The History of B'Nai Israel
Founded 1899
OUR STORY BEGINS AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, 1899, when a few Orthodox Jews who settled Pensacola, gathered together to discuss their need for a new Jewish congregation that reflected their Orthodox practices. Temple Beth-El, the Reform temple, had already been established and was the only Jewish religious body in Pensacola.
A small goup of eleven men submitted the original application for establishing an Orthodox congregation on June 28th, 1899. Congregation B'Nai Israel became a reality with the leadership of President Alex Lischkoff, Vice President N. Weiland, Secretary M. Solomon and Treasurer N. Zung. Trustees were: C. Marcus, H. Cashman, J. Morris, J. Herschkovitz and S. Israel.
With the cooperation of Temple Beth-El, the vestry room of the Temple on Chase Street became the first sanctury of this small congregation. A little while later the congregation moved to the Oddfellows Hall at Baylen and Belmont. Apparently, the Ku Klux Klan also had meeting rooms in the same building at that time. The Klan's white robes were found years later, hanging in a closet of this building.
From 1899 to the 1920's, increased immigration of the Eastern European Jews brought more Orthodox Jews to Pensacola. It was now the time for Congregation B'Nai Israel to have a building of its own. In 1923 a house at 400 N. Barcelona Street was purchased and became the new home for B'Nai Israel. E. (Isadore) Greenblatt was president and Rabbi Spector was the spiritual leader. Members to this day remember fondly the warmth and spirit, not only as a house of worship, but as a center for Orthodox cultural and social events for this relatively small group of Jewish families.
It was a small, two story wooden building that was converted to contain the sanctury on the first floor with the traditional separation (mechitzah) of the men and women. A meeting room, kitchen and social areas were in the back. Hebrew school classes were held in the social room, as well as the Sunday school and different social activities and celebrations.
Rabbi Spector is said to have insisted that there should be a Mikvah as well as a Sukkah. The second floor housed the Rabbi and his family. He was constantly on call for a variety of religious functions, which included being the Mohel, Shochet, Teacher and Cantor.
Hebrew School classes were small and teaching methods might have been different than today, but many of the leaders of today's congregation were taught on those afternoons in the back room of B'Nai Israel. It is remembered by some of the students how the classes were interrupted by women of the congregation coming to the Rabbi, who was also the Shochet, to have chickens killed--and the joy and mischief that came when the Rabbi had to leave the class to do his duty for the congregation.
There were many happy times during these years when life was simple and Jewish activity in the Synagogue was the center of a Jew's life in a small southern community. Services, picnics, socials and holiday celebrations were the focal point of family life.
The Ladies Relief Society was organized in January 1920. The goals of this organization were to "work for local relief, the First World War effort and keeping the Jewish people of the same religious interest together."
Anna Rosenbloum (Mrs. Louis) was the first recorded president of this organization, elected in 1922. The organization's good works included giving aid to Jewish transients and money was sent to United Charity Institutions of Jerusalem, Talmud Torah and to Central Relief. They also contributed to the Pensacola Hospital. Passover food was sent to our Jewish boys overseas.
In 1928, it was suggested that the Jewish Ladies Relief Society form another division called the Ladies Auxiliary of B'Nai Israel. Their goals would be synagogue oriented, i.e. "cleaning the Shul, the cemetery, the upkeep of the kitchen and also to take care of the transients."
In 1941, the two divisions became one Ladies Auxiliary of B'Nai Israel and in 1956 this organization affiliated with National Woman's League of United Synagogue and was called Sisterhood of B'Nai Israel.
The youth organization in the early days of B'Nai Israel was Young Judea. These few young people were quite active and were recognized with several awards within the region.
In the early 1940's, the idea of a new building for the Synagogue was born. "The building was getting old and did not look like a shul, so a few of us got together in M. Ellis' house to discuss a new building." (As written by H. Soclof in a previous history.) The dream of this new Synagogue became a reality when Mr. and Mrs. E. Silberman left a large sum of money to B'Nai Israel for a new building.
Ninth and Mallory became the site of the new Synagogue and the groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 2nd, 1953, with the dedication service for the new building held on September 26th, 1954. The Rabbi at this time was Rabbi J.L. Holzman and the President was Abe Levin. President of the Ladies Auxiliary was Anne Oberstein (Mrs. Kiva).
B'Nai Israel Congregation became affiliated with United Synagogues of America in September 1955 and officially became a Conservative congregation.
The years following the building of the Synagogue were filled with activities of all kinds. Many fundraising events were held to pay off the mortgage--dinners, luncheons, and Purim balls. As time weent on the appearance of our pulpit and Ark were enhanced by the addition of beautiful gates designed by Harry Ordon. It was indeed a jubilant time for the congregation.
During these years, our youth groups included the B'Nai Brith Youth and then the United Synagogue Youth and Kadima, affiliated with United Synagogues. A Friendship Club was formed and became the focus of social activities for adults. Men's club became an active force in the synagogue, affiliating with the National Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs in 1970. B'Nai Israel Sisterhood remained active in all facets of synagogue life.
As we entered the 1990's, our esteemed Rabbi Erwin Halpern left our congregation. The Synagogue went through some very difficult and trying times. While we searched for a Rabbi (and it took a long time), several members of our dedicated laity joined together to lead our congregation in regular Shabbat Services. This was supplemented by Rabbi Joseph Lukinsy and Rabbi Michael Goldberg during the High Holidays. Rabbis Lukinsky and Goldberg came to us from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and Rabbi Goldberg's efforts kept us in religious focus until Rabbi Israel Vana assumed the Rabbinical leadership at B'Nai Israel around 1993. Rabbi Vana's stewardship had immediate positive affects on B'Nai Israel. Membership gains ensued and eventually economic stability became a reality. Motivation of our Bar/Bas Mitzvah children was obvious to all and their outstanding performance during shul services was inspiring. Rabbi Vana also chanted memorial services at our cemetery whenever necessary and our sick were visited at the hospital or at their homes. Our Chevra Kadisha team, (originally led by Burton and Shirley Simons over a 25-year period) continues today, whereby preparations of our deceased brethren are carried out in religious dignity.
Efforts to increase inter-Synagogue communication and "fine-tune" news distribution within our congregation were enhanced dramatically in the 90's with the help of Dr. Arnold Pock and Mrs. Sandi Marguis (Editor and Assistant Editor respectively). Shofar's Voice Newsletter was launched, and Synagogue news and highlights (including recipes and humor) became monthly features.
B'Nai Israel also established a more intense Veteran's Day Program in the 1990's. Today, through the initiative of Mr. Bill Allen, many of our veterans participate in B'Nai Israel's special Veterans's Day memorial service. On December 17th, 1944 and again on November 10th, 1955, a plague was dedicated to honor all veterans who served in the U.S. military during the World Wars, Korean conflict, Vietnam and peacetime operations. B'Nai Israel veterans became members of the Jewish War Veterans National Organization and continue to be valued members of our congregation and country.
Rabbi Albert Slomovitz (CAPT, USN(Ret)) graced our pulpit regularly on Shabbat during his five years (to July 1999) of assignment in Pensacola. In conjunction with the Jewish Federation, his notable reverence for all faiths inspired joint memorial walks for Martin Luther King, Jr., whereby the entire Pensacola community participated. Rabbi Vana and Rabbi Ostrich (Temple Beth El) joined these activities as well and further participated in the annual interfaith Thanksgiving Day Services for the entire community. This service now rotates at the religious sites of many faiths within Pensacola.
Our Synagogue sustained damage from Hurricane Opal in 1995 and during this frightful experience, Yom Kippur services had to be cancelled. Repairs over the years have since modernized our Synagogue and we now have a House of Worship which is attractive and conducted in an atmosphere of religious pride and dignity.
Today, after more than 100 years, we are still a vibrant Conservative congregation looking forward to many years of worship, fellowship and celebration. Because of our past, we know our future is truly secure!
