When
the community numbered only 40 families, an orthodox
congregation was formed. By 1917, the congregation
had a Rabbi to conduct the services of the
congregation. The first rabbi was Rabbi Herman COHEN
and in 1919, he was succeeded by Rabbi N. B.
JABLOMSKY. While the congregation had no synagogue,
on special occasions, holidays and the like, it met
at the home of the Rabbi. The community eventually
erected a synagogue.
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former
Jewish Synagogue
Photo: Copyright ©2014
Marshall J. KATZ, USA
(Click the image
below to view a larger image.)
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~ Jewish
Organizations ~
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B'nai Brith
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There is also a
branch of the well-known B'nai Brith
fraternal order, which one finds in every
small town as well as in every large city in
the country. It has enormous membership and
probably the largest Jewish fraternal order
in the United States. The members of the
Jeannette Lodge meet with their Greensburg
brethren in the synagogue at Greensburg, and
thus unite their efforts and strengthen the
link in the chain. This order cares for the
needy.
During the great wars, the Jeannette Jewish
community rose to the occasion. They did
their share and contributed their quota, not
merely in money, but in service to all the
various patriotic enterprises that have been
sponsored by our government. But like
others, the greatest contribution the
Jeannette Jews gave to their country was the
group of young men who went into service and
whose names grace the honor roll of the
community.
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The Ladies' Aid
Society
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That there is a note of progress in the
community as evidenced by the fact that, in
1919, a Jewish Ladies Aid Society was formed
for the purpose of aiding any needy local
family as well as extending its activities
to broader fields in the community.
For example, at the theatrical presented by
the society and the work done entirely by
its members, some $400 dollars was raised
for war sufferers. But, in addition this
band of 30 women help in other war
activities, not alone Jewish but non-Jewish
as well.
The society met the first Sunday of each
month to consider any cases that require
attention. The officers were Mrs. Joseph
FINKELHOR (President), Mrs. A.. LaVICTORE
(Vice-president), Mrs. A. OWARNOFF
(Secretary) and Mrs. J. CAPLAN (Treasurer).
In connection with the war activities, is
not a amiss to note that the Jewish
residents of Jeannette, as a whole, took an
active interest and perform their duty in
the matter of promoting all of the various
activities in connection with the Liberty
Bond, the Red Cross, United War Work and in
other campaigns.
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House of Shelter
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Another organization
they came into existence in 1919 was a House
of Shelter. The spirit that promotes a house
of shelter is essentially Jewish, but they
have always cared for the stranger within
their gates. This society tries to take care
of any needy coreligionists who requires
lodging or shelter.
The same group of earnest Jewish women from
Jeannette are behind the splendid movement
and the officers were Mrs. A. OWARNOFF
(President), Mrs. Joseph FINKELHOR
(Secretary).and Mrs. A.. LaVICTORE
(Treasurer).
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~ Summary ~
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This small, but enterprising community, kept
in touch with Jewish leaders in Greensburg
as well as in Pittsburgh and in every way,
contributed to the values in advancing the
cause of Jews and Judaism. By their
initiative in creating organizations and
societies—that show their appreciation of
the value of the spiritual side of their
faith— the Jewish community of Jeannette was
commended for their progress developing the
right kind of Jewish community.
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