Temple B'rith Kodesh papers

Collection

Identifier: D.389

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

Temple B'rith Kodesh was founded on October 9, 1848 as an Orthodox synagogue with 12 members. It is the oldest Jewish congregation and the largest Reform temple in the greater Rochester area. From 1849-1856 the home of Temple B'rith Kodesh was on Front Street. After, the congregation moved into the former church on St. Paul St. By 1894 the congregation had grown to over 250 members and a building was purchased in downtown Rochester on Gibbs Street. During this period, a gradual change from Orthodox to Classical Reform began. Horace J. Wolf, senior rabbi from 1915-1927, was the temple's first rabbi born in the United States. He adovcated the temple as a community house, offering a range of classes. lectures and sporting activities to the entire Jewish community.

When Rabbi Philip Bernstein became Senior Rabbi in 1926, the temple was located on Gibbs Street in the downtown area of Rochester. More traditional observances were adopted by the congregation during his tenure including the return from Sunday services to Friday night and Saturday morning services, traditional High Holy Day observances, and celebration of Bar and Bat Mitzvah traditions.

In 1962, a new Temple B'rith Kodesh was erected on Elmwood Ave. The new temple marked the movement of most B'rith members from the city to the suburbs.

Scope and Contents

This collection documents the development of Rochester, the influence of World Wars, and the rise of radical reform through the efforts of Isaac Mayer, Susan B. Anthony, Willam Warfield and Stephen S. Wise. Included in the collection are financial and marriage reports. It includes writings by Rabbi Wolf and Rabbi Bernstein with travel diaries of Simon N. Stein.

Creator

Temple B'rith Kodesh (Rochester, N.Y.) (Organization)

Dates

Creation: 1848-1972

Language of Materials

English

Extent

3 box(es)

Access

The Temple B'rith Kodesh Papers are open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Temple B'rith Kodesh Museum committee, received May 16, 2005, January 11, 2006, and June 8, 2017.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Temple B'rith Kodesh Papers, D.389, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.