Formalizing the Organization

As the third decade of the century began congregational leaders continued to express a desire for a structure of its own for prayer and socializing. But first the organization had to formally organize itself. It was not until December 12, 1923, that a charter as a non-profit organization was obtained from the State of Illinois. The planning process had begun at least a year earlier as by-laws were drafted to guide the governance of the Y.M.H.A. and officers were chosen.

The earliest existing minutes of meetings of the congregational Board of Directors are dated January 11, 1923. Interestingly, the wording of the minutes suggests the members viewed their organization as a club or lodge. The members of the Board are often referred to as "brothers." In fact the first paragraph of the minutes, referring to minutes of a previous meeting includes a correction that the Club should loan" some money to the entertainment committee. Moreover, the group voted to reinstate a member and waived the "initiation fee" of $10 and instead charged a reinstatement fee of $5. It was at this meeting that the Committee on By-Laws reported on its progress. The president is identified as J.M. Custer. Also Rabbi N. Rubenstein is mentioned in the minutes as making a suggestion on a particular topic. The minutes are submitted by A.L. Adler, secretary.

Two weeks later the Board met to review the constitution and by-laws drafted by a committee led by Dr. Samuel Klein. In addition the Board voted to "charge the Jewish Woman's [sic] Council and the B'nai B'rith rental for the use of the hall."

On February 15, 1923, the Board unanimously approved the constitution and by-laws and directed the Secretary to communicate with the Illinois Secretary of State to secure a charter for the Y.M.H.A.

A month later the Board met to nominate and elect IM.H.A. officers. J.M. Custer was elected president, R.H. Hoffman, vice president, A.L. Adler, secretary, and J. Zidell, treasurer. Three directors were elected by the Board: M. Podolsky, M. Kuhn and J. Goldsmith. Four additional directors were appointed by the president: Max Goldsmith, C. Sheer, Dr. S. Klein, and C. Swimmer.

Highlights from Board minutes of the first official year of the Y.M.H.A follow.

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• April 15 - a committee appointed to plan "an entertainment" for the purpose of raising funds for a Temple building.

• May 8 -Five teams appointed to "see" delinquencies. The president appoints a Building Committee composed of the entire Board.

• May 10 - Discussion of potential lots available in Aurora.

• October 1 1 - Report that $3,500 in pledges received from Yom Kippur night appeal.

• November 8 - C. Swimmer reports he has secured a lot on Lincoln Avenue. $100 put down as an option on the purchase, with total price (including a house) of $8,500. Board unanimously approves.

• November 22, 1923 - "Dr. S. Klein appointed to speak to the ladies of the Jewish Woman's Council in regard to the Y.M.H.A., objecting to the privilege of putting the Sunday School Children whose parents are not members of the Y.M.H.A. to be put on programs in preference to other children of members, where the Y.M.H.A. is to bear the expense of this program." [sic]

 

Hebrew Ladies Aid Society -
The Women's Role

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While the 1921 minutes of the Board of Directors refers to the "Jewish Woman's Council", this group actually called itself the "Hebrew Ladies Aid Society." The name was later changed to the Jewish Ladies Aid and was generally referred to in subsequent years as the "Ladies Aid." (A few decades later the membership voted to call the organization The Sisterhood.) The first meeting minutes available, dated April 14, 1921 , begin with a tribute to Mrs. Harris Cohen upon her retirement as president of the organization. Mrs. Cohen's husband, Harris Cohen,was a shoe merchant who was one of the 1904 founders. By retiring after 18 years in the presidential position, the beginnings of the Ladies Aid date the founding of the organization to at least 1903, one year before the beginning of organized Jewish worship in Aurora!

Mrs. S.G. Annenberg took on the presidency. Some years before she had married into the Annenberg family, which was one of the early Jewish settlers in Aurora at the time of the founding of the congregation. The Annenbergs were in the scrap iron business.

In addition to raising funds through the sponsorship of dances, picnics, raffles, carnivals, etc for the support of the Y.M.H.A., the organization acted as a social agency for the Jewish community, providing monetary support to families in need, investigating family problems, particularly relating to the needs of children, and sometimes providing monetary support to needy rabbis in Chicago. Before providing help one or more members would often make an on-site visit to assess the situation, reporting their findings and making recommendations for action and/or support to the membership.

Here is a selection of activities reported in the minutes of the Ladies Aid in the early 1920s:

 

 

• . "A motion was made by Mrs. Morris Kuhn to pay the YM.H.A. the money we promised them when they were in debt, providing they are still in debt."

• . "Mrs. A. Bowman reported on a Jewish family in need and $5. 00 will be sent to them."

• . "We have decided to have Mrs. Eder call on the widow when in Chicago, and if she sees it necessary, to give her $10. Mrs. J.J. Rubens suggested there be no shnorring at our meeting - the 50 cents each member pays should take care of all expenses and charity."

• . "Mrs. Goldsmith spoke of an orphan boy who was with the Lindenberg family and who we bought an overcoat on account of cold weather, and he not having any. This lad is to

• be put in care of the Katz family. Mrs. Podoisky and Mrs. Joe Swimmer were appointed to investigate this case."

• . "Mrs. B. Barnat reported a family who needed investigation with reference to looking after the children, as to education, etc."

• . "A motion was made and carried that we send a committee to the Y.M.H.A. meeting to make definite arrangements regarding the care of transient beggars, or shnorers, or whatever you might call them."

• . "Mrs. J. Goldsmith tendered a bill for $6.75 for a suit purchased by our Rabbi for Jack, the orphan boy. We have agreed to pay half of this bill and the Y.M.H.A. to pay the other half."

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"They were always on a very formal basis. My mother, with all her friends, called them all 'Mrs'. It was 'hello Mrs. Zidell' or 'hello Mrs. Katz'. I never knew them by their first names."

~Irene Goldman

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During the 22 month period covered in this sample of activities the following fund raising activities and support of congregation members, including parties for children, were discussed and planned by the members of the Ladies Aid.

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•  A raffle

•  Our first dance

•  12 volunteers to bake cookies for the men's installation

•  Valentine party

•  Masquerade Ball (later cancelled because it conflicted with the "Cotillion Dance to be given by the Y.M.H.A.")

•  May Day party for children and a dance for the young folks and adults in the evening

•  Picnic at Phillips Park

•  Chanukah Party

•  Purim Party

 

1924-1927

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1924 began with the election of new Y.M.H.A. officers. D. Sherman assumed the presidency. Rabbi Nathan Rubenstein reported 22 children enrolled in the chader. During the rest of the year the Board wrestled with finances, particularly addressing the issue of fund-raising to pay for the cost of the lot and to meet the general expenses of the congregation. Considerable time was spent on discussions regarding collection of unpaid dues and securing and collecting pledges. Rummage sales, dances, and a Jewish Theater party in Chicago were among the fund-raising approaches selected.

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Herman Hoffman was elected president for 1925. At the first meeting of the year the Board minutes include the following: "Rabbi Rubenstein then says a few words to President Hoffman on the welfare of the Club, especially of the non-cooperation he has received, of the new Temple and the need of more children in his classes." [Sic] No further remarks relative to this statement appear in the minutes.

The year 1925 began with considerable attention to purchasing a local church building in place of building on the Lincoln Avenue lot that had been purchased in 1923. After much discussion the Board voted to not pursue the church building purchase. The minutes then report that Building Committee chair Dr. Samuel Klein resigned from the committee. On January 12 a special meeting was called to revisit the church purchase option and "after much talking on [the] subject it was decided not to reconsider, but to start active work on building our place on our own lot." Visits to various congregations for the purpose of viewing their structures for ideas ensued.

On February 12, 1925, the Board minutes record a special meeting "called to consider hiring of  new Rabbi, as Rev. Rubenstein handed in his resignation to take effect as soon as we have a new man, but until only after Passover." A search committee was appointed. At the regular meeting a week later the Board discussed various applications for the position and voted to invite the "Kankakee Rabbi here again" at a salary of $50 a week. A month later we learn that the Kankakee Rabbi turned down the offer. The following then appears in the minutes:

"[The] President informs members that Rabbi Rubenstein wishes his position back as he is not going into business as he decided at first. It was unanimously voted to hire Rabbi Rubenstein to his previous position "with instructions to improve."


Memories

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It was in the mid-1920s that reflections of current congregational members begin. Here are some of the memories of growing up in Aurora and attending services as recalled by individuals who were children at that time.

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"As you entered the synagogue there was a small room and in the center was this large, interesting bench. It was black leather and round with a pillar in the center. You could sit with your back on the pillar and play."

"We had Hebrew School and Rabbi Rubenstein was a little hard on the fellows, especially the older ones who used to cut up. He had a stick and he would hit them on the knuckles for acting up. At some point Rubenstein, as the kosher slaughterer, became the partner of William MindelL They had a meat market on the south side of New York Street, east of Broadway, near the alley."

"I remember a Purim when I was King Ahasuerus and had on a purple-colored gown and a crown. I think Zelda Swimmer was the Queen. Her father was partner with Julius Zideil in the furniture business." ~ Sol Weisman

"I remember Marty Franch, Lee Block and the other boys kidding about Rabbi Rubenstein. He was an austere guy with a ruler who would knock the *** out of the guys all the time when they weren't behaving."  ~Norman Stein

"My memories of the Temple, of Jewish families, was that when a son was bar mitzvahed the women would all get together and come down and help the mother prepare the food. There were no outside caterers."  ~ Marvin Katz

"I remember Rabbi Rubenstein's old house on Spring Street where we would go to practice Temple plays. His daughter was a teacher in the east side schools and was in charge of certain plays."  ~Irene Goldman

 

 

By April 1925, building committee issues are a prim topic. Doctor Klein, who apparently has returned to th Building Committee, announces he will "introduce plan for Building of the Temple." But three weeks later th board is discussing the purchase of Park Place Churd Most Board members are favorable, although some ke members indicate that "it will be cheaper to build, tha buy, and have what you want." Despite this favorabl support for purchase no further mention of this opporti. nity appears in the minutes and for the balance of th year attention was focused on the plans for the building.

The minutes of the October meeting include the fo lowing: "It was announced that on Friday, October 23 and every Friday after, services will be held in English b Rabbi Rubenstein."

President Hoffman was re-elected to serve his second consecutive term in 1926 and Rabbi Rubenstein ir stalled all officers "very impressively." The final minute for 1925 indicate that "Vice President Goldsmith a pointed to see that Rabbi sees all new Jewish people i community and have them sign Pledge card" [apparentl for the building fund].

During the first meeting of 1926 the financial repo for 1925 was presented. The deficit for the previous ye was reported as $608.04. Nine directors were appointe Max Goldsmith, Dr. Samuel Klein, Joseph Swimmei Julius Zidell, Charles Sheer, Morris Podolsky, J.L Annenberg, George Alschuler, and Morris Kuhn.

On July 1, 1926 a special meeting was convened t discuss the status of the building project. Dr. Klein, Buik ing Committee Chairman, ". . . turned over the bids an specifications of the building to the President. . .and Br( George Alschuler, chairman of the [building] financ committee spoke on the financial side" (Alschuler ha served a term as mayor of Aurora some years before" The Board then voted "to act on finances and execut contracts."

Dr. Samuel Klein was elected to a one year term a president in 1927, probably in recognition of his labors i moving the congregation toward its first permaner home, which was then under construction. Under h leadership numerous committees were at work an many fund raising functions for the building were unde way. For example, at the first Board meeting of 1927 RabI Rubenstein reported a profit of $338.92 earned from tw days showing of the motion picture "Faust" at the Stran Theater. Subsequently the sum of $69.85 was gained fror the auction sales of "baskets."

In September of that year a loan of $15,000 was at thorized by the Board in order to assure the completio of the building that year. A report issued in January 192 a few months after the Temple's dedication, listed th total expenses of the Temple, including the lot and its fu nishings as $48,110. A mortgage of $17,856 remaine while unpaid pledges totaled only $713.00.

1928-1929

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The new Temple building was dedicated late in 1927. On January 12, 1928 the Board of Directors voted its thanks and appreciation to the Building Committee. The members of this committee recognized for their efforts "for the zeal and sincerity they have shown in building this beautiful Temple and social center" included the following, many who will be familiar to older congregants: J.D. Annenberg, J. Swimmer, Morris Kuhn, Max Goldsmith, Dr. S. Klein, A.M. Hirsh, Charles Sheer, Sam Fridiker, Lewis Cohen, Irving Lisberg, and Harry Aront. Finance Committee members recognized were: Geo. W. ALsehuler, Abraham Block, Charles Sheer, Sam Fridiker, L Barnat, J. Zidell, and N. Ginsberg.

Shortly thereafter a library of Jewish books was established and the purchase of cemetery was put on the agenda. However, regarding the latter, a Temple cemetery was not established until 1951.

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"The dedication of the Temple in 1927 was a big occasion for the community. It was held in the basement social hail with a lot of people attending. I remember Al Hirsh from Hirsh Clothiers was master of ceremonies. Also there was George Alschuler, president of Broadway Savings and Loan." ~ Sol Weisman

"I remember at the High Holidays half the congregation was outside schmoozing while the other half was inside praying. The Temple at that time was the center for the whole Jewish population. To raise funds for any charityyou went to the Temple. Andyou had poker games, parties, bridge games, pre-school in the basement." ~ Norman Stein

"We, the Rubins, Hayers and Sverolins were some of the few families that came from Naperville to Aurora. My sister would drive us to Sunday School at the Temple on Lincoln Avenue and then wait for us at her friend Edna Skom Scopes house. For many years we drove to Aurora for Temple, Sunday School, and social events." ~Alfred Rubin


It should be noted that during this early period officers were nominated by Board members and were elected by them as well. This is in contrast to the current practice of the total congregation voting on a slate recommended by a Board nominating committee. In the Fall of 1928 William Gordon was elected by the Board as president, defeating William Kuhn by a vote of 20 to 12.

In October 1928 the board, by unanimous vote, agreed to terminate the services of Rabbi Rubenstein within 60 days. Two days later a "special meeting of the Ladies and the Men" voted by closed ballot, 51 to 45, to terminate the Rabbi. A search for a new rabbi was then launched. In December the Board voted to engage Rabbi Carl N. Herman for a two month trial. (Unfortunately within six months the Board authorized a search for a new rabbi be undertaken). The Board also approved an offer to Rabbi Rubenstein to serve as shochet and chazzan at the rate of $25 per week.

In April 1929 attorney Arthur Puklin was unanimously elected president of the congregation by the Board. Six months later, for reasons unknown, at a Board meeting on October 1 2, 1929, Puklin was re-elected by acclamation. At this meeting monthly dues were set at $5.00 for married members and $2.50 for single members. Only a few days later the great Wall Street Crash occurred and the economy was crippled for the next eleven years as the Great Depression set in.

At its final meeting in 1929 the Board approved the recommendation that Rabbi Irvin Melamed be elected rabbi of the congregation.