The Dalston Synagogue/Text
THE
DALSTON SYNAGOGUE.
AN HISTORICAL SKETCH,
וְהָיָה רֵאשִׁיתְךָ מִצְעָר וְאַחֲרִיתְךָ, יִשְׂגֶּה מְאֹד׃
"Small indeed may thy beginning be, but thy latter end shall greatly increase."
THIS utterance of the pious Bildad the Shuhite seems singularly applicable to the Dalston Synagogue, in view of its remarkable history. Few of those who, some thirty-six years ago, gathered together in Dalston for the purpose of prayer, could have anticipated that the tiny rivulet which they started going would within a decade have grown into a stream whose waters are now the most considerable that quicken the religious life of North London Jewry. Till the seventies, the number of Jews resident in the district converging on Kingsland Road was extremely small. A vigorous impetus was given to this number, however, by the demolition of many old streets in the East End, which sent multitudes away from that region to find a new home in Dalston. As the North London Synagogue—the nearest house of worship to the Jewish inhabitants of Dalston—was much too distant, the desire for a local Synagogue soon began to be felt, and only required the zeal and energy of an enthusiast to give it actuality and form. Such an enthusiast was found in the person of Mr. Elias Cohen, who had not long previously moved to Dalston from the City. Born in Chatham in 1820, the son of the minister of the local Jewish congregation, Mr. Cohen had inherited much of his father's piety and religious ardour. It was not long after his arrival in the North of London that the movement for the formation of a new Congregation began to take practical shape. On May 3rd, 1874, a date of considerable importance in the annals of Dalston Jewry, the first meeting was held for the purpose of taking measures for the erection of a Synagogue for the Jewish inhabitants of the Dalston and Hackney districts. In response to an appeal issued by Mr. E. Cohen, about a dozen gentlemen foregathered at 12, Richmond Road, Dalston, the residence of Mr. J. Euphrate. Mr. Cohen took the chair, and after he had set forth in impressive language the paramount importance of making adequate provision for the religious needs of the locality, the meeting unanimously passed the following resolution, on the motion of Mr. A. Rosenberg, seconded by Mr. A. Marks:—"That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to establish a Synagogue in the vicinity of Hackney, Dalston and Ball's Pond, and that a Provisional Committee be formed for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution."
The Provisional Committee that was thereupon elected was constituted as follows: Chairman, Mr. Elias Cohen; Vice-Chairman, Mr. Isaac Isaacson; Treasurer, Mr. Jacob Vandenbergh (son-in-law of the preceding); Hon. Sec., Mr. Morris Duparc, with Messrs. J. Euphrate, I. Goudsmit, A. M. Marks, A. Rosenberg, and S. Trenner.
A fortnight later, the projectors of the new Synagogue met at 112, Graham Road, Dalston, the residence of Mr. Vandenbergh, when it was decided to take immediate steps to secure premises for the holding of divine worship, the said premises to be situated as near as possible in the proximity of the Dalston Junction Station. A collection that was made in the room at the same time, to meet the expenses incurred in carrying the terms of the resolution into effect, received a very liberal response. Having, by their fortnight's canvass, convinced themselves that their movement corresponded with a real and genuinely-felt want in the neighbourhood, the projectors decided now to take a more definite step for the securing of their end. The Provisional Committee was dissolved, and replaced by a Permanent Committee, which was constituted as follows: Chairman, Mr. K. Cohen; Vice-Chairman, Mr. I. Isaacson; Treasurer, Mr. J. Vandenbergh; Hon. Sec., M. Duparc; Trustees, Messrs. G. Phillips and J. Solomons, with Messrs. Joseph Chapman, E. Goudsmit, A. M. Marks, M. Setton, and S. Trenner.
Setting to work without delay to find suitable premises, the Committee before long engaged a large and commodious room at Colvestone House, Birkbeck Road, together with a spacious conservatory in the rear for the accommodation of the ladies. The two apartments, which together were capable of seating about 200 persons with comfort, were at once converted into a place of worship, and services were held there before and during the High Festivals. A Scroll of the Law, and a Shofar were lent to the worshippers by the Dayan Aaron Levy; Mr. E. Benjamin acted as Baal Tokea; Mr. J. Euphrate read the Law, and a Mr. W. Stern, of Hull, officiated as Kazan.
The unexpectedly large Congregations which attended these prayer meetings during the Festivals served only to intensify the desire of the members to obtain a permanent and properly-appointed place of worship. On September 16th, a meeting of the seat-holders was convened by Mr. E. Cohen at Colvestone House, when the one important question was thoroughly discussed. The Committee that had been commissioned to acquire a temporary place of worship were thanked for their services, and discharged, and a new Committee was elected, to secure the erection of a permanent edifice. The new Committee consisted of the following gentlemen: President, .Mr. E. Cohen; Vice-President, Mr. I. Isaacson; Treasurer, Mr. J. Vandenbergh; Hon. Sec., Mr. M. Duparc, with Messrs. A. M. Marks, Leman Levy, S. Goldman, A. Rosenberg, S. Trenner, M. Cohen, and Rev. M. H. Myers. Messrs. Isaacson and Goldman were furthermore appointed Trustees. A collection which was made among the members present towards the cost of the erection totalled close on £100.
Even in those early days, the members of the Dalston Synagogue showed that they were keenly alive to the primary obligation which rests on every responsible Congregation to provide for the religious instruction of the children. Almost immediately after the conclusion of the High Festivals, an Education Committee, consisting of the President, the Vice-President, the Treasurer, and Mr. A. M. Marks, was appointed, and charged with the duty of establishing Religion Classes. When formed, the conduct of these classes was entrusted to the Rev. M. H. Myers, who gave his services gratuitously.
In the winter of this year, the nascent Congregation received a welcome addition to its ranks by the accession of Mr. Marks Manus, who joined hands with it, together with a Minyan which he had formed at his residence in Clephane Road.
Now that the Congregation was getting well under weigh, and a capable cleric in a double sense of the word had been obtained in the person of the Rev. M. H. Myers, Mr. Morris Duparc, who had hitherto discharged the duties of Hon. Secretary, considered that the time had arrived for his retirement. Having gracefully tendered his resignation, the Committee took the opportunity to place on record their keen appreciation of his valued services at a critical period in the Congregation's history.
The movement to establish a permanent Synagogue was pushed on with zest and vigour. On December 27th, 1874, a sub-Committee, consisting of Messrs. Manus, M. Cohen and M. Marks, was appointed to negociate for the acquisition of a suitable building. At a meeting of the Committee held on May 2nd, 1875, the Hon. Sec. reported that an agreement for the leasing of a plot of ground in Newington Green Road was awaiting their ratification. Having given their approval, the arrangements for the leasing of the ground were concluded by the Building Committee on the following 20th May, an action which was endorsed by the seat-holders at a general meeting held on June 6th. Mr. M. A. Rozelaar, who now appears for the first time in the records of the Congregation, was elected Treasurer of the Building Fund. Donations towards the cost of the erection, amounting to £150 4s., were announced at this meeting.
All promised well, but the sanguine young Congregation had reckoned without the North London Synagogue. Perceiving with unerring intuition the danger of permitting a synagogue to be erected in such close propinquity to Highbury New Park, which with its environs formed the most fertile recruiting ground for members for the North London Synagogue, the executive of that place of worship initiated a vigorous opposition to the movement. A heated discussion broke out in the Jewish Press; anonymous pamphlets were written, acrimoniously denouncing the promoters of the projected Synagogue, and Mr. E. Cohen was accused of threatening a secession from the Chief Rabbi, should he refuse his countenance and support to the projected building. To pour oil on troubled waters, Dr. Adler summoned representatives of both Congregations to an interview at his office, with a view to composing their differences; but his efforts at peace-making proved unavailing. It was contended by the supporters of the North London Synagogue that the quarter for whose religious needs Mr. Cohen and his coadjutors had originally sought to make provision were the more remote Hackney and Dalston districts, and that so long as they confined their efforts to that region, so far from encountering opposition, they would receive the most cordial support from North London. Only when they threatened the financial stability of the older Congregation by approaching so near its borders, would North London continue to offer the most strenuous resistance to the movement. At a meeting of the seat-holders of the North London Synagogue, convened by Mr. B. Birnbaum at his residence on August 14th, public expression was given to their objections to the proposed erection. It was pointed out by the Chairman that for seven years North London had been struggling against great difficulties, and now, when these difficulties were being surmounted, and the liabilities incurred in the building of the Synagogue were being extinguished, they were threatened with a grave situation at their very door. A resolution, proposed by the late Mr. Henry Hart, and unanimously adopted, faithfully reflected the feeling of the meeting:—
"That in the opinion of this meeting the erection of a Synagogue in the Newington Green Road is to be deeply regretted, inasmuch as it not only must prejudicially interfere with the interests of the North London Synagogue, but because it will fail to provide, except to a very small extent, for the wants of the residents of Dalston and Hackney, for which purpose the movement was originally inaugurated."
Opposition seemed rather to stimulate than diminish the energy of the promoters of the new Synagogue. An application was made to the United Synagogue for a grant of £2,000 towards the erection. It was stated that £1,000 had already been collected, and £400 had been promised. The proposed building was to accommodate 200 gentlemen and 150 ladies. The sub-committee appointed by the United Synagogue to consider the application reported unfavourably. It did not consider that the Dalston Building Committee had received sufficient support to justify the recommendation of a grant of £2,000.
Defeated in their application to the United Synagogue, the promoters of the Dalston Synagogue, however, were not to be deflected from their purpose to have their own place of worship. At a general meeting held in January, 1876, it was decided to lease a plot of ground at 120, Mildmay Road, from Messrs. Stroud, the freeholders, for a period of 90. years at a yearly rental of £40. Messrs. M. J. Winkel and J. Chapman were added to the Building Committee, who were charged with the settlement of the lease. The plans and specifications of the new Synagogue were drawn up by Mr. Isidore Spielmann, who gave his services gratuitously, and the contract for its erection was placed with Mr. Kent, of Euston Road.
The Synagogue, which was constructed within the space of five weeks, was a building of corrugated iron, the interior being walled and grained with varnished yellow and pitch pine. There were four Gothic windows on either side, and there was one of coloured glass above the Ark. It had accommodation for about 200 worshippers, but ample space was provided for a possible extension. The portion set apart for the ladies was at the end of the building opposite the Ark, and divided from the other part of the Synagogue by a dwarf screen. The entire cost of the structure was between £400 and £500.
The Synagogue was registered as a Jewish place of worship under the style and title of the Dalston Synagogue. The yearly rental of the seats, as fixed by the Committee, was as follows:—£8 8s., £6 6s., £5 5s., £4 4s £3 3s., £2 12s. 6d., £2 2s. Ladies' seats were charged at £2 2s. and £1 1s.
It was about this time that the young Congregation suffered a heavy loss through the death of its Vice-President, Mr. I. Isaacson, who had been one of its most active promoters. His place was filled by Mr. S. Goldman.
As a proof of the steady growth and progress of the Congregation, the estimated income of the year 1876 was fixed at £250. It was deemed that the time was now ripe for the engagement of a properly qualified Hazan, and the choice of the Congregation fell on Mr. Jacob Lesser, who was elected in that capacity on November 8th, 1875, for a period of three years. Mr. Lesser, who was born in London on October 22nd, 1833, received his Hebrew training under Myer Rintel, a well-known Jewish teacher of a former generation. Following his father's occupation, he entered the service of the Shechita Board as Shomer. Gifted with a melodious voice, and inspired by a deep religious feeling, he became attached to the Synagogue from his very earliest years. At the age of seven already he was a chorister at the Duke's Place Synagogue under Asher and Mombach. Later in life he sang as baritone in the Western Synagogue, St. Alban's Place, and for three years acted there as second Reader, from 1872-1875, until his election at the Dalston Synagogue. The Rev. M. H. Myers, who had hitherto given his services as Minister and Superintendent of the Classes without remuneration, was elected at the same time in these capacities at a practically nominal salary. After the expiry of their term of probation, both gentlemen were elected permanently in their respective offices on April 27th, 1879.
The new Synagogue was formally opened for divine worship on the Sunday preceding New Year 1876. The Rev. J. Lesser, assisted by a small choir, and the Rev. M. H. Myers were the officiating ministers. On both days of the New Year the Synagogue was crowded, thus setting at rest the question which had been so hotly disputed whether a new house of prayer was needed to meet the requirements of the neighbourhood. The first Chosan Torah and Chosan Berishith of the new Synagogue were Mr. M. Boas and Mr. P. Leuw respectively.
At the general election of this year Mr. J. Vandenbergh relinquished the office of Treasurer, though remaining on the Committee. He was succeeded by Mr. M. A. Rozelaar. Yor a considerable time the Congregation suffered from the inconvenience, of having no consecrated cemetery of its own, and it was not till February 23rd, 1878, that at length, thanks to the laudable persistency of Mr. J. Chapman, arrangements were made with the United Synagogue whereby suitable burial rights were acquired at a fee of £1 1s. 0d. per member.
The year 1878 saw a complete change in the personnel of the Executive, Mr. Freeman Cohen, Mr. M. Manus and Mr. M. Van Thai replacing Mr. Elias Cohen, Mr. S. Goldman and Mr. M. A, Roselaar as President, Vice-President and Treasurer respectively.
Mr. E. Cohen, who had been in failing health, died in August, 1879, and his incomparable services to the Congregation were duly recognized in a touching letter of condolence addressed to his widow.
Mr. Rozelaar's retirement from office was but temporary, for in 1881 he returned as Vice-President, Mr. P. Lewey becoming Treasurer in the same year in place of Mr. Van Thai. In 1883, on the resignation of Mr. Lewey, Mr. Marks Kruszinski was promoted to the Treasurership.
In the winter of 1880, the movement for securing a fitting house of prayer was once more revived, and negociations were entered into with the United Synagogue with the view of the Dalston Synagogue being admitted into the Union. The Jewish population of the district had been growing by leaps and bounds, and this time, when the Vice-President of the United Synagogue, the late Mr. Lionel L. Cohen, was approached by representatives of the Dalston Synagogue, he manifested a very favourable attitude towards their project, in earnest of which he presented the Congregation with two Scrolls of the Law. Encouraged by his powerful support, energetic efforts were once more made to acquire a place of worship more in keeping with the dignity and importance of the Congregation. On January 1st, 1882, a Building Committee, with Messrs. Alfred de Rothschild and S. Simons as Treasurers, was appointed to secure the erection of a suitable Synagogue. On March 16th, 1884, after much negociation, a plot of ground in Poet's Road, measuring 138 ft. by 102 ft., was purchased by the Building Committee, with the approval both of the Congregation and the United Synagogue, for the sum of £650 and a ground rental of £40 per annum. The lease was for 99 years, and the Congregation had the option to purchase, the freehold for the sum of £1,100 by December 25th, 1886. Mr. N. S. Joseph was engaged as architect, and rapid progress was made with the building. Exclusive of site, the whole cost of the structure when completed, with all its fittings, arrangements for heating, lighting and ventilation, and including residences for the minister and caretaker, amounted to less than £7,000.
At a general meeting of the seat-holders held on December 14th, 1884, it was decided to retain the services of the three salaried officers, the Revs. J. Lesser, M. H. Myers, and Mr. Altman, in the new Synagogue. Mr. Myers, however, whose lamented death took place shortly after, felt compelled to tender his resignation on March l0th, 1885. In recognition of his services a sum of 250 was unanimously voted for him by the Committee. The office of Preacher, Second Reader, and Secretary having become vacant, an advertisement was inserted in the Jewish papers inviting applications. Four candidates were adopted, the Revs. H. Gollancz, L. Canter, M. Hyainson, and Mr. B. Saul. The Rev. L. Canter and Mr. B. Saul having retired from the contest, an open field was left to Revs. H. Gollancz and M. Hyamson, then a very young man. On May 31st, 1885, at a general meeting specially convened for the purpose, Mr. Gollancz was elected by 52 votes to 24 cast for his friend and rival. Seven years later, after Mr. Gollancz had been translated to Bayswater, Mr. Hyamson was destined to succeed him in the position for which they had once so vigorously contended.
In July, 1885, the last stone of the building—the Crowning Stone of the Ark was formally laid by Mr. Samuel Montagu, who, although not immediately connected with the Synagogue or the district, had nevertheless been actively associated with the development of the Dalston Congregation and the erection of the new structure. The occasion was celebrated by a special solemn service, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Hermann Adler and Rev. M. Hast, the latter of whom was supported by a large and efficient choir, consisting of members of the choirs of the Great, St. John's Wood, and other Synagogues, under the able and experienced direction of Mr. Henri de Solla, choirmaster of the Great Synagogue, who also presided at the harmonium.
Shortly after three o'clock the service was commenced by the Rev. M. Hast chanting four verses from the Hallel (Ps. 118, 21-24). Mr. Samuel Montagu, who was accompanied by Mr. Freeman Cohen (President), Mr. M. A. Rozelaar (Vice-President), Mr. S. Simons (Treasurer), Mr. S. F. Cohen (Hon. Sec. of the Building Committee), and Mr. N. S. Joseph, the architect, then proceeded to the choir gallery over the Ark to place in position the "Crowning Stone of the Ark." This was laid with the formality usually attending the ceremony of laying a foundation stone. The President, in presenting in the name of his colleagues a handsome massive trowel (with a suitable inscription) to Mr. Montagu, said: "Mr. Montagu, I am deputed by the Dalston Congregation to present to you this trowel, wherewith to lay the crowning stone of this holy building. I feel greatly honoured that this task has been allotted to me, particularly when presenting it to such a good and charitable Jehudi as you are known to be, and in doing so I wish you long life and happiness." Mr. Montagu expressed his thanks for the honour which had been done to him, and for the handsome gift. He then lowered the stone, and having given it the customary three taps, said, "I declare this last stone of the building to be well and truly laid."
The usual dedication service was proceeded with, and seven circuits were made by a procession composed of the following gentlemen, carrying Scrolls of the Law: the Revs. Dr. H. Adler, B. H. Ascher, H. Gollancz and J. Lesser, Mr. Samuel Montagu, Dr. A. Asher, Messrs. N. S. Joseph, Freeman Cohen, M. A. Rozelaar, S. Simons, E. A. Franklin, M. Kruszinski, J. Magnus, and J. Birn. At the conclusion of the circuits, Mr. Algernon F. Sydney, the honorary solicitor of the United Synagogue, opened the Ark, and deposited the Scrolls of the Law in the sacred hold.
Afternoon service was then read by the Rev. J. Lesser, at the conclusion of which, the Rev. Dr. Adler, Delegate Chief Rabbi, delivered a sermon and offered a dedicatory prayer.
The Consecration Service occurred in the same week when the first Jew, in the person of Sir Nathaniel de Rothschild, was elevated to the peerage. The preacher skilfully turned this circumstance to account by observing that the elevation of the President of the United Synagogue was the very "Crowning Stone of the Ark" of Anglo-Jewish emancipation. He sought to soothe the apprehensions of the members of the North London Synagogue, whose fears for their financial stability were no less keen than they had been a decade earlier. Having himself gone through the experience of seeing a new Synagogue opened in close proximity to his own, he was able to some extent to sympathise with the misgivings of the North London Synagogue. When the new West End Synagogue opened, he confessed to a certain feeling of sadness when, on the first Sabbath after the consecration, he missed many familiar and respected faces. But soon he recognised that the Synagogue had not suffered, and Judaism had gained. At the conclusion of the sermon, Dr. Adler opened the Ark, and the Rev. H. Gollancz read the prayer for the Royal Family. The service was then brought to a termination by the singing of the 150th Psalm.
The hon. officers and members of the Board of Management who held office at the time of the inauguration of the new Synagogue were as follows: President, Mr. Freeman Cohen; Vice-President, Mr. M. A. Rozelaar; Treasurer, Mr. S. Simons, with Messrs. M. Bentwich, J. Chapman, C. Cohen, M. Eppenheim, E. Gompers, S. Hess, P. Leuw, L. Lazarus, and M. J. Winkel. They had been elected in the previous April. Having now become incorporated in the United Synagogue, it was necessary to elect three representatives at the Council. At a general meeting held on September 6th, the choice of the members fell on Messrs. S. Simons, S. F. Cohen, and M. Bentwich.
The old iron building, which had now been vacated, was eventually sold to the South Hackney Congregation for £80.
The remarkable growth of the Jewish population of Dalston about this period was exhibited in the following circumstance. When a proposal was made to introduce one or two slight modifications, sanctioned by the Chief Rabbi, in the order of the service, it was decided to ascertain the views of the Congregation in regard to these proposed changes by means of a referendum. The result of the referendum was overwhelmingly in favour of the changes; whereupon two members of the Congregation led a secession, and so great was the number of Jewish residents in the district, that they found no difficulty in forming a new Congregation without causing any serious loss to Dalston. This Congregation, established in 1887 in Sandringham Road, has since developed into the Stoke Newington Synagogue. With this Synagogue Dalston has always maintained the friendliest relations, for although it was realised that the admission of Stoke Newington into the Union would entail inevitable financial loss on the older Congregation owing to the close contiguity of the two places of worship, yet no opposition was raised to its erection, because it was recognised that, although Dalston might suffer, North London Jewry would necessarily gain.
The year 1887 is especially memorable in the annals of the Dalston Synagogue for the retirement from office of Mr. Freeman Cohen. He had guided the destinies of the Congregation for a space of nine years, and had been at the helm during its transition period from the "iron" to the "brick" age. A generous tribute was paid to his work by Mr. M. A. Rozelaar, as the mouthpiece of the Congregation, at the general election of 1887. On June 7th of the same year he passed away, to the widespread sorrow of the community. His place as Warden was taken by Mr. M. Kruszinski.
In February, 1892, the Rev. H. Gollancz was elected Preacher to the Bayswater Synagogue in succession to the Rev. Dr. H. Adler. His election to that dignified position necessitated the severance of his official connection with the Dalston Synagogue. In accepting his resignation, Mr. Simons, the Presiding Warden of the time, expressed the conviction on behalf of the Board of Management and the Congregation that the departure of their Minister was viewed with general regret. The sentiments of the Congregation were exhibited in a more tangible form when on April 3rd, 1892, a day after his preaching his farewell sermon, a presentation was made to Mr. Gollancz expressive of the esteem and affection in which he was held, and the keen appreciation which his services during a period of seven years had evoked. Public tributes were furthermore paid to his work outside the Congregation. A long and appreciative notice of his career in North London appeared in the North London Gazette of April 8th, which the week previously published his portrait as a Supplement.
The post of Minister having become vacant, immediate steps were taken by the Board of Management to fill it. In reply to their advertisement published in the Jewish Press, applications were received from Revs. M. Adler, A. A. Green, M. Hyamson, E. P. Phillips, and J. Phillips. Mr. Hyamson and Mr. J. Phillips, who at the time were single men, were informed that in the event of either the one or the other being the successful candidate he would have to marry within twelve months. The Rev. A. A. Green, who had in the meantime been invited to become a candidate for the post of Minister at the newly-established Synagogue in Hampstead, withdrew from Dalston. The election was decided on October 4th, the Rev. M. Hyamson being returned at the head of the poll with 101 votes against. 97 recorded in favour of the next candidate, the Rev. M. Adler. Mr. Hyamson commenced his duties on December 16th, 1892, and remained at his post for nearly a decade, when he resigned owing to his promotion to the office of Dayan.
Committee of Workers among the Jewish Poor.—Early in 1893 Mrs. Hyamson signalised her husband's entry into office by establishing the North London Committee of Visitors among the Jewish poor. Acting in conjunction with the Board of Guardians, this Committee, which embraced both ladies and gentlemen, selected for their sphere of operations the area bounded by Leman Street and Cannon Street Road on the one part and Commercial Road and St. George's Street on the other. The cases reported by these visitors included many which required the gift of garments. To supply these a sewing department was formed by the ladies in connection with the Committee. Thus arose the Dorcas, which carries oh its useful and beneficent work to this day. Finding that the Board of Guardians had enlisted the services of many of its most active workers, and that is work could just as well be performed under the direct auspices of that institution, the North London Committee of Visitors decided in December, 1901, to dissolve their organisation. Unlike its parent institution, however, the Dorcas continues to show unabated vigour and vitality. Numbering some 100 members, the Dorcas became affiliated with the Jewish Ladies' Clothing Association, in the list of whose donors of garments it has for some years in succession held the pride of place in the number of garments contributed.
Mrs. Hyamson remained President of the Dorcas till her resignation in January, 1898, when her place was taken by Mrs. J. Rosenthal, who still occupies the position. Mrs. P. C. Jacobs is Vice-President and Treasurer. Mrs. J. Suskind was Hon. Secretary till her departure from the district, when she was succeeded by Mrs. K. Tumpowsky.
Ladies Society.—The direct association of the ladies with the interests and well-being of the Synagogue has not been exhausted by their work on the Dorcas. On September 28th, 1905, the Secretary of the Synagogue, Mr. Isaac Goldston, on his own initiative sent a circular to the ladies of the Congregation, inviting them to form a Ladies Committee, whose tasks, among others, should be the care and proper keeping of the Holy Vestments and the provision of the floral decorations of the Synagogue and Succah. Subsequently, this Committee, at the request of the Board of Management, formed themselves into a permanent institution under the style and title of "The Ladies Society in connection with the Dalston Synagogue." Mrs. Oscar Selinger was elected President, and Mrs. I. Goldston, Hon. Secretary. A little later, Mrs. A. Lewis was appointed Treasurer. On the resignation in July, 1907, of Mrs. Selinger and Mrs. Goldston from their respective offices, Mrs. A. Lewis became President, Mrs. B. S. Ellis, Treasurer, and the late Miss M. Moses, Hon. Secretary of the Society. Members of the Committee attend in rotation to superintend 'the keeping of the Synagogue in a seemly and becoming condition.' As a result of their conscientious ministrations, the outward appearance of the Dalston Synagogue has for years past been beyond reproach.
Coming back now to history, we have to note, at the general election of 1893, the falling out of the ranks of one of the most familiar figures connected with the Congregation. On his departure from the neighbourhood, Mr. Moses A. Rozelaar deemed it incumbent upon him to sever his connection with a Synagogue which he had served with such conspicuous ardour and devotion for a period of fifteen years. In the address which was presented to him on his retirement from office, it was justly said, that the religious influence which the Dalston Synagogue had attained to, and the prosperity and success which had attended its career, had been due in no small measure to his unremitting zeal and self-denying labour. Mr. S. Hess, who had served several years previously on the Board of Management, succeeded him as Warden.
Hardly more than two years passed when a similar public expression of regret was evoked on the retirement from office of Mr. S. Simons and Mr. J. Berg, the former owing to his increasing age, and the latter through his removal from the district. Mr. Simons had held the position of Financial Representative and Warden during a period of ten years, and had furthermore represented it on the Board of Deputies. He had been largely instrumental, with Mr. Freeman Cohen, Mr. Rozelaar, Mr. Kruszinski, and Mr. S. F. Cohen, in procuring the erection, in 1885, of the Synagogue in Poet's Road, and had watched over its fortunes with zealous care and solicitude. His public activities had extended beyond the borders of the Congregation to the community at large. He had served as Treasurer of the Burial Society of the United Synagogue, and Chairman of the Loan Committee of the Board of Guardians. Mr. Joseph Berg had discharged the onerous and important duties of Financial Representative for a term of four years. As a proof of the earnest and thorough-going manner in which he had performed the functions of his office, it may be mentioned that the financial prosperity of the Congregation showed a marked upward movement under his regime.
Mr. Simons and Mr. Berg were succeeded in their respective positions by Mr. Wolfe Isaacs and Mr. Alfred Posener.
In the following year, 1896, Mr. Joseph Birn, who had tied at the last general election with Mr. Isaacs for the post of Warden, but had magnanimously retired from the position in favour of his opponent in order to preserve the peace of the Congregation and to avoid the necessity of a casting vote by the Council of the United Synagogue, entered the Warden's box for the first time, in place of Mr. S. Hess, who had resigned. Mr. Joseph Birn had served on the Board of Management for eight years previously. Due acknowledgments were made to Mr. S. Hess for his many years' loyal and zealous work for the benefit of the Congregation, both as Warden and member of the Board of Management,
Jewish Lads' Brigade.—Ever to the fore in all communal movements, the Dalston Synagogue was not long in giving active support to the organization of the Jewish Lads' Brigade, soon after its inauguration in 1895 by Colonel Goldsmid. In 1896, the North London Jewish Lads' Brigade was formed, and placed under the command of Captain Hyman Isaacs, drill being conducted in the Newington Green Board School, and later in the Congregational Class Rooms when these were opened. On his resignation he was succeeded in the charge of the company by Captain Joseph Hoffman, who 'was supported by Lieutenant Percy Josephs. In 1898 the latter was appointed commanding officer, and promoted at the same time to the rank of Captain. During his absence in 1900 in the South African campaign, his place at the head of the company was temporarily filled by Captain David Goodman. On his return to England Captain Josephs resigned, and was placed on the reserve. Captain D. Goodman was then gazetted commanding officer, and when he resigned he was succeeded by Captain Solomon. The company was finally disbanded in 1904.
Hebrew and Religion Classes.—It was about this period that a resolute effort was made to place the religious education of the children on a sounder and more systematic basis than had hitherto been the case. Classes had been established already in the very early days by the Rev. M. H. Myers, which had been taken over, re-organised, and developed both by the Rev. H. Gollancz and the Rev. M. Hyamson on their coming into office. But useful and admirable as the work of the Ministers undoubtedly was in this direction, it was recognised that the numerous other duties which fell to their portion precluded them from devoting to the instruction of the young more than the wonted two or three hours per week, a number of hours which was deemed inadequate. Classes were needed, which, conducted by properly qualified teachers, should meet at least six hours per week. The initiative in the matter was taken by Messrs. Waldemar Benscher and Herman Oppenheimer, with the active co-operation of the Minister. Prompted by these gentlemen, the Board of Management, on December 9th, 1895, elected a Committee on Education, consisting of the Executive with Messrs. Benscher, Drukker, Felsenstein, A. Kahn, H. Oppenheimer and J. A. Rozelaar, who were charged with the task of establishing Hebrew and Religion Classes on a self-supporting basis for the children of the district. The classes were opened for the first time on the 23rd of February, 1896, when 36 children were enrolled. At the end of the year there were 92 children on the register, who were divided into four classes. A special Neginoth class was taken from the very outset by the Rev. J. Lesser. Owing to want of adequate accommodation, the classes were originally conducted in the Synagogue. The inappropriateness of this mode of procedure was patent to all. Appealing to the United Synagogue, the Congregation were advised by Mr. N. S. Joseph to build class-rooms in the grounds of the Synagogue. A Building Committee, composed of the Executive with Messrs. J. Chapman and M. Drukker, was appointed to carry Mr. Joseph's suggestion into effect, with the addition that the building was to be made capable of being used as a Succah. Within five weeks after the plans had been submitted and approved, the structure was completed at a cost of £650, and on April nth, 1897, it was consecrated by the Chief Rabbi, with the co-operation of Mr. F. D. Mocatta. Mr. Benscher was the first Chairman of the Education Committee and Hon. Superintendent of the Classes, and Mr. H. H. Hyams the first Treasurer. On the retirement of Mr. Benscher from the chair, his place was taken by Mr. H. Oppenheimer. It was during his regime that Mr. I. Goldston was appointed Superintendent of the Classes by the Education Committee, on the strong recommendation of Dr. M. Friedlander, the examiner of the year.
Mr. Goldston had been on the teaching staff some two years previously, but his appointment as Superintendent dates from May 23rd, 1898. On the resignation of Mr. H. Oppenheimer, in September, 1900, Mr. M. Drukker was elected chairman in his place, a position that he still holds. The success of these classes is a matter of public knowledge, and their efficiency has been recognised by the highest educational authorities in the community. In a report published in 1908 by the Union of Hebrew and Religion Classes, the hon. examiners, Rev. Dayan Feldmau, Dr. A. Eicholz, H. M. I., Dr. L. Barnett, Herbert Adler, and Norman Bentwich, reported that "for the classes held at Poet's Road, under the headmastership of Mr. Isaac Goldston, the Education Committee have nothing but praise. A high standard of attainment has been secured in Hebrew Language, Religious Knowledge, History and Liturgy."
North of London Conjoint Canvassing Committee.—Dalston, however, has been no less zealous for Gemilulh Hasadim than for Torah. To further the beneficent work of the Board of Guardians, a Canvassing Committee was formed in January, 1897, which, as it embraced members both of the North London and Dalston Synagogues, was styled the North of London Conjoint Canvassing Committee for the Jewish Board of Guardians. That veteran communal worker, the late Mr. Henry Hart, was the first Chairman and Treasurer, and the Rev. M. Hyamson, the first Hon. Sec. In December, 1899, Mr H. Mayer relieved the Chairman of his duties as Treasurer, and on Mr. Hart's retirement from the Chair was promoted to that position in December, 1900, Mr. J. Birn taking his place as Treasurer. Further changes occurred in 1902, when, on the departure of Mr. H. Mayer from the district, Mr. J. Birn became Chairman and Mr. J. Goldhill Treasurer. Mr. I. Goldston was at the same time appointed Hon. Secretary vice Rev. M. Hyamson, resigned. Mr. J. Birn in his turn was followed in the Chair by Mr. J. Goldhill in 1907, Mr. A. Lewis then becoming Treasurer. In the course of its career the Canvassing Committee had spread its net so as to embrace the Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington Synagogues: but this expansive policy did not answer. The Committee became unwieldy and difficult to manage, finally dissolving in the winter of 1907. Each Congregation then undertook its own local collections in aid of the Board. The Dalston Synagogue Canvassing Committee rose from the ashes of the defunct institution, under the direct control of the Executive of the Congregation. From a financial point of view the Board of Guardians has suffered no loss by the dissolution of the partnership of the Synagogues.
The North London Jewish Literary and Social Union.—Another movement in which Dalston may claim the credit of having done pioneer work was in the institution of the North London Jewish Literary and Social Union. The institution of this Society was due to the initiative of Messrs. Albert M. Hyamson and W. Benscher, who in the early winter of 1897 called a meeting of select friends at the latter's house for the purpose of establishing a centre of literary and social intercourse in Dalston. Mr. Benscher acted as provisional chairman of the Society, which, when it was finally launched, elected Mr. B. M. Benjamin as its President. The brilliant success which attended the meetings of this Union gave an undoubted impetus to the formation of similar societies, not only in the metropolis but throughout the United Kingdom, and eventually led to the foundation of the Union of Literary Societies. Unlike so many kindred institutions which, like Jonah's gourd, sprang up overnight and died after a short space, the North London Union is still instinct with life and vigour.
Inspired by the example of this Literary Society, a movement was set on foot in 1903 to establish a similar institution for the benefit of those youths who were too young to be attracted by its ambitious programmes. A Junior Literary and Social Society was formed, which, after a dubious beginning, was reorganised, and is now pursuing a vigorous and many-sided activity, which includes the provision not only of lectures and debates, but of games and sports. Mr. I. Goldston is President of this Society, Mr. D. Spiro, B.A., Treasurer, and Messrs. H. M. Auerbach and J. da S. Haley, Hon. Sees.
In 1900, the Congregation had to mourn the loss by death of a valued administrator in the person of Mr. Wolfe Isaacs, who had zealously discharged the duties of Warden for a period of five years. A severe attack of illness had compelled him to retire from his post before the annual election of 1900, and to the general sorrow of the Congregation he passed away on May I7th, 1900. He had been Vice-President for many years of the Aged Jews' and Widows' Home. His place as Warden was taken by Mr. Philip Josephs.
In April, 1902, the Rev. M. Hyamson was elevated to the high and responsible position of Dayan of the community, an appointment which necessitated his resignation as minister of the Dalston Synagogue. The sense of loss, albeit tempered by satisfaction at his promotion, which was experienced by the Congregation, was expressed in a resolution that was proposed at the general meeting in May by the presiding Warden, seconded by his colleague, supported by the Financial Representative, and unanimously carried:-"That the members of the Dalston Synagogue in general meeting, while wishing to express their extreme regret at losing the services of so capable a worker as the Rev. M. Hyamson, B.A., L.L.B., congratulate him and the community on his appointment as Dayan, and wish him every success in his new sphere of labour." His place as Secretary was filled by the provisional appointment of Mr. Isaac Goldston, who the following year was elected permanently to the post.
Immediately after the High Festivals of 1902, the Board of Management took steps to fill the post vacated by Mr. Hyamson. Advertisements inviting applicants for the office were inserted not only in the English but in the Continental Jewish press. This course had been dictated by a feeling which had for a considerable time past been growing in the community that the Ministers trained at Jews' College fell short of the requisite standard of efficiency, and that a foreign trained Rabbi was better qualified to direct, the religious life of a Congregation. As a result of this wide-spread advertising, applications were received not only from all parts of the United Kingdom, but from Germany, Austria, Bohemia, Italy, Holland and the United States. After due consideration of the credentials and qualifications of the applicants, it was decided to recommend the applications of the following four gentlemen: Rev. J. Abelson, B.A., Rev. J. Harris, Rev. W. Levin, and Rabbi Moses Hofmann of Frankfurt-on-the-Maine. After having personally interviewed these gentlemen, and heard them conduct a trial service, the Board of Management decided to recommend Rabbi Hofmann as the sole candidate. The action of the Board of Management created strong disapproval in the Congregation, and on the initiative of Mr. H. H. Hyams and Mr. A. H. Woolf, a requisition, signed by 77 members, was presented to the Board, requesting the calling of a general meeting to decide whether only one or not less than two candidates should be submitted for election. The meeting was held on Sunday, March 15th, and after a heated debate it was resolved by 81 votes to 35 that not less than two candidates were to be put forward for the seat-holders themselves to elect their Minister. As a result of this vote, one of the Wardens and eight members of the Board of Management resigned. Two months later, at the general election, the contest for seats on the Board was fought with unusual keenness, though it is right to add without bitterness or passion. For the ten seats on the Board there were twenty-four candidates. Messrs. J. Birn and P. Josephs were once more elected Wardens. The Congregations as a whole was swayed by two dominating considerations, the consideration on the one hand that the qualifications of English trained Ministers were below the requisite level, and the consideration on the other hand that an unmerited injustice was being done to an institution like Jews' College, which for two generations had made the community its debtor by furnishing nearly every pulpit in the British Empire with an incumbent, a consideration which was furthermore accentuated by the view that the functions of an English Minister could only be adequately discharged by one of English education and experience. The contest was eventually brought to a decisive issue at a general meeting of the seat-holders held on Tuesday, July 28th, 1903, when the Rev. D. Wasserzug was elected by the narrow margin of one vote, 87 votes being cast in his favour against 86 for Rabbi M. Hofmann.
The continuous stream of migration to the North-western district, which has marked the course of Jewish life in North London for the last fifteen years, was destined now to carry away the familiar figure of Mr. Joseph Birn from the Warden's box, a place which he had filled for nine consecutive years. He had furthermore served eight years previously as member of the Board of Management, so that he could claim the enviable record of seventeen years' continuous service on behalf of the Congregation. He had also for several years represented Dalston on the Council and on the Board of Deputies. In recognition of his invaluable work, a testimonial, consisting of an illuminated address, was presented to him on November 9th, 1904. His place as Warden was taken by Mr. Abraham Lewis, who was called to that office at the annual election in 1904. On the Board of Deputies he was succeeded by Mr. A. Posener. The following year (1905) witnessed two further changes in the personnel of the Executive by the departure from the box of Mr. P. Josephs and Mr. A. Posener. Both gentlemen had rendered yeoman's service to the Congregation during their term of office. Mr. Josephs had discharged the functions of Warden with unfailing tact and grace for a period of five years, and Mr. Posener had displayed equal zeal and ability in carrying out the responsible duties of Financial Representative for a space of ten years. In recognition of their valued services, a fund was raised among the members of the Congregation, with the proceeds of which, after deducting expenses for illuminated addresses for both gentlemen, a magnificent electric standard, placed at the side, of the Ark, was purchased for the Synagogue. The corresponding electric standard at the other side of the Ark was presented by Mr. S. M. Dubowski in memory of his parents. Messrs. Josephs and Posener were followed in their respective offices by Messrs. Bernard Loewenstein and M. Drukker.
In March, 1906, the Rev. J. Lesser, the veteran Hazan of the Congregation, departed this life amid universal expressions of sorrow from old and young. From the very outset of his connection with the Congregation, he had endeared himself to all by his frank and unassuming character, and on two separate occasions presentations were made to him by the seat-holders, testifying to the affection and regard in which he was held: on November 23rd, 1890, on the occasion of his daughter's marriage to Mr. J. Bruske, and ten years later on his completion of the twenty-fifth year of his faithful service on behalf of the Synagogue. As a more abiding monument of the love with which he was cherished, a tablet in his memory was erected in the Hall of the Synagogue, and his portrait hung in the Vestry. A sum of money was furthermore collected among the members, with the proceeds of which a brass railing for the Ark of the Synagogue was purchased. Four handsome electric standards, placed on the Almemar, were presented to the Synagogue in his memory by his daughter, Mrs. Leon Leapman.
In arranging for the election of a successor to Mr. Lesser, it was decided, in order to avoid the heat and unrest incidental to a contest involving the whole Congregation, to vest the appointment in the hands of the Board of Management, reinforced by an Advisory Committee consisting of fifteen regularly-attending seat-holders. To ensure the acceptableness of the destined Reader to the members, it was furthermore decided that no candidate was to be recommended for the office who did not poll at least three-fifths of the votes of the Election Committee. Eventually, after hearing seven applicants for the post, the Election Committee selected the Rev. Philip Fassenfeld as the sole candidate, a selection which was subsequently ratified by the seat-holders at a general meeting held on December 30th, 19106.
The year 1906 is further memorable in the annals of the Dalston Synagogue by the complete renovation to which it was subjected, and the installation of electric light throughout the building. The improvements have made it one of the handsomest among the constituent Synagogues of the Union.
In 1908, the Congregation suffered the loss, by resignation, of the services of Mr. B. Loewenstein, as Warden. He had filled his important position with rare dignity and grace. He was succeeded as Warden by Mr. Ludwig Felsenstein, an old member of the Board, and a representative at the Council.
North London Board of Guardians Aid Society.—Acting upon a suggestion of Mr. Albert A. Felsenstein, a Board of Guardians Aid Society was founded in this year. In view of the approaching Jubilee of the Board of Guardians, an appeal was made to the community for increased support. Mr. Felsenstein suggested that a new source of income might be tapped by enlisting the services of the youths and young ladies of the Congregations to assist in the collections. The Society was established with the active support of the Board of Management. Mr. Oscar Selinger was its first President, Miss Alice Schwersee and Mr. I. Goldston, its Chairmen; Mr. A. A. Felsenstein, its Treasurer; and Misses B. Goodman and Veronica Josephs, Hon. Secretaries. Limiting the subscriptions to an almost irreducible amount, and indefinitely extending the membership of the Canvassing Committee, very considerable sums are yearly accumulated for the benefit of the Board. About £100 was collected in the first year of the Aid Society's existence. In May, 1909, Dalston took active part in the launching of another movement the North London Branch of the Jewish Lifeboat League. The lead in this movement was given by Mr. A. Posener, who had the active support of Mr. A. Lewis. Mr. Posener was its first Chairman, Mrs. I. Goldston its Hon. Secretary, and the Rev. W. Levin its Treasurer. On Mr. Posener vacating his position in 1910, he was succeeded by Mr. I. Goldston.
The year 1910 is noteworthy for an important development which was made in the educational work of the Congregation. In conjunction with the Stoke Newington Synagogue, which under the direction of its energetic Minister, the Rev. H. Cohen, had already led the way in regard to this movement, Continuation Classes were established for the benefit of the growing boys and girls who had left school and entered upon the serious work of life. The classes are held indiscriminately in the schoolrooms of both Synagogues, and besides being centres of instruction for the young, are pledges of the continued growth of the good relations which have invariably existed between the sister Congregations. The Hon. Officers are Mr. L. Felsenstein, Chairman; Mr. J. Jacobs, Treasurer, and Mr. I. Goldston, Hon. Sec.
The removal of Mr. Drukker from the neighbourhood, and his consequent resignation, deprived the Congregation this year of a most zealous and devoted custodian of its purse. His eminent services to the Synagogue, extending over the unusually long period of sixteen years, had earned the keen appreciation of the seat-holders, to which adequate expression was given at the General Meeting held on May 29th, 1910. His place as Financial Representative has since been capably filled by Mr. Isaac Landau.
The Dalston Synagogue, from its foundation, has consistently pursued a conservative policy, and has undoubtedly helped to stem the tide of a subversive radicalism in the sphere of English Judaism. Its services, which have steadily conformed to the old traditional modes, are accounted among the brightest and most inspiriting in the Metropolis, and have never failed, Sabbath after Sabbath, to attract large congregations of worshippers, the largest, in fact, of any of the constituent Synagogues of the Union. Under the guidance of a succession of able and devoted men, imbued with a deep sense of the sacred obligations entrusted to them, the Dalston Synagogue has in very truth been a living Synagogue, a well-spring of vital force, that has poured its fertilizing waters in more than one field in the field of religious education, in the field of Jewish culture, in the field of juvenile philanthropic effort and has stirred the stagnant soil in many-places with a new life and a more bracing energy. In the old familiar words we say-
(Hebrew characters)
Hitherto His tender mercies have helped us, and His loving kindnesses have not left us. May He vouchsafe His protection unto us for ever.
