B'Er Chayim Congregation

Description

B'er Chayim Congregation is the story of Jewish poineers in America. It records the faithful adherence to their religion of a handful of Jews who settled in Cumberland, Maryland, approximately one hundred twenty-three years ago. These were the days when the Queen City of the Alleghenies was a frontier town in the pathway westward. Here is the story of the followers of the Jewish faith, of their spiritual growth, and their leadership in the social, economic, and political development in the largest city of Western Maryland. . . Contributions were received from other communities to assist the congregation. Prior to this, the amount of dues for membership was 25 cents per week. It is interesting to note that there were fines for talking suring Services, for leaving the Synagogue during Services without permission, for chewing, for gathering in front of the Synagous, and for bringing childred under five years of age. When the building was completed, a dedication service was held. The entire proceedings were open to the public, and the new House of Worship was filled to overflowing. Several prominent rabbis traveled here to officitate with Rabbi Baum, the local spiritual leader. They were Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, of Cincinatti, and Rabbi B. Szold, of Baltimore, whose daughter, Henrietta, founded the organization of Hadassah. Although the early Jewish community started in the orthodox tradition, a movement of reform was soon felt in Cumberland. Many of the old customs and symbols...

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