Cincinnati Enquirer, "School for Hebrew Education," article from 5/29/1916

1916

caption:
SCHOOL

For Hebrew Education,

The Talmud Torah, Dedicated With Impressive Ceremonies - Address By Mayor Puchta



Realization of a long-cherished dream was experienced by Cincinnati Jews yesterday afternoon, when they dedicated the new building of the Cincinnati Talmud Torah, the Hebrew Free School, John and Hopkins streets.



Mayor Puchta, Rabbis A. J. G. Lesser and Joseph Levine and Max Levy, President of the Talmud Torah, were the principal speakers. Abraham Friedman, Chairman of the Dedication Committee, presided.



The ceremonies started with the procession of more than 400 pupils from the old building on Barr street to the new home, led by a band of 20 pieces. The exercises were he’d in the open air in the read of the building. Mayor Puchta said in part:

“On behalf of the citizens of Cincinnati I want to congratulate you upon your accomplishment. Knowing your early trials and tribulations as I do, I heartily congratulate you.

“The dedication of buildings in one of the most ancient of ceremonies. History records the dedication of the Ancient Tabernacle of Moses, 1491 B.C., and we are told about the dedication of King Solomon’s Temple, 1003 B.C., and then on down through the ages, no matter what the country, or who the people, right down to the present time, history continues to point out the dedication of shrines, temples, monuments, buildings, that are reminders of things dear to the nations, dear to the people directly interested.

“On this occasion we dedicate this building, this school of the Talmud Torah Society, which is devoted to education and especially to moral and religious training.”



The musical part of the program included the singing of the “Hatikvah,” “America” and the “Star-spangled Banner,” with hand accompaniment.

More than $3,000 was raised during the auction that followed the service. Morris Stone purchased the golden key, with which the building was opened later, for $350. The formal opening of the building was the occasion of a big demonstration, and was the signal for the opening of the bazaar in the building, which is to continue all week.

Rooms in the building were auctioned to the following: Room 1, Samuel Goldberg, $20; Room 2, Nathan Hellman, $100; Room 3, William Hirschfield, $150; Room 4, Lewis Levlson, $150; Room 5, Mrs. Rachael Levi, $150; Room 6, Miss Lottie Wachsman, $150; Room 7, Nancy J. Levi, in memory of Jacob Levi, $150; Room 8, Sam Rosenberg, $150; library, the B. Manischowitz Company, $125; Board of Directors’ room, Morris Stone $100; gymnasium, Morris Stone, $100; Rabbi Lesser’s room, Morris Stone, $100; kitchen, Morris Stone, $25.

Many cash contributions, ranging from $5 to $50 were received. Max Levy was auctioneer.

The building and furnishings represent an investment of $50,000. It is the largest free Hebrew school in the United States, and will accommodate 600 children.

Classes for adults will be established for instruction in Jewish history and tradition. The dedication program will continue all week, featured by a ladies’ bazaar. The Cicero Club carnival, a cabaret performance by Junior Deborah Circle, assisted by the Spear Club, tea parties by Senior Deborah Circle, and dancing are nightly features.