History of Our Congregation

 

 

1932                Yonkers becomes a home for a number of Jewish families in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

 

Ten men assembled in Joseph F. Stein’s home at 229 Devoe Avenue to establish the Lincoln Park Jewish Commu­nity Club. Its purpose was social. Meetings were held monthly at the homes of its members. Within two years the club grew to approximately 50 members. Milton Hart was elected first president.

 

Those families who desired divine worship attended services at the Home of the New York Guild for the Jewish Blind located at St Johns and Crotty Avenues.

 

1935                           The Home invited the Club to hold its monthly meetings in its social room. The Club availed itself of these facilities for the following three years. Milton Hart was suc­ceeded by Joseph F. Stein, who in turn was followed by Nat Solomon.

 

1938               The Jewish Guild announced that it was moving to new facilities about five miles north. Joseph F. Stein, acting on his own, purchased a parcel of land, 10,000 square feet, on Central Park Avenue from the Valley Farms Company. Mr. Stein offered it as a gift to the Lincoln Park Community Club on the condition that it constitute itself as a religious institu­tion. This, the Club declined to do, and in time the Club disappeared from the scene.

 

The approaching High Holy Days made it necessary to find a premises to hold religious worship for Lincoln Park families. A store at 631 McLean Avenue was made available by Samuel Helfand. David Pruzansky, a student at Yeshiva College was engaged to preach a sermon and Moses Eisner to act as Cantor.

 

The enthusiastic response to this initiative led to plans to establish a permanent organization. A meeting to this end was held at the home of David E. Widelitz at 198 Kneeland Avenue. Among those present were David E. Widelitz, Samuel Hoffman, Joseph F. Stein, Jonas Newman, Dr. Meyer I. Block, Robert Rodner, Samuel Kornfeld, Henry Richard and Samuel Gruberg. It was decided at this meeting to create a religious corporation, to accept in its behalf the offer of ground made by Joseph F. Stein, and to make an appeal for funds at the forthcoming holiday services.

 

The services drew an attendance of 115 and the appeal realized the sum of $3,000. Ground was broken in December of that year for the new home of the Lincoln Park Jewish Center, Inc.

 

1939               The new building was dedicated June 4th, 1939. The cost of the building and its equipment amounted to $20,000.

 

The first administration was: President, Joseph F. Stein; first V.P. Samuel Hoffman; second V.P., Robert Rodner; Treasurer, Henry Richard; Sec’y., Jonas Newman;

 

Supervisor, David E. Widelitz; Directors: Morris Braunstein, Dr. Meyer I. Block, Samuel Futterman, Max Gitlow, and Nathan Rodner.

 

At the same time the ladies formed a ladies auxilary which became the Sisterhood of L.P.J.C. Mrs. Max (Ida) Gitlow became the first president.

 

Following the dedication the congregation invited Rabbi Aaron Kahan, a graduate of Yeshiva Torah Vo’daath to be its spiritual leader. Jacob Bernard who had studied under the late Cantor Rosenblatt, was engaged as Cantor. Rabbi Kahan served until the fall of 1942 when he was commissioned into the U.S. Army.

 

1943               Rabbi Nathan M. Bernstein, a graduate of Yeshiva College succeeded Rabbi Kahan. In September of that year the building directly south of the Center was acquired for a school house. The Center property expanded to 23,500 square feet.

 

1944               Rabbi Bernstein left in the summer of 1944 and was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah J. Berman, a graduate of City College and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

 

Membership had grown to 165 families and the Sunday School had an enrollment of 90 children and the Hebrew School had 35 students.

 

The Ladies Auxilary, which had functioned since the beginning of our Center, created many functions for the chil­dren during the holidays, raised funds for school supply needs, and promoted social events for the members. A comprehen­sive youth program was directed by Harold Harris.

 

1945               As membership increased so did the tempo of events accelerate. May2oth saw the most impressive Bat Mitzvah cer­emony when eighteen girls were confirmed. The Synagogue was filled when the program began. Each young lady deliv­ered an original address. They were: Elanore Arky, Marilyn Bensky, Judith Brody, Lorraine Chachkes, Norma Friedman, Barbara Gruberg, Judy Lippman, Phyllis Lutner, Anita Mander, Faith & Hope Orloff, Joyce Rosenberg, Joan Rabinowe, Sandra Schneider, Sandra Schulman, Cheryl Sternlieb, Naomi Trier, and Esther Ulman.

 

During that year an extensive tract at the Cedar Park Cemetery was purchased in the name of L.P.J.C.

 

In October of that year a newly established nursery school opened under the direction of Howard Miller and Joseph F. Stein. This was an ambitious project which had as advisor, Dr. Jessie Stanton, world renowned authority on pre­school education. Student teachers from Sarah Lawrence Col­lege were assigned to assist in the program.

 

1946               February 5th saw the introduction of a Hebrew class for girls during release school time. This first attempt, limited to sixth grade girls proved successful beyond expectations.

 

Our first president, Joseph F. Stein, completed his ninth year and was succeeded by Samuel Gruberg, our second president. At the Yom Kippur service in 1947 it became neces­sary to hold an over-flow service in the building known now as the Louis E. Flax Memorial Library. This convinced Presi­dent Gruberg that a new building to accomodate the rapidly expanding membership was a “must”. He instituted a New Building Fund Campaign.

 

1949               Mr. Murray Magloff became our third president. During his tenure in office our Hebrew School made great strides in fulfilling the religious and educational needs of the youth of our community. President Magloff pushed ahead with our New Building Fund Campaign.

 

1951               Mr. Joseph Sloves became our fourth president and achieved the distinction of seeing our second dream become a realization, the completion of the Building Fund Drive and the erection of the present Lincoln Park Jewish Center in 1953. President Sloves labored endlessly to see this memorable event take place.

 

Also in 1953 Rabbi Solomon W. Sternstein was engaged to be our new spiritual leader. Rabbi Sternstein came to us from the New Hyde Park Jewish Center where he served for six years as its spiritual leader. Rabbi Sternstein was grad­uated from Yeshiva University with a M.S. Degree in Edu­cation He received his ordination from the Theological Semi­nary of that institution.

 

1954    Mr. George Brody, our fifth president was faced with the problems of reorganizing the many committees and instituted procedures for the proper functioning of our expanded organization and also saw that our financial needs were met. President Brody saw a need to provide a place for youth activ­ities and was instrumental in the conversion of our original Center into a youth facility and established a library in the old building. For many years after his term of office was completed he has continued to serve as Editor-in-Chief of our Center Bullletin. He also continues to serve as Chairman of the Cemetary committee.

 

1956              Under the leadership of our sixth president, Mr. Manny Messinger, additional property was purchased to provide a parking facility and a residence for our Director of Maintenance and also the contiguous property to the south of our Synagogue. Through his devoted efforts he was largely responsible for raising the necessary funds to pay for the additional property.

 

1958              The youngest person in the history of our Center to serve as president was Mr. Seymour M. Goldsmith. As seventh pres­ident his leadership saw the pace of Center life accelerate. The activities increased and became more varied. Membership for the first time rose above 600 families and even older members felt younger as they were involved in the spirit of his three years of administration. During his tenure of office the Wen­dover property was acquired.

 

1961              The Center’s eighth president was Mr. Norton Charkin who for more than twenty years was an ardent and tireless worker for Lincoln Park. President Charkin made efforts to­wards bringing to our Synagogue-Center the recognition as the finest congregation in Westchester County. His dedica­tion to the United Synagogue movement brought honor and recognition to Lincoln Park. Largely through his keen percep­tion of the future needs of our community, a Building Com­mittee formulated plans for an all purpose building contain­ing facilities for a Hebrew School, Gymnasium, Library and Nursery School. Nat deserves accolades for the many years that he did the Yom Kippur maintenance appeal.

 

1963    Our ninth and youngest president was the then Mr. Gilbert Rabin. We now address him as Judge Rabin as he recently retired as Chief Judge of the City Court of Yonkers, A very prestigious honor. Judge Rabin went through the “chairs serving as a director, treasurer and vice president. He applied his skills to broaden our Center’s vision of community service, analyzed financial contrbutions and paved the way for the concept of voluntary giving for Center maintenance without fanfare. Our members took heart from his dedication, leader ship and guidance and our Center hummed with activity. He encouraged the formation of a United Synagogue Youth Group and also instituted the annual Lawyers’ Sabbath with renouned guests-of-honor. Our lobby was renovated and the Rabbi’s resi­dence was expanded. While President he attempted to obtain approval to build a modern youth building on the Wendover property. He believed that this addition to our Center would insure the future growth of our Center family. Our Center was fortunate to have his assistance during the annual Yom Kippur maintenance appeal.

 

1965              Mr. Abraham Penkin became our tenth president. He realized the urgency of constructing a new building and he gave the Building Committee his full support in their efforts to build our new facility. As President, Mr. Penkin reorganized our Hebrew school and the Youth Activity Program. He also established the “minimum income plan with our caterer and also planned the silent Yom Kippur appeal. Mr. Penkin was instrumental in formulating the plans for the Rotunda. The contract was awarded and ground broken before he completed his term of office.

 

1967              Mr. Abe Zutia was the eleventh president of our Center. His administration carried out our new “silent appeal” most effectively. The beautiful Rotunda, our newest addition, was completed on schedule. His personal interest resulted in the installation of the Sidney R. Kleinberg Memorial Chandelier, the latest jewel gracing our grand ballroom. Mr. Zutia instituted an addition to our Youth Activities Program by arranging with the Jewish Community Center to allow our children to use their extensive recreational facilities. He was responsible for completely refurbishing the youth building and the library. Mr. Zutia was a driving force in the revitalizing of the Jewish Federation of Yonkers so that there should be a united Jewish voice in the community.

 

1969                    Our twelfth president, Mr. Seymour M. Goldsmith, a past president, who was drafted to bring together the older members and the younger members who were seeking direction. Under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Goldsmith, these two groups were fused into an active working force. The Synagogue was refurbished. Attendance at Sabbath services increased and a closer relationship and involvement in Judaism was sought. A Sabbath anniversary orchid pro­gram was adopted that proved to be very popular. Our Center continued its prime role of leadership in the activi­ties of the Jewish Federation of Yonkers. Mr. Goldsmith was a man of authority and earned the respect of the en­tire community. Up to that time he was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. He also served as gen­eral chairman for the 20th, 35th and 40th Anniversary celebrations.

 

1971                    Mr. Sidney G. Sloves, following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, became our thirteenth president. During his administration a blood bank drive was started in cooperation with the Yonkers General Hospital. More than 150 pints of blood was collected, insuring our community a vital supply of this life-saving fluid. A staunch believer in the future of Judaism, he worked diligently to carry out a fine youth program. He encouraged our adult education program and was instrumental in revitalizing the Lewis E. Flax Library. Mr. Sloves was able to secure a five year con­tract with Batterman & Herschel Caterers. This effort insured a substantial income for the following five years. A sincere, hard working, dedicated man, he has devoted a good portion of his life, as did his father before him, to further­ing the advancement of Judaism. He was Journal Chair­man for the 35th and 40th anniversary journals, and he and his wife, Vivian chaired the 50th Anniversary celebra­tion.

 

1973                    Our fourteenth president was Mr. Hyman Schwartz. He held more offices in the Lincoln Park Jewish Center than any prior president. He ascended to the presidency at an age when most men are only willing to sit on the sidelines. Nevertheless, he brought vigor to the office. Under his ae­gis, Bazaar Day was a great success. He honored our re­vered Hebrew school teacher, Moses Eisner by starting the Moses Eisner Fund. Youth activities, particularly sports, were given new impetus during Hymie’s term.

 

1975  Mr. Sam Kanarek was our fifteenth president. He was quite a doer. The Blanche Sternstein Memorial Chapel was constructed during his term and the Synagogue carpeting was replaced. Also, new book racks were installed to hold the prayer books in the Synagogue. Sam had always been an active and interested participant in adult education and it was not sur­prising that during his presidency the adult education classes were expanded. Finally, Sam guided the reconstruction of the Youth Lounge. His quiet demeanor is in striking contrast to the achievements of his presidency.

 

1977                 Mr. Herbert Wechselblatt became our sixteenth presi­dent. His previous service was that of Financial Secretary, thus undertaking two difficult working positions in the Center. He was also the first president, who with his wife, Barbara, had been co-presidents of the Mr. & Mrs. Club. He continued the Adult Education program and there was a 100% increase in United Synagogue membership. The Fortieth Anniversary cel­ebration honoring Rabbi Solomon W. Sternstein was held during Herb’s term.

 

1979              Our 17th president, Harvey Fuchs, who previously served as vice president, provided the leadership that enabled our Center to strengthen our financial position. During his admin­istration we saw the return of Batterman & Herschel Caterers to our Center. Some of the events that were planned and were successful such as a personal appearance of the famous Nazi hunter, Simon Wiesenthal; two successful bazaars; two UJA breakfasts and two Israel Bond functions; Lawyers’ Sabbaths; Purim Ball; New Years Eve party; Passover Seders; Fallsview weekends and the largest Regional Youth Kinnus in eight years at Lincoln Park were accomplished during his term as presi­dent. During his term the Center held a Dinner/Dance and Journal honoring the couple of the year, Selma and Norton Charkin. He also served as first V.P. and chairman of the board of directors of the Hebrew Day School.

 

1981 Our 18th Chai president was Mr. Emery Kornitzer. He chaired the building of the Blanche Sternstein Memorial Chapel. During his administration Senator & Mrs. Daniel P. Moynihan were honored and presented with the Lincoln Park Jewish Center Humanitarian Award. It was his leadership that pro­duced the largest amount of donations ever pledged at a Yom Kippur Maintenance appeal up to that time. For the first time in it’s history, Lincoln Park Jewish Center had a balanced budget. He organized and dedicated the ‘Tree of Life’ in our Sanctuary lobby. He renovated the Center and Sanctuary lobby and main office. He instituted a new Yahrzeit system. A new wall with a special glass show case was installed to show- off some of our valuable artifacts. The last highlight of his ad­ministration was the celebration of the 45th anniversary of L.P.J.C. which featured a dinner/dance and journal honoring the “Couple of the Year’, Jean and Sam Bluth. Mr. Kornitzer honors us with his beautiful and meaningful cantorial rendi­tions on the Sabbath and holidays. He has been and continues to be an inspiration to the entire congregation.

 

1983                  Mr. Herbert Wasserman was our 19th president. Dur­ing his administration many improvements were completed. The sanctuary seats were repaired and recovered. The Lewis E. Flax Memorial Library was renovated and new windows were installed. The outside menorah was completely restored. A new photocopy machine for the office was purchased. Herb encouraged special events: the Youth Group sponsored and conducted a highly successful Sabbath service and an Oneg Shabbot; a first time event was a “Wimple Ceremony, a birth ritual from the Germanic lands; annual Masonic Sabbaths were held. Most importantly, Herb gave special attention to our religious needs and preserved our traditions which in itself added beauty to our Synagogue. In summation, it must be said that Herbert Wasserman had a most productive term of office.

 

1985  Mr. Benjamin Schwartz was our 20th president. Ben’s enthusiasm carried our Center to new heights in our activi­ties and our financial standing. Office productivity was im­proved with a new printing system. He also increased atten­dance on the Sabbath by having a sit-down Kiddush. He en­couraged adult programs including Yiddish and Hebrew classes. The Senior Citizen Group was formed starting with 40 seniors and grew to approximately 160 at the conclusion of his office. This group meets every Tuesday and our Center receives funding from New York State to administer this pro­gram. The Police Department and Save Yonkers Group were invited to hold their meetings at our Center as a public ser­vice to our community. The last highlight of his administra­tion was the return of the Hebrew Day School of Westchester to our Center. He continues to play a role in the welfare of our Center and Judaism as he has for the past 38 years.

 

1987                 Our President, Sidney G. Stoves, started his second service to our congregation in 1987. His first term in office was from 1971 through 1973. He previously served as pres­ident of Congregation Ahavath Sholom in Forest Hills. Dur­ing his administration, Sidney’s careful planning and atten­tion to detail resulted in setting record responses during the Yom Kippur appeals each year. He showed his committment to Jewish education by raising considerable funds for the Hebrew Day School during a Passover Yiskor appeal. He also showed our support for the Holocaust Mem­orial in Israel by raising funds during the Yiskor appeal on Shavuot that year.

 

The following year Sid and his wife, Vivian served as general chairpersons for the Fiftieth Anniversary celebration of our Center.

 

Sid and his financial officers saw a need to reduce the cost of running the day to day operations of our Center. Prices for services and supplies were rising. When our photo copy machine in the office needed replacing he managed to replace it with a more advanced model at a reasonable cost. A folding machine was also purchased. These two new additions to our office enabled our office staff to reduce the time and effort needed to send out the many mailings that are sent out each week. Also, through the generosity of Arno and Rose Boritzer, a computer and laser printer was purchased. The computer will enable us to go from a time consuming book- keeping system done by hand to a computer driven accounting system. Not only time will be saved, we will also have a more detailed rendering of our financial condition at the touch of a button.

 

His attention to the needs of keeping our buildings in good repair, he made sure that his House Committee and maintenance staff worked together. A new floor was installed in the lower level of the Youth building. A new roof was installed on a large portion of our main building. New, more cost saving lighting was also installed. Repairs were made in our meat kitchen to the plumbing and it was also painted. 1987 to present continued

 

           A new caterer was engaged to use our facilities. Sid deserves much of the credit for this accomplishment as the caterer has an excellent reputation Sid had our brides room redecorated Also, our kiddush menu has been revamped to make it more attractive for our members to use for their simchas.

 

Sid has gained the respect and admiration of every one and there is an air of cooperation from all the affiliate organizations. His constant quest is to build membership and continue our place as one of the leading congregations in Westchester County.

 

 

 

 

                   More to come. This page will include pictures. Members are encouraged to scan these and email them to the Rabbi or bring them into the office.