Temple Sholom Building Dedication Booklet (Cincinnati, OH)

February 5 1960

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History… Five Eventful Years

In the Summer of 1954, Temple Sholom was born. The July 8h American Israelite reported that Rabbi Stanley R. Brav would, by Fall, become spiritual leader of a new suburban congregation. On July 11th, a group of six prepared a letter announcing to the Cincinnati Jewish community the establishment of Temple Sholom. The group included Arnold Beck, Leonard Seligman, Harris Tash, and William Maxwell - all destined for congregational presidency.

Three days later the first of twenty-four parlor meetings was held. At that meeting the new Temple was discussed, later a charter was obtained from the State of Ohio, and the congregation-to-be began with twelve member families.

Before the month was over, the Temple was occupying 7471 Ross Avenue. This location, formerly a Lutheran Church, was first leased, then purchased as a temporary sanctuary by the “founding fathers.”

On September 10th, the Congregation held its first Sabbath Eve service at the Chapel of the Hebrew Union College. Holy Days were observed at the Chapel for five years. Regular worship at Ross Avenue commenced on September 17, 1954, and continued there until March 6, 1959. During this period, midweek religious classes were held in private homes. Saturday religious classes were housed at Roselawn Public School

From the very start there was instituted a full program of worship, religious school, adult education, and auxiliaries for men, women and youth.

Nearly 200 “charter-member” families had enrolled by January 20,  1955. On that day the Congregational Dedication Dinner took place with formal installation of the Rabbi and consecration of the members.

A search for a permanent location began almost immediately. On December 6, 1955, the Congregation voted to confirm the option of purchasing the site chosen after ten months of investigation. Sacrificial pledges to the Building Fund led to serious planning for permanent facilities.

An impressive Land Dedication Ceremony was held on October 13, 1957, at the corner of Ridge Road and Longmeadow Lane. A short time later the original 4.5 beautiful acres were augmented by an addition of 2.75 acres.