The records of the Beth Israel Congregation (Ann Arbor, Mich.) document the history, organizational structure, programs, and outreach activities of the congregation between 1938 and 2016. The bulk of the collection dates between the late 1950s and 2016 and comprises of Beth Israel administrative files, materials relating to the Women's League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ), the Beth Israel Sisterhood, and various publications. This includes board and membership records, materials on committees and WLCJ conferences, correspondence, Beth Israel's Hashaliach newsletter, newspaper clippings, honors from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and a certificate from the National Women's League of the United Synagogue of America.
The remainder of the collection is dedicated to the history of the congregation, its leaders, civic and philanthropic endeavors, and affiliate organizations. This includes the biography, eulogy, and Last Will and Testament of Osias Zwerdling as well as his digitized audio recording on the congregation's founding. Also included are materials relating to the history of the congregation's locations along Hill Street and Washtenaw Avenue, as well as the first Jewish cemetery in Ann Arbor.
Materials pertaining to the congregation's leadership comprise of but are not limited to the writings and correspondence of the congregation's rabbis. This includes the installation and resignation ceremonies of Rabbi Allan Kensky, and a digitized 1997 video recording of the congregation's first woman president, Gerda Seligson receiving the Jewish Theological Seminary's Second Century Award. Materials regarding civic and philanthropic endeavors cover the reports and background information on the Arab-Israeli conflict, correspondence and programs pertaining to Jewish history and immigration, as well as document acts of vandalism of Jewish institutions.
Materials regarding affiliate organizations highlight Beth Israel's relationships with the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTSA), the United Synagogue of America (USA), the National Women's League of the United Synagogue of America, The University of Judaism (UJ), and the United Jewish Appeal (UJA). This includes UJA membership records, a UJA award of honor, BBYO convention materials, JTS and UJ program materials, and USA and National Women's League administrative records. The remainder of the collection's publications encompass several press releases from the Ann Arbor News, and the Detroit and Washtenaw Jewish News, booklets on the history of the congregation, and pamphlets pertaining to the WLCJ and the Beth Israel Sisterhood. Additional materials within this collection include, color slides, standard and oversize photographs, and oversize newspaper clippings, as well as and accolades.
Prior to the 20th century, the city of Ann Arbor, Mich. had few formal establishments in which Jewish families could worship or study. It was not until 1916, with the leadership and innovation of Philip Lansky, Osias Zwerdling, and other members of the Ann Arbor Jewish community that the first formal Jewish congregation in Ann Arbor was formed. Two years later, in 1918, the Beth Israel Congregation was officially established with the original leadership consisting of Osias Zwerdling (President), Israel Friedman (Vice-President), William Beutler (or Bittker) (Secretary-Treasurer), Philip Lansky (Trustee), David Friedman (Trustee), and David Mordsky (Trustee).
In 1951 the congregation acquired a new constitution and changed its name to the Beth Israel Community Center. But services continued to be held in the homes of congregation members or at locations in and around the Ann Arbor area. Finally, in 1952 Beth Israel signed a 99-year lease with the B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation for the purpose of sharing a space at 1429 Hill Street in Ann Arbor.
As the size of the congregation grew, so did the need for more space. In 1962 the Center purchased the 2006 Washtenaw Avenue location and remained there until 1965 when they moved to 2010 Washtenaw Avenue. During that period the administrative board also re-amended the constitution, thus restoring the original name--Beth Israel Congregation.
Throughout the 1970's, as the congregation steadily increased in size and function, there was yet a need for more space. As a result, in 1977 the site at 2000 Washtenaw Avenue was acquired and on March 25, 1979 this location was officially dedicated as the congregation's home.
The Beth Israel Congregation is more than just a religious entity. Within its 100 plus year history Beth Israel has remained an advocate for social change, particularly on issues relating to religious and cultural freedom, racism, and sexism. Also found within the collection are select materials reflecting the congregation's progressive attitude regarding women in leadership positions. The latter is evidenced through the establishment of the Beth Israel Sisterhood and the leadership of Gerda Seligson, the first woman in the United States to be elected president of a conservative Jewish congregation.
