Old Broadway Synagogue Journal by ADJournal.com

100

ANNIVERSARY GALA JOURNAL DINNER Wednesday, November 2, 2011 6:00 P.M. Honoring

GLORIA SADOFF LANDY DALE BROWN AVI TERRY PAUL RADENSKY Museum of Jewish Heritage Edmond J. Safra Plaza | 36 Battery Place New York, NY 10280

Rabbi, 1950-1997 Jacob Kret ztâ&#x20AC;?l President Dr. Paul Radensky Vice President Jonathan Schachter Financial and Recording Secretary Orrin Tilevitz Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jacob J. Worenklein Trustees Samson Frankel Rena Lewis David Greenbaum Cemetery Committee Dale Brown Shabbos Affairs Igor Gantz Program Committee Dr. Eliott Kahn Building Committee Dr. Philippe Amstislavski Dinner Committee Dr. Philippe Amstislavski Tashia Amstislavski Dale Brown Avi Friedman Dr. Eliott Kahn Carla McIntosh Dr. Paul Radensky Carl Schrag Harry Schley Heather Tarrant Benjamin Waldman Garden Committee Dale Brown Tashia Amstislavski

History of the Old Broadway Synagogue The history of the Old Broadway Synagogue goes back to 1911 when a small group of Jews – mostly business owners who had immigrated to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century or at the beginning of the twentieth, came together to create a place for Jewish education and worship. The name they selected for the new congregation was Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi, and it reflected two important aspects of how they saw themselves. Chevra Talmud Torah – in English, the Society for the Study of the Torah suggests that they intended to support a Hebrew school, and Anshei Marovi – in English, the people of the west, reflected their geographical position in the west side of Harlem. In the years before World War I, Harlem boasted the second largest Jewish community in New York after the Lower East Side. The Jews in central Harlem tended to be more established and economically more well off than the Jews on the eastern and western sides of Harlem, who were closer to the immigrant experience and less secure economically. The Jews who settled in the west Harlem section of Manhattanville tended to fall into the latter category. Manhattanville had been a village in Manhattan which was situated on the old Bloomingdale Road (largely, today’s Broadway) and Manhattan Street (today’s 125th street). It was founded by Jacob Schieffelin (1757-1835), a British loyalist during the Revolutionary War, who was captured by American forces but escaped to Canada. In the 1790s, Schieffelin returned to New York, and established Manhattanville. He was a prime force behind the creation of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, (1823), donating the land upon which it was built. Other institutions, such as Manhattanville College (1847) and St. Joseph of the Holy Family Catholic Church (1860) among others followed, By the early twentieth century, the college had moved out and the area had become an important industrial center with the Tiemann Dye Works (owned by onetime mayor Daniel Tiemann), the Yeungling Brewery and several dairy operations. The proximity of the industrial enterprises kept the rents low for the local tenement apartment buildings. Irish, German and Jewish immigrants streamed into the neighborhood and created a early twentieth century microcosm of at least an aspect of New York City. Twelve years after the small group of men founded the Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi, they had the wherewithal to build and open their own synagogue on Old Broadway, between Lawrence and Manhattan Streets. In the intervening years, the congregation met in the rear rooms of bars and in speakeasies. In the fall of 1924, the new synagogue, soon to be known as the Old Broadway Synagogue, opened for services.

We know very little about the early years of the congregation. The Schiffs and soon the Browns and the Bucklers were all important families and provided the leadership of the congregation. One had to be a man to be a member, and then, as now, one had to be admitted by vote of the membership. Nevertheless women played a very important role, probably from the start. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi donated the elaborate ark and bimah to the synagogue when it was constructed in 1923, and undoubtedly they undertook many other projects. We also know very little about the early rabbinic leadership of the congregation. The New York Times noted on September 12, 1930 that the renowned author, Rabbi Simon Glazer, accepted an appointment with the Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi and also the Agudath Achim M’Krakau at 525 West 141st Street (the same article noted that the energetic Rabbi Glazer assumed of Maimonides College of Higher Jewish Learning on West 81st Street). It is not clear how long Rabbi Glazer was at the synagogue or if he had much of an impact. In his obituary in the Times on May 23, 1938, his connection to the Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi was not even mentioned. We do not know whether there was a rabbi of the shul at all in the late 1930s and early 1940s, although the Talmud Torah (the Hebrew School) was led a Reverend Kessler, who was remembered fondly by a number of the Talmud Torah’s graduates. In the late 1940s, Rabbi Shepard (Shepsel) Brodie was the rabbi of the congregation and the head of the Talmud Torah. There was a buzz of activity at the Old Broadway Synagogue in the 1940s. Under the leadership of Isidor Thornschein and later William Joachim, the 30th Anniversary Dinner was held in 1942 at the Hotel Newton. A 35th Anniversary Dinner was held in at the Paramount Hotel in 1946. Thanks to these fundraising efforts, a number of improvements were undertaken: a new steam radiator system was installed, the bimah was recarpeted, new menorah lamps were added to the bimah among other projects. Despite the activity in the 40s, many of the families that made up the congregation started moving away to the suburbs, so that by 1950, the number of congregants in the area had dwindled. At this juncture, the congregation took a very decisive move by hiring a new rabbi that would lead it for the next five decades. Rabbi Jacob Kret had been the head of a Beis Yosef yeshiva (an institution that focused more on ethics than in other yeshivas) in his home city of Ostrow Mazowiecka, approximately halfway between Warsaw and Bialystok in eastern Poland. Before that, he had been the s’gan rosh yeshiva (deputy head) of the Bialystok yeshiva, where he had also been a student. Although Rabbi Kret was raised in a Gerer Hasidic family, he chose a life that was more yeshiva-oriented. When the war began in September 1939, Poland was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union. Rabbi Kret smuggled his students into what was still independent Lithuania and what he had hoped was safety. He was arrested by the Soviets and deported to Siberia. In Siberia, he met his future wife, Chana Lichtenfeld. After the war, the Krets, like other Jewish displaced persons, made their way west and ended up in the Zeilsheim DP Camp in Frankfurt, Germany. In 1950, the Krets came to the United States. Through the intervention of Rabbi Yosef Eliyahu Henkin, one of the foremost leaders of orthodox Judaism in America and

the executive director of Ezras Torah, an organization that helps support rabbis and other religious Jews, Rabbi Kret was recommended to the Old Broadway Synagogue to become its spiritual leader. When Rabbi Kret began at the synagogue, there was not much of a congregation left. It is true that some families from Europe, such as the Rubinsteins (who were sponsored by their cousins, Sam and Riva Sadoff, who were then leaders in the shul), had already moved into the neighborhood, but making a minyan was a challenge. Rabbi and Mrs. Kret became acquainted with the local landlords and when Jewish refugees arrived in the neighborhood (many were initially housed at the Hotel Marseille on Broadway and 103rd Street), the Krets arranged apartments for them, near the shul. As such, the minyan at Old Broadway received a new lease on life and the shul was full with Eastern European Holocaust survivors, of various Jewish backgrounds. Some came from a Gerer Hasidic background, others had belonged to the Sassov group of Hasidism. Some, like Gustav Freud, a cousin of Sigmund Freud, were not Hasidic at all. For a generation or so, these survivors created a contentious, but lively community. At some point after his arrival in New York, Rabbi Kret became a Talmud tutor at the Jewish Theological Seminary at Broadway and 122nd Street. He also became the mashgiach (kosher supervisor) at the kosher kitchen at Barnard College, and he regularly davenned with the students in daily minyan at the predecessor of the Columbia/Barnard Hillel. Rabbi Kret was fully supported in his work by synagogue president Jacob Worenklein, Orrin Tilevitz and other lay leaders. Soon increasing numbers of students began attending Old Broadway so that by the 1970s and 1980s, the synagogue was full with young people and it was one of the hot spots for young observant Jews. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the student population at Old Broadway began to dwindle as the students established their own minyanim at the Columbia/Barnard Hillel. This process accelerated after Rabbi Kret retired in 1997. After 14 years, the shul now had to find its way without its esteemed rabbi. Over the course of several years, a number of rabbis were hired but none could be everything that Rabbi Kret had become: rabbi, father, teacher and mentor. By 2000, the congregation decided to put the rabbinic search on the back burner and to focus on other things. These other things included renovating the restrooms, restoring the stained glass windows, rebuilding the aron, replacing the boiler, reconstructing the sukkah, replacing the roof and the skylights. Also included is a strong Torah learning program. Guest rabbis or rabbinical students address the shul several times a semester and a popular weekly class, led by Yeshiva University rabbinical student Daniel Fridman, is beginning its fifth year. At the same time, we have striven as a community to maintain Rabbi and Mrs. Kret's warmth and love of people. Over the years, as more Jews move into Harlem, the shul has gradually grown. We have had a number of brises and bnai mitzvah celebrations, a couple pidionos haben, and even a wedding. We look forward to more joyous occasions and simply gathering together as a community to pray and celebrate Shabbos and the holidays.

Meet Our Honoree

Gloria Sadoff Landy Gloria Sadoff Landy is a tireless activist for the Jewish people. A delegate of the World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues to the United Nations, she has worked in this capacity to further develop international Holocaust education. She helps to fight anti-Semitism and intolerance. She is on the Governing Board of World Jewish Congress and a Director of United Synagogue. She is past President of the New Jersey Poetry Society and writes poems with Jewish themes in English and Yiddish. Gloria began her life of activism at the Old Broadway Synagogue. Her parents, Riva and Sam Sadoff were leaders in the congregation and before the High Holidays, Gloria’s mother went from store to store in Harlem to raise money for the synagogue. When Israel came into existence, Gloria parents also worked hard to raise money for the new state. Gloria’s many activities continue and honor her parents’ efforts on behalf of the Jewish community and Israel. Photo by Jill Huber, with permission of New Jersey Jewish News (njjewishnews.com).

Meet Our Honoree

Dale Brown Dale M. Brown is a dedicated ballet teacher, community activist and senior litigation insurance paralegal. Dale studied ballet in the early 1950's and 1960's with ballet legend George Balanchine dancers. She also studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and as a member of Actor's Equity and Screen Actors Guild performed in many shows, movies and did a radio show for children. Her favorite role was Adelaide in Guys & Dolls. She is president of her block association, active member of Community Board 7 and a leader of her building's tenant association. She is also involved in the Women's League of the Sutton Place Synagogue. One could say that Dale's association with the Old Broadway Synagogue precedes her birth. Her grandparents, Fanny and David Brown, were among the founders of the Synagogue. Her late father, Bernard, her uncles, aunts, and cousins all grew up in the shul. When Dale was eight and her brother Lester two her family moved

to Westchester, but they, as well as the rest of the extended Brown family, maintained their connection with the Synagogue and were generous and still are generous supporters. Her brother Lester was the last Brown to be Bar Mitzvah at the Synagogue. When Rabbi Kret retired she took over managing the Old Broadway section of the Riverside Cemetery. Every year for the past seven years, Dale has sponsored a breakfast and an outing at the cemetery in which the graves of former members of our congregation are tended to and are not forgotten. And like Miriam who found water in the desert for the past ten years she has brought clean water to the Synagogue by having a Poland Springs fountain installed and covering the expenses of the water. Most recently, she has overseen the creation of a garden in the back courtyard of the Synagogue. In Dale's dedication and hard work the vision of her grandparents and their love of Judaism continue to live on.

Meet Our Honoree

Avi Terry Avi Terry is one of the most well-known people on the Upper West Side. Avi and his late wife, Beth Levine, welcomed thousands of people into their home on Riverside Drive. A beloved “schmoozer,” Avi takes a deep interest in people across the community. Avi is one of the most respected leaders of the Old Broadway Synagogue. Shortly after his marriage to Beth, in the late 1970s, a fellow Yeshiva University student told him about a warm shul and its wonderful rov in West Harlem. Once Avi came up to Old Broadway and met Rabbi Kret, zt”l, he was moved by Rabbi Kret’s learning and concern for others. He found the place that would be his spiritual home. Avi has played a key role, especially since Rabbi Kret retired in 1997, in running the shul. He is involved in all aspects of its operation, including greeting everyone who comes in to daven and arranging for all of the baalei keriah. Avi is a frequent contributor to our cholent fund and he arranges for all of the lulavim and esrogim each year. Avi is a source of inspiration and wisdom for his children, Raya, Eli and Dalia, and for the entire Old Broadway community.

Meet Our Honoree

Paul Radensky Growing up in Southern California, Paul Radensky spent many of his weekends sailing with his parents to Catalina and the other Channel Islands. His came to New York to study at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1987 and soon married his wife Laura. Paul was soon attracted by Rabbi Kret’s warmth and the Eastern European feel of Old Broadway and by 1993, he had become a regular. President of the Old Broadway Synagogue since 2001, Paul has worked hard to preserve the historic character of the building and keep it safe and properly functioning. He raised money for the stained glass windows that were installed in 2003, replaced the boiler in 2009, the sukkah in 2010 and most recently, replaced the roof in 2010-2011. Paul also makes the cholent every week. Paul is a respected teacher in the 92nd Street Y’s Derekh Torah program and is the Museum Educator for Jewish Schools at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. He and his wife Laura have four children: Sheyna, Asher, Binyamin and Chana.

From The President

It is a great privilege for me to serve as president of the Old Broadway Synagogue/Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi as we celebrate our hundredth anniversary. We would not have been able to reach this milestone if it was not for the untiring efforts of a group of dedicated families and individuals. We are honoring a number of these tonight. Gloria Sadoff Landy's parents, Sam and Reva Sadoff, were warm, caring people who were committed to Judaism and committed to the Old Broadway Synagogue. Gloria and her husband Eugene are maintaining the tradition of Gloria's parents in their support of the synagogue and other Jewish causes. On example of Gloria's activities is her leadership in Holocaust education at the United Nations. Dale Brown's grandparents were among the founders of the congregation and the Browns continued to be active and work for the synagogue for decades. Dale carries the banner of the Brown family and heads our Cemetery Committee, our Garden Committee and is involved in many other aspects of the shul. Avi Terry has been a regular at the Old Broadway Synagogue for forty years. A warm, loving person, Avi arranges our Torah readers, and works behind the scenes on many aspects of shul administration. He is also a fount of wisdom who helps us navigate through sometimes choppy seas. I am very

pleased to be an honoree and humbled to be counted together with Gloria, Dale and Avi. I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity of serving our congregation. I must say that the credit for whatever I have accomplished goes to my wife, Laura, and my four children, Sheyna, Asher, Binyamin and Chana, who have generously supported all my efforts for the shul and have attended nearly every shul event. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the other officers of the synagogue. Orrin Tilevitz, our Financial and Recording Secretary, Jonathan Schachter, our Vice President, and Jacob Worenklein, our Chair of the Board of Trustees. All three are generous supporters and trusted advisers who have worked tireless for the shul. Special thanks are also due to Igor Gantz, who does the work of many in leading the services, setting up kiddushim and generally making sure that the shul runs smoothly. Thanks are also due to Hershel Rubinstein, Dr. Eliott Kahn, Benjamin and Saadia McIntosh, Avi Friedman, Doug Loring, Itay Zutra, Seth Chalmer, Dr. Steve Mackey, Rhonda Taylor-Ramsuer, Philippe and Tashia Amstislavski and many others without whom the shul would not be able to function. Acharon acharon chaviv, I would like to remember and thank Rabbi Jacob Kret, ztâ&#x20AC;?l and his wife, Mrs. Chana Kret, zâ&#x20AC;?l. The Krets built upon the foundations of Torah and chesed that had been established by the Browns and the Sadoffs and others. They cultivated these values in the shul and in their congregants for nearly fifty years. We would not be here if not for them. Looking forward, I hope that we will be able to continue to restore our building so that it will be safe an beautiful and be able to serve us for decades to come. I hope that we will continue to have beautiful davenning, great shiurim, lovely kiddushim and warm camaraderie. Most importantly, I hope that we will grow and thrive as a warm and inviting Makom Torah. In this way, we will convey the precious gift that was given to us to the new generation that is arriving and to those who will come after us. Paul Radensky

On Reaching One Hundred Yehuda b. Tema, one of the sages of Pirkei Avot, once mapped out the human experience in accordance with progressing age. He saw the coda of the human experience coming at the century mark, observing that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;at one hundred, it as if he is dead and passed away from the world.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Avot 5:24) It is with that pessimistic observation in the background that we turn and marvel at the 100th anniversary of the Old Broadway Synagogue. At one plane, we take note of the fact that longevity is precisely the distinction between individuals and institutions. Whilst thriving at the age of 100 is, alas, well beyond what even the most optimistic individuals might reasonably aspire towards, it is precisely the unique strength of institutions that they might successfully bridge the passing of one generation to the next. On another plane, however, there were more than a few skeptics who insisted that Yehuda b. Temaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensibility would maintain even for an institution in the case of Old Broadway. Truth be told, the challenges were formidable. Demographic shifts in the

neighborhood, as well as the loss of towering figures such as the remarkable Rabbi Jacob Kret, zecher tzadik l’vrachah, all threatened to put the century mark out of reach. And yet, thanks to the truly astounding perseverance and dedication of numerous individuals, and at their forefront, those being honored on this occasion, Old Broadway thrives to this very day. Their toil, their vision, their fortitude, and their commitment are the very lifeblood of the synagogue, and it is to them that we, and all of klal yisrael, are truly indebted. May the Almighty watch over them and their families, and may their countless contributions be repaid in kind by He who is ‘ne’eman l’shalem sechar tov l’yire’av.’ With Great Admiration, Daniel Fridman

UR O M

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We gratefully appreciate the support of our contributors.

15 Old Broadway New York, NY 10027 (212) 662-9767 http://oldbroadwaysynagogue.blogspot.com/

100th Anniversary Dinner Platinum

Congratulations to Old Broadway Synagogue, a Beacon of Warmth and Kindness, Reflecting the Spirit and Goodness of Rabbi and Mrs. Jacob Kret, and to our Honorees Gloria Sadoff Landy Dale Brown Paul Radensky Avi Terry for all you have done for our Synagogue Jacob and Cindy Worenklein

100th Anniversary Dinner Gold

The Officers, Directors, Shareholders and Friends of UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE Amex:UMH) and Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (NYSE:MNR) gratefully acknowledge 43 years of service, dedication and assistance by Gloria Sadoff Landy. We are all proud of her service as a non-governmental representative at the United Nations and her national and international service in major causes and organizations.

Eugene W. Landy, Chairman of the Board UMH and MNR Samuel A. Landy, President UMH Michael P. Landy, Chief Operating Officer MNR

100th Anniversary Dinner Gold

Congratulations to Honoree Dale Brown for all she has done and all she will continue to do for Old Broadway, the Jewish Community and the Brown family. With Love, The Davis Brown Family Circle and Les, Patsy, Dylan, Sarah and Samuel.