The Centennial Celebration of Anshe Emeth Congregation
On the Shabbat, 10 & 11 March, 1967 (Jewish calendar year 5727) the Pine Bluff Reform congregation celebrated it's 100th anniverary in fine style. The rabbi was S. Howard Schwartz. He wrote "Temple Anshe Emeth truly has a memorable history. The people of this Congregation have devoted many lifetimes of service to their Temple during the past one hundred years. On the eve of another century of Jewish worship and service, we ought to pause and consider the lives of our family and friends. We ought to appreciate all that this temple has meant to them. We ought to be thankful that they gave so much of themselves for their future .... for us"
I've reproduced the Centennial book: Pages 1-13 here, pages 14-24 here and pages 25-41 here.
In the closing of his remarks, Rabbi Schwartz prayed "May the Lord give strength to His people; may the Lord bless his People with peace".
Congregation President Jerome N. Glatstein began: "I don't know what trick of fate decided that I should be President of this Congregation on it's one-hundredth birthday. However, regardless of the reason for for my position, I am proud to serve as President of Anshe Emeth. The Congregation has amassed a glorious history in both Jewish and Civic Endeavors. and to have played a small part in the life of our temple has been and will be rewarding'.
Glatstein continued, "Those of us privileged to be present on this auspicious occasion have much for which to be thankful. What words are adequate to express thanks to God for his Gift of life at this time. How can one express his gratitude to those people who pioneered Our Congegation. Words have not been paced in the dictionary for such expressions of gratitude.
"Congregation Anshe Emeth has been a source of strenghth and comfort for many. May it bring each member happiness, comfort and pride for many years. May we begin the second century with a renewed faith in our religious life that will cause our children and grandchildren to reap the same pleasures and successes that we have been fortunate to have obtained." Glatstein closed his remarks: "O Lord, Thy name endureth forever, Thy memorial O Lord , throughout all generations', Psalms CXXXV 13. "
Temple Sisterhood President Mrs. Louis Siegel added "On this our Centennial we rejoice that we are a source of lifegiving strength and a bulwark for our Temple. May we continue to prosper in the years ahead and in our efforts, justify the hopes, aims and prayers of those who called our Congregation and our Assembly into being."
At the 10 March 1967 Shabbat Service, Rabbi Schwartz officiated and Dr. James A. Wax, of Temple Israel in Memphis, Tn. gave the sermon. Saturday 11 March 1967 the Shabbat service began at 10:AM. That evening was a gala at the Holiday Inn Convention Hall. Rabbi Schwartz gave the invocation; Temple President Jerome N. Glaststein was the welcome spraker and Charles A. Rutstein was toastmaster. Social hour began at 6:30; dinner at 7:00 followed by dancing featuring Miss Becky Kaye and the Charles Clowers Orchestra.The At 10:00AM on 12 March 1967 the Religious school had their celebration at the Temple conducted by Rabbi Schwartz.
