Beth Israel Congregation (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Records

Beth Israel Congregation (Ann Arbor, Mich.) records

The materials in this online repository form part of a larger Beth Israel Congregation (Ann Arbor, Mich.) record group held by the Bentley Historical Library. For a more complete index to the materials, please consult the collection's online finding aid.

For questions or more information, please contact the Bentley Historical Library's Division of Reference and Access Services

Abstract:
Founded in 1916 by Osias Zwerdling, Philip Lansky, and other members of the Ann Arbor Jewish Community, Beth Israel was the first formally established conservative Jewish congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As such, this record group comprises of historical data on the Jewish population of Ann Arbor (Mich.), the congregation, its founders and leaders. The latter includes but is not limited to the eulogy, history, and Last Will of Osias Zwerdling; building plans and sites; administrative records; writings and correspondence of the congregation’s leaders such as Rabbi Allan Kensky’s installation and resignation ceremonies and a digitized 1997 video recording of former congregation president, Gerda Seligson, receiving the Jewish Theological Seminary's Second Century award. The collection also includes materials about social and outreach programs including the congregation’s 75th Anniversary celebration and a formal letter of declination (to the celebration) from retired United States Senator Carl Levin. Other records within this collection highlight Beth Israel’s affiliations with national organizations such as the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, the B’nai B’rith Hillel and Youth Organizations, and the United Synagogue of America. Additional materials include numerous accolades and recognitions, publications, photographs, slides, audio recordings, and oversized materials.