
- 70th Anniversary with Senator Ted Kennedy as featured speaker.
Extent
10.8 linear feet (8 manuscript boxes, 4 oversized boxes)
Abstract
The Kehillath Israel Synagogue Collection includes numerous photographs, publications and event information pertaining to services, fundraisers and anniversaries at the Synagogue from its first official year in 1924 to more recently, 2001. The primary bulk of the papers consist of photographs, K.I. Brotherhood papers and ephemera, and activities supported by the Synagogue. Kehillath Israel was home to noteworthy Rabbis, including Louis M. Epstein, Judah Nadich, and Manual Saltzman. Correspondence, photographs and programs about events regarding these three Rabbis are included in this collection. Also part of the collection are several scrapbooks, most of which are very fragile, that offer a glimpse into the synagogue's own historical documentation process.
Physical Location
Located in Boston, Mass.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Kehillath Israel Synagogue in 2007.
Processing Information
Processed by Stephanie Call, 2008
- Anniversaries
- Articles of incorporation
- Blueprints (reprographic copies)
- Brookline (Mass.)
- Brotherhoods
- Bylaws (administrative records)
- Clippings (information artifacts)
- Correspondence
- Epstein, Louis M., 1887-1949
- Financial records
- Invitations
- Jewish religious education
- Journals (periodicals)
- Nadich, Judah, 1912-2007
- Newsletters
- Newsletters
- Pamphlets
- Photographs
- Programs (documents)
- Rabbis
- Saltzman, Manual
- Scrapbooks
- Sermons
- Sisterhoods
- Synagogues
- Yearbooks
- Title
- Guide to the Kehillath Israel Synagogue (Brookline, Mass.) Records, I-488
- Author
- Processed by Stephanie Call
- Date
- 2008
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Sponsor
- Processed by Stephanie Call, Schilder Assistant Archivist, made possible by a grant from the Schilder Family Fund. This collection has been digitized, made possible by a grant from the Trustees u/w of Herman Dana.
Repository Details
Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository