The number “40” has special biblical significance: Noah’s flood lasted 40 days; the Jews wandered in the desert for 40 years. And it took Congregation Anshe Emeth (as it was then known) 40 years to acquire the services of a full-time rabbi.
In 1899, Rabbi Morris Waldman became the congregation’s first rabbi and led important initiatives in Temple life:
- He encouraged the women of the Temple to form the “Ladies’ Auxiliary.”
- He moved Hebrew School classes from Sunday to Saturday.
- He created the first “Bible History” class to accompany the Hebrew-language class.
- He inspired the Temple’s music program, introducing organ music and a small volunteer choir into services, and in 1901 the Kol Nidre prayer was for the first time sung in English, by soloist Edith Solomon (Hoffman).
When Rabbi Waldman was hired the congregation paid dues of $24 a year, and the Rabbi was the only paid staff, with a salary of $300 annually. (In 1901 the newly-founded Ladies’ Auxiliary voted to contribute $20 a month to increase the Rabbi’s salary to $750 a year.)
The local newspaper of June 9, 1902, intriguingly reported that
“Rev. M.D. Waldman of the Temple Anshe Emeth will conduct Pentecost services in the temple on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. There will be services on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday evening Dr. Waldman will conduct confirmation services. The candidates for confirmation are Rena Cohn, Joseph Cohn, and Lorena Solomon.”
On March 14, 1903, the newspaper reported the Rabbi’s leaving:
“His reason for desiring to sever with the local temple is a flattering offer which Dr. Waldman has received from the United Hebrew Charities of New York City to engage in special work. (The Anshe Emeth congregation granted the request), as all members appreciate the opportunities offered to him … and in letting him go, wished him all possible success.”
Described by the paper as “a fluent and eloquent speaker, with rare scholarly attainments,” Rabbi Waldman returned to Anshe Emeth in 1934 to address the congregation on the celebration of their 75th Anniversary.
Sources: Archives of the Jewish Historical Society; Writings of Ruth Marcus Patt for the JHS.
Anshe Emeth Service Sheet November 6, 2009 / 19 Cheshvan 5770
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