The short successful life of our first Jewish organization
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below: 1845 Great Gift to Israelitic Society, land for its first synagogue |
Surprisingly, no copy of this historic document is on public display. How good to think of it being viewed by visitors to its modern counterpart: our Cleveland Jewish Federation and also in the core exhibit of the Maltz Museum. The second document, the deed to Willet Street Cemetery dated August 7, 1840 has always been available at the Cuyahoga County Recorder and is now online. The third document, recorded on September 17, 1844 is the deed to land for our first synagogue, a gift from the agent for the original owner of this part of the Western Reserve. Though Congregation Anshe Chesed had been formed in 1842, the gift was made to the Israelitic (also Israelite) Society. One object remains: the headstone of Alexander Kahnweiler, buried in Willet Street Cemetery by Society members on Friday, August 7, 1840 -- the same day the cemetery deed was recorded. The original stone, unreadable after 180 years of Cleveland weather, is now stored at Mayfield Cemetery. A new headstone will soon be dedicated. |
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Thanks to Prof.
Jay Geller, CWRU |