Congregation Shearith Israel (Atlanta, Ga.)

Abstract Congregation Shearith Israel was founded in 1904 by a segment of Atlanta’s Eastern European Jewish community. Under Rabbi Geffen’s leadership, the congregation grew as an orthodox congregation that upheld traditional Old World values and rites. The congregation later moved toward conservative Judaism. The largest piece of the collection consists of congregational minutes from 1947-1974. Many of these are in great detail, and they highlight congregational business, as well as discussion and...

Abstract

David Alterman (1917-1993) was one of five brothers who, with their father, owned and operated a wholesale grocery business in Atlanta. David (Dave) Alterman and his wife, Sara, were also active in synagogue life and a wide variety of Jewish community organizations.

Abstract

A native of Atlanta, Edward Krick was involved with the Jewish community in Atlanta, Georgia. The collection consists primarily of a scrapbook containing memorabilia from Shearith Israel Juniors including a program for a Minstrel Show performance by the group and Purim ball ad books and Yizkor (memorial) books from Congregation Shearith Israel.

Abstract Louis Geffen (1904-2001) was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was Rabbi Tobias Geffen, who was the spiritual leader of Congregation Shearith Israel for over 60 years. Louis gained prominence in Atlanta as an attorney and for his involvement in a wide variety of Jewish community activities. The papers contain a history of the Eplan family of Atlanta, greeting cards and Geffen family memorabilia. Of special interest is the political campaign card of Louis Geffen for a position on the...

Abstract

Moe D. Horowitz was an Atlanta businessman and past president of Congregation Shearith Israel. The collection consists of miscellaneous records from Shearith Israel, the Atlanta Jewish Welfare Fund (later known as the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta), and the Hebrew Academy of Atlanta.

Scope and Contents

Researchers studying the Rabbi Tobias Geffen Papers will gain insight into orthodox Jewish life during the 20th century. All materials arranged in alphabetical order by subject and chronically within each folder.

Abstract Reuben Cohen and his wife Lillian were active in a wide variety of activities in Atlanta. Reuben was a longtime member of the Atlanta Radio Club and Lillian was a preschool teacher at the Atlanta Jewish Community Center for over 30 years. The collection consists of a log and rosters from the Atlanta Radio Club and programs, invitations and awards relating to the Cohen's involvement in a wide variety of...

Abstract Sol Singer was a native Georgian and was involved in almost every aspect of the Atlanta Jewish community. The papers includes documents relating to the Singers' involvement in various Jewish organizations, their family histories and correspondences. Included are records relating to Sol Singer's interest in stamp collecting and the Jewish community of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. The social historian interested in Jewish life in small southern towns and the development of the Atlanta Jewish...