History of The Norwood Congregation (B'Nai Avraham - Cincinnati, Ohio)

1967

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 What have we accomplished in the 35 years we've been in this building? One thing very important: we have become a family in-stead of just a congregation. As new members have joined, they were taken into this family and made to feel at home in it. The principle we have lived up to since the founding of the synagogue is that every one wishing to worship with us is welcome, be they member or stranger. We have never sold any seats for the High Holy Days; anyone wishing.to attend our services has been welcome to attend our services absolutely free of charge. During these 35 years, we have had student Rabbis who conducted services on Friday evenings and supervised the Religious School and Cheder. The Oneg Shabbats following the Friday evening services were always enjoyable. In 1940, through the untiring efforts of Max Gottesman, we acquired a cemetery in Covedale. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Comins donated, in honor of their father, Michael Meisel, the beautiful Tree of Life which hangs in our Synagogue. Our members have had inscribed on the leaves of this Tree of Life, their names and the names of their families. Other tribute funds were the Joseph Salomon Fund and the Lillian Friedman Memorial Fund, which is still in existence and which was started with a donation from the family of Mrs. Lillian Friedman, one of our older members. All of the holidays - Rosh Ha Shonah, Yom Kippur, Simchas Torah, Hanukkah and Purim have always been celebrated with appropriate ceremonies, including programs by the children in the Religious School. Carnivals and dinners were held for money-making purposes. During World War II, cookies and appropriate gifts were sent to all relatives of members of the Congregation. These were sent on all religious and civic holidays.