A History of Lima, Ohio's Early Jewish Community
By Austin Reid
Temple Beth Israel pictured at the time of its dedication on February 7, 1915.
Image published in the Republican-Gazette on February 7, 1915.
Introduction: Lima’s Earliest Jewish Residents
Founded in 1831, Lima has been home to religious communities since its earliest years.
Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 301 W. Market St as of 2024, constructed its first
meeting place in 1832 at the corner of Union and Market Streets.[1] Soon after, in 1833, a
Presbyterian church was established on Public Square and, around one year later, on January 26,
1834, a Baptist congregation was formed in the emerging town.[2] Catholic and Jewish
communities followed in Lima not long after. Catholics affiliated with St. Rose Church built
their first sanctuary in 1858. While more modest in numbers, Jews began to live in Lima during
the 1850s. Jacob Abel and Levi Jacobs are the first names known. Jacob, who moved to Delphos
by 1863, is known to have lived in Lima before relocating. He worked as a clothing merchant
and he was a member of the B’nai B’rith lodge in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fort Wayne, located
about 65 miles to the west of Lima, was home to an organized Jewish community by 1848. Levi
Jacobs, whose first name is spelled Levy in some sources, lived in Lima by 1857. An immigrant
from modern-day Germany, Levi was also a clothing merchant who operated a store on the
southeast side of Public Square. In 1866, Levi sold his store to Jacob Wise. Jacob, a native of
Neiderhochstadt, was also a clothier.[3] After selling his business, Levi appears to have left Lima
and by 1876 he lived in New York City. He died in 1905 in Atlantic City.[4]
During the 1860s, several Jewish families followed in the footsteps of Jacob Abel and
Levi Jacobs by settling in Lima. Included among these households were Frieda and Henry
Hershberg, J. R. and L. E. Warner, Herman and Sara Weisenthal, and Helen and Jacob Wise.
Frieda and Henry Hershberg arrived in Lima around 1863. By 1869, Henry opened his own
business, a restaurant located in the Lima House Hotel.[5] Frieda and Henry also raised six
children. J. R. and L. E. Warner, who were likely brothers, opened a clothing and dry goods store
in Lima in May 1867.[6] This business was located at 34 Public Square. Herman and Sara
Weisenthal moved to Lima by December 1862. During this year, Herman opened the Lima Dye
House on Market Street, which provided cleaning and dyeing services.[7] By 1865, however,
Herman had changed his occupation and he was selling confections, groceries, notions, tobacco,
and toys.[8] Herman also operated a saloon before starting a clothing business alongside his son,
Solomon, by 1885. This firm was known as The Famous Clothing Store.[9] Helen and Jacob Wise,
the final couple listed above, were wed in 1868. Jacob, who was mentioned in the previous
paragraph, was a clothier who operated under the name J. Wise & Company. Likely, Jacob was
initially in business with his brother, Edmund, who moved to Lima around the same time. There
is evidence that by fall 1867 Lima’s Jewish community was large enough to organize worship
services. On September 6 of this year, J. R. Warner wrote to the editors of The Israelite, a Jewish
newspaper based out of Cincinnati, to share that Lima’s 16 Jewish families had organized
themselves into a congregation known as Beth El or House of God.[10] No local sources in Lima
have been found, however, referencing the existence of this nascent group. It is possible that the
group was short-lived and J. R. Warner may have left Lima after 1868.
While organized Jewish life appears to have not yet taken firm root, the number of Jews
in Lima continued to grow during the 1870s and 1880s. Individuals settling in Lima during this
period include Abraham and Sol Frankel, Joseph Goldsmith, Abraham Harris, Simon Heilbroner,
Meyer Jaskulek, Gus Kalb, Fannie and William Lichenstader, Nathan Michael, Harry Stein, Jette
and William Tigner, and Bert Wohlgemuth. Abraham and Sol Frankel moved to Lima around
1885 and on June 11, 1886, they opened a bar under the name Frankel Brothers.[11] While Sol left
Lima by 1893, Abraham remained in Allen County until 1900, when he briefly relocated to
Lorain, Ohio. Abraham returned to Lima within the year, however, and opened a novelties store
on South Main Street. In July 1901, he purchased Harrod House, a restaurant and bar located
along East Market Street.[12] Misfortune struck Abraham five years later, however, when he
declared bankruptcy in February 1906.[13] Joseph Goldsmith moved to Lima in 1873 to work at the
Lima House Hotel.[14] The hotel was owned by his father-in-law, Moses Simon, until his death in
1885. Joseph remained in Lima until 1901, when he and his family relocated to Ardmore,
Oklahoma.[15] Abraham Harris, a native of Poland, moved to Lima in 1880. He made a living
selling cigars.[16] Simon Heilbroner, a native of Prussia, moved to Lima in 1873 from Cleveland.
This was not Simon’s first time living in Allen County. From 1857 to 1867, he lived in
Delphos.[17] Simon made a living buying and selling fur, hides, pelts, poultry, and tallow. Meyer
Jaskulek moved to Lima by 1881 and he operated a cigar manufacturing plant, Jaskulek
Brothers, on E. Market Street. By 1888, however, Meyer relocated to Toledo. His business
partner was named Hi or Lew Jaskulek. Gus Kalb, who lived in Lima by 1881, operated a
clothing store on the east side of Public Square.[18] He remained in this line of work until 1895
when he sold the clothing store and went into banking and real estate.[19] Initially, Gus was in a
banking partnership with Joseph Goldsmith under the name Goldsmith & Kalb.[20] Joseph retained
a business interest in the Lima House Hotel during this new venture.[21] In 1898, Goldsmith &
Kalb became known as the American National Bank.[22] More will be written about this institution
later.
Fannie and William Lichenstader moved to Lima around 1877 and soon William opened
a clothing store at 23 Public Square.[23] He was in business with his brother, Henry, and by 1886
Lichenstader & Company became Lichenstader Brothers. Nathan Michael, a native of
modern-day Germany, moved to Lima in 1880 to work with Jacob Wise.[24] At the time, J. Wise &
Company was located on Public Square. In 1882, the store moved to North Main Street and, five
years later, Jacob Wise left the firm. After Jacob’s departure, the store was renamed N. L.
Michael’s or the Michael Clothing Company. Nathan’s brother, Theodore was made a partner at
Michael’s in 1895. He had moved to Lima around 1883.[25] Another brother, Max, who moved to
Lima in 1881 at the age of 13 from Bavaria, was made a partner around the same time as
Theodore. Nathan’s business interests later expanded to include the Ladies’ Outfitting Company,
which was opened in collaboration with Max beginning in 1906, and The Glover and Winters
Company, a partnership between Nathan, Max, and Carson Daizell which was formed in 1913.[26]
Over time Nathan also invested in the Lima Telephone and Telegraph Company and American
National Bank. More will be written about Nathan’s life later.
Harry Stein, the next individual listed above, lived in Lima by 1889. He worked as a
barber. On April 1, 1890, Harry moved his shop into the basement of the Lima House Hotel. At
the time, the business was noted for its marble floor, fireplace, and hot water created by utilizing
the hotel furnaces.[27] By 1891 Harry’s father Abraham was also working as a barber in Lima.
Abraham’s shop was located in the Fisk Block at the corner of Main and Wayne Street.[28] In 1891
Harry Stein wed Mattie Bloch, a resident of Cincinnati.[29] Twelve years later, in 1903, Harry sold
the Lima House Barber Shop and soon relocated to Massillon alongside Mattie.[30] Abraham
moved to Cleveland by 1911 and died in 1923.[31] Jette and William Tigner lived in Lima by
August 1871. At this time, William operated a cigar store at 34 Public Square. This firm, later
known as the Tigner Cigar Company, remained in Lima until 1931 when the business went
bankrupt.[32] Bert Wohlgemuth, the final individual listed above, moved to Lima in 1887 to open
the Feldmann Company.[33] This business, which was a clothing and novelty store, was located at
213 North Main Street. In 1888, Bert was joined by his brother, Jonas. Both brothers were
immigrants from modern-day Hungary. The Feldmann Company was named after David
Feldmann of Chillicothe, who was the uncle of Bert and Jonas.[34] David helped the brothers get
their start in the United States. Bert remained with the Feldmann Company until 1905 when he
took over operations of the California Wine Company in Lima.[35] In 1919, when Feldmann’s
moved to 221-223 North Main Street, the name of the business was changed to Feldman’s.[36]
Jonas retired from Feldman’s in 1939 but the business continued to exist until 1951, when the
store was bought out by Samuel G. Blattner & Sons.[37]
While it is not known if any organized Jewish community existed in Lima during the
1870s or early 1880s, on occasion rabbis did visit Allen County during this period. One religious
leader to visit Lima was the famed Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise of Cincinnati. A leading figure in
American Jewish history, Rabbi Wise numbered among the founders of Reform Judaism in the
United States. He also played a leading role in the establishment of Hebrew Union College in
Cincinnati, which is the first Jewish seminary in the Americas. Rabbi Wise visited Lima at least
once on January 5, 1881, to officiate at the wedding of Hettie Simon and Edmund Wise.[38] About
seven years later, Rabbi Samuel Strauss of Fort Wayne visited Lima to officiate at the wedding of
Abraham Blum, a resident of Illinois, and Fannie Cohn. At the time of her marriage, Fannie
worked at The Famous Clothing Store, which was also known as Weisenthal’s.[39] Following her
wedding, she relocated to Illinois alongside her new husband. Other lifecycle events, including
funerals, also brought together Jews living in Allen County.
In November 1889, a B’nai B’rith lodge was organized in Lima with 21 members.[4] A
fraternal organization, B’nai B’rith served both social and charitable functions. Members visited
the sick, provided for widows and orphans, and aided indigent persons. Lima’s B’nai B’rith
lodge met every Sunday afternoon. In 1890, its members organized a dance that was attended by
an estimated 78 people.[41] Included among attendees were individuals from Bucyrus, Cincinnati,
Cleveland, Dayton, Fort Wayne, New Breman, St Marys, and Wapakoneta.[42] This wide
geographic range demonstrates the connections that Jews in Lima maintained with coreligionists
in both nearby larger cities and smaller towns. It was reported by The Lima Daily Times that the
dance was the first attempt made by the local B’nai B’rith lodge to organize a larger social event.
Another dance was held in September 1891 in Cambrian Hall.[43] Efforts were also underway by
January 1889 to organize a new Jewish congregation in Lima.[44] A level of organization was
achieved by September 1890 when Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services were held in
Mitchell Hall.[45] An estimated 75 to 100 Jews attended the Rosh Hashanah services, which were
reported to be the first in Lima.[46] Charles Fleischer, a rabbinical student from Hebrew Union
College, officiated, and non-Jews were publicly invited to attend the holiday services.[47] Charles’
brother, Max Fleischer worked with Nathan Michael.[48] Max was also among a group of eleven
young Jews in Lima who founded the Longfellow Literary Society in October 1890.[49] Members
of the group met every two weeks in Mitchell Hall.50] A women’s social group, the Phoenix Whist
Club, also existed by 1896.
Individuals who were active in the club, and who have not yet been mentioned, include
Ralph Clark, Henry Jordan, Amy Kuhn, Fannie Kuhn, Emanuel Reiter, and Gus Weil. Ralph
worked as a traveling salesman before leaving Lima in 1893. Henry Jordan, who was also active
in B’nai B’rith, moved to Elwood, Indiana by 1897. Amy and Fannie Kuhn were the daughters
of M. Kuhn, who was associated with the Lima House Hotel. M. Kuhn moved his family to Lima
in 1885 from New York City.[51] Joseph Goldsmith was the brother-in-law of M. Kuhn.[52] Emanuel
Reiter moved to Lima in 1888 and operated The Lima Clothing Company at 215-217 North
Main Street alongside Max Kurz. Max moved to Lima four years earlier to open the business.[53]
Gus Weil, the last individual listed above, moved to Lima in 1890 from Philadelphia to operate a
clothing store in the Faurot Opera House. In 1894, Gus and a business partner, Theodore Michael
contemplated moving to Ada to open a clothing store before electing to stay in Lima to operate
their business.[54] This new store was known as the Union Clothing Company and it was located at
60 Public Square. In 1895, Gus married Fannie Kuhn.[55] By the mid-1890s, Lima’s modest-sized
Jewish community was growing and prosperous. Communal life was also developing in earnest.
Progress would be interrupted, however, soon after. This story will be related next.
A Place to Call Home: The Creation of Lima’s First Synagogue
On Christmas night 1898 or early the following morning, the American National Bank
was robbed.[56] Over $18,000 in gold and paper currency was found missing from the bank vault.[57]
This sum is equal to approximately $668,000 in 2024. The culprit left no signs of forced entry
into the vault and The Times-Democrat remarked that the robbery was, “undoubtedly the most
clever and successful one that has ever occurred in this city and was accomplished by an expert
bank robber of the highest rank.”[58] Nathan Michael, who was the vice president of the bank, and
Gus Kalb, the bank’s cashier, stated publicly that they locked the vault on December 24 at the
close of the business day.[59] A time-lock was also set to prevent the vault from being opened
before 11:00 AM on Monday, December 26. Elijah Bowsher, a janitor at the bank, first reported
the robbery around 7:30 AM.[60] By 8:30 AM, as news of the crime spread, a stream of people
visited the bank to view the scene.[61] Despite the financial loss incurred, business resumed as
normal the following morning at the institution.[62] On Thursday, December 29, however, Gus
Kalb, Nathan Michael, and Joseph Goldsmith, who served as the bank’s president, voluntarily
resigned from their positions.[63]
While it was reported that the board members of the American National Bank retained
their trust in Gus, Joseph, and Nathan, rumors began to swirl implying that the robbery was an
inside job.[64] Gus Kalb was especially impacted early on. On December 30, he stated to the Allen
County Republican-Gazette:
This calamity, as any one can [sic] see by a little investigation and consideration, has
fallen heavier on me than any one [sic] else. I having $37,000, three times as much stock
as any holder; and the amount taken while, on the face of it may look suspicious, is so
small compared with my holdings as to make it absurd that I would jeopardize my
interest and reputation for such a sum. All my interests are centered here and the hope of
my ambition was put into the bank…There is no way that I can be repaid in any shape or
form to make good the loss that has been done by this misfortune. The officials and
myself would prefer ten times over that the vault had been blown up, than that the
robbery happened the way it did… In my case, my mode of life and my actions speak for
themselves. That does not require any defense.
While some individuals, including James Halfhill, a noted attorney and local politician, spoke in
defense of Gus and the other officers of the bank, the Commercial Tribune in Cincinnati and
Chicago Tribune both ran stories implying the bank robbery was an inside job.[65] In April 1899,
the American National Bank changed its name to The Bank of Lima.[66] By December 1899, the
bank took both Gus Kalb and Nathan Michael to court to recover the funds lost in the robbery.[67]
Elijah Bowsher also faced accusations from Nathan Michael and he sued for $20,000 in damages
in October 1899.[68]
While the controversy and court cases continued, the Jewish identities of Gus, Joseph,
and Nathan were not lost on some. On March 13, 1900, the editors of the Allen County
Republican-Gazette stated:
It is an old rule in law that a man is innocent until he is proven guilty and that should be
the rule in this case. It hasn’t been very long since the people of the United States were
infuriated on account of the Dreyfus case and said he was being persecuted because he
was a Jew. Is not our fellow townsman entitled to as much charity and sympathy as a
foreigner?
The case of Alfred Dreyfus occurred in France from 1894 until 1906. Alfred, a captain in the
French artillery, was falsely accused of passing along military secrets to Germany. He was
imprisoned at the infamous Devil’s Island penal colony in French Guiana before being proved
innocent. Back in Lima, not until 1905 was the truth discovered about the American National
Bank robbery.[69] After Gus and Nathan paid thousands in damages, it was revealed that the
robbery was orchestrated by Elijah Bowsher and Thomas Wilkins. Thomas’ wife acted as an
informant.[70] Elijah avoided detection in December 1898 by hiding himself in the vault before it
was closed. Once locked inside, Elijah was able to wait until the bank was empty to take the
money and escape from the vault. Their names cleared, both Gus Kalb and Nathan Michael sued
the bank.
The robbery at the American National Bank had a significant impact on the emerging
Jewish community in Lima. Their relationship strained by the affair, Gus and Nathan, two
leaders within the local Jewish community, disassociated from one another.[71] Lima’s new B’nai
B’rith lodge also faded out of existence as its membership was divided.[72] Despite the Jewish
community’s internal turmoil, however, Lima’s continued economic growth drew more Jewish
families to Allen County. During the 1890s, Dora and Max Bernstein, Morris Cohn, Abraham
and Jacob Goldstein, Maurice Hofeller, Henry Jacobson, Albert Koch, Benjamin and Leon
Lowenstein, Hugo Seligman, Samuel Weinfeld, and Adolph Weixelbaum were included among
the newer arrivals. Dora and Max Bernstein moved to Lima around 1897 and Max initially found
work as a scrap dealer. Later, in 1912, he founded the Gramm-Bernstein Truck Company
alongside Benjamin Gramm. This firm is noted for producing the Liberty Truck, which was
widely adopted by the United States Armed Forces during World War I.[73] Gramm-Bernstein
remained in business until 1933.[74] At the time of his death in 1935, Max was president of the
Boston Store, Maxine Shop, and Mansfield Dry Goods Company.[75] These three firms were all
clothing stores. Max was also involved in the construction of Lima’s Ohio Theater, which
opened in 1927.[76]
Morris Cohn, the next individual listed above, moved to Lima from Findlay in 1894 to
open the California Wine Company at 135 South Main Street.[77] This business, which has already
been referenced, was sold to Bert Wohlgemuth in 1905.[78] This sale was brought about by Morris’
death in Detroit, where he had gone for surgery.[79] Abraham Goldstein, Jacob Goldstein, and
Maurice Hofeller were all associated with the Mammoth Clothing Store, which was located on
the southwest side of Public Square. This firm opened in 1890 with great fanfare under the
management of Abraham and Jacob.[80] By 1892, however, Abraham relocated back to
Jamestown, New York, and left management of the store to his brother. He continued to retain a
business interest in the store. Jacob later moved to Spokane, Washington, by July 1899. Maurice
Hoffeller arrived in Lima in 1897 to take the management position at Mammoth.[81] In 1898,
however, he went into business for himself.[82] By 1916, Maurice was joined in business by
Charles Hiatt.[83] Paul Clark joined the clothing firm four years later. Now known as Hofeller Hiatt
& Clark, the business remained active in Lima until 2023. From 1906 to 2023 the store was
located along North Main Street. Maurice was also a charter member of the Lima Rotary Club,
which was formed in 1913.
Henry Jacobson, Benjamin and Leon Lowenstein, and Hugo Seligman were all associated
with clothing or shoe retail businesses. Henry lived in Lima by 1896 and he worked at the
Columbian Shoe Store. Benjamin and Leon Lowenstein moved to Lima in 1895 to open a
clothing store, initially known as Lowenstein Brothers. This business was a successor to Gus
Kalb’s clothing firm. After 1898, however, it appears that Ben left Lima and the business
continued under Leon’s ownership. Leon retired from the clothing business in 1920 and went to
work for the Mutual Life Insurance Company.[84] Leon was also a member of B’nai B’rith and the
Lima Elks lodge.[85] Hugo Seligman lived in Lima by 1895 and worked in the shoe department of
Michael’s. By 1916, however, Hugo relocated to Spokane, Washington, where he operated a shoe
store. Albert Koch, Samuel Weinfeld, and Adolph Weixelbaum, the final individuals listed
above, found work in various areas. Albert, a native of Cleveland, moved to Lima in 1894 to take
over the proprietorship of the Lima House Hotel.[86] He was related to Joseph Goldsmith, who
elected to retire from active management of the hotel after 21 years of work.[87] In 1903, however,
Albert relocated back to Cleveland. He continued to have a business interest in Allen County and
served as president of the Western Ohio Oil Company, which was formed in 1903.[88] Samuel
Weinfeld, who was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, lived in Fostoria by 1892. In 1893, he moved
to Lima to take a sales position with the Diesel-Wemmer Cigar Corporation.[89] In 1929,
Diesel-Wemmer merged with the Gilbert Cigar Company to become the Diesel-Wemmer-Gilbert
Corporation. Samuel retired from DWG in 1930.[90] In addition to his business work, Samuel was
active in Lima’s Child Welfare Association, Masonic lodge, and Rotary Club.[91] In 1892, he wed
Yetta Frankel, a native of Cincinnati.[2] The couple had at least two children, Adolph and
Gustave.
Adolph Weixelbaum, the final individual who lived in Lima before 1900 that will be
profiled, was, like many other residents of Allen County during the late 1800s, an immigrant
from modern-day Germany. Adolph arrived in the United States in
1869 at the age of 13 and he initially lived with an uncle in
Ironton, Ohio. In 1872, Adolph began to work with a
German-language newspaper in Ironton.[93] He then moved to
Akron in 1876 to take a similar job for a time before relocating to
Wooster in 1880, where he founded a German-language
newspaper.[94] In 1890, Adolph moved to Lima after purchasing Der
Lima Courier from George Feltz. About 20 years later, in 1909,
Adolph assumed the presidency of The Lima News Publishing
Company.[95] While Der Lima Courier ceased publication during World War I, Adolph continued his association with The Lima
News until his retirement in 1930.[96] Adolph was also very active in Lima’s Jewish community and played
a leading role in the creation of Lima’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel. This community’s early years will be related next.
By 1902, the tumult surrounding the robbery of the American National Bank had largely
faded and Lima’s Jewish community again began to organize itself more formally. The Jewish
Cemetery Association was the first communal organization established in the twentieth century.[97]
Morris Cohn, Leon Lowenstein, Nathan Michael, Gus Weil, and Adolph Weixelbaum signed the
organization’s incorporation papers on August 17, 1902.[98] Soon after land was purchased to
create a burial ground. By December 1903, a Jewish Ladies’ Benevolent Society and a religious
school were also organized.[99] Rabbi David Lefkowitz, a resident of Dayton, began to visit Lima
in 1903 on every other Sunday to lead religious services and teach religious school students.[100]
Gertrude Weixelbaum and Fannie Wise were also early teachers at the school.[101] By 1906, the
Jewish Ladies’ Benevolent Society was known as the Jewish Ladies’ Aid Society.[102] One early
president of the organization was Rose Michael, the wife of Nathan Michael. Jewish women in
Lima also organized a whist club by December 1902.[103] By 1910, a euchre club was also formed
by Jewish women. Both the euchre and whist clubs met weekly.[104] Additionally, in December
1907, the Lima Hebrew Club was organized.[105] This organization, which appears to have served
a primarily social function for both men and women, is only referenced once in Lima’s
newspaper records. A branch of the Jewish Chautauqua Society was also organized in Lima in
March 1907.[106] This adult educational organization existed in locations across the United States.
The Lima branch was formed with 16 members.[107] Its members met weekly on Friday evenings
in various homes.[108]
The 1907 edition of The American Jewish Year Book, a publication printed in
Philadelphia, estimated that Lima’s Jewish population numbered 150 people in 1907.[109] This
population estimate, however, was revised down to 100 people in the 1914 edition of the
yearbook.[110] This second estimate is likely closer to fact. While growing in size, Lima’s Jewish
community remained too small during the first decade of the twentieth century to secure a
permanent place for religious services. Smaller services occurred in rented halls and on major
holidays, Jews in Lima sometimes gathered in local churches for worship. In 1904, Yom Kippur
services were held at the German Reformed Church.[111] Four years later, Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur services were held in the Spring Street Lutheran Church.[112] The group that organized
these religious services began on December 13, 1903, when individuals from about 12 families
came together at the Masonic Temple to form a religious congregation.[113] Individuals at the
meeting included Rabbi George Zeppin of Cincinnati, Abraham Frankel, M. Kuhn, Henry and
William Lichenstader, Nathan Michael, Gus Weil, Solomon Weisenthal, Adolph Weixelbaum,
and Jonas Wohlgemuth.[114] At the meeting, the first officers of the congregation were elected.
These individuals were Nathan Michael, president, Adolph Weixelbaum, vice president, Gus
Weil, secretary, and Solomon Weisenthal, treasurer.[115] 
The new group also adopted the name Ahabath Achim,
which translates to brotherly love.[116] In some other
contemporary sources, the emerging congregation is
known as The Reform Jewish Society of Brotherly Love.[117]
By 1911, however, the congregation had changed its name
to Beth Israel. While no sources have been found to indicate why the
members of Lima’s Jewish congregation elected to change
names from Ahabath Achim to Beth Israel, it is possible that
this name change occurred due to a split within the local Jewish
community that began to form by 1910. While most of the early
Jewish families in Lima were immigrants from German-speaking areas
of Europe, by the early 1900s increasing numbers of Eastern
European Jews began to arrive in Allen County.Often these newer immigrants were more traditional
in their religious practices and many found the customs of
Reform Judaism unfamiliar at best and grossly inappropriate in other cases. By the early 1900s,
it was common in Reform congregations to find men and women sitting together, instruments
utilized as part of worship, and English or German used as the primary language of the liturgy.
All of these things were almost unheard of in Orthodox Jewish congregations. Initially, however,
the number of Orthodox Jews in Lima was small and individuals in some cases elected to
associate with Lima’s Reform group rather than live apart from their coreligionists. Anna and Harry Bloom,
Lena and Nathan Edelman, David Epstein, Harry and Lena Grossman, Samuel Krosinsky, Harry and
Mollie Liokumovitz, Ida and Louis Lotzoff, Jenny and Max Lubinsky,Edna and Michael Marks,
Samuel Menovitz, Samuel and Sarah Minsky, Benjamin and JennieRakowsky, Louis and Rose Rosichan,
and Nathan Tinianow all number among Lima’s early Eastern European Jewish residents.
Anna and Harry Bloom, who were both born in the Russian Empire, moved to Lima by
1906. Once in town, Harry began to work as a scrap dealer. As the business developed, the firm
was eventually named the H. Bloom Company.[118] Anna was also involved in the operations of
the business.[119] While Harry retired in 1942, the business continued on South Central Avenue
under the leadership of Yale Bloom, the son of Anna and Harry. Lena and Nathan Edelman, like
Anna and Harry, were associated with the scrap business. By 1930, Nathan’s scrap business was
known as the City Iron & Metal Company. In other sources, however, the firm is known as the
Edelman Iron and Metal Company. David Epstein, an immigrant from Poland, moved to Lima
around 1907. He worked as a cobbler until his retirement in 1919. In 1921, he became
associated with Epstein and Robert’s, also known as the E & R Store, which sold men’s clothing
and shoes. The business was located at 433 South Main Street and David’s business partner was
named Earl Roberts. David was also active in local advocacy efforts, including the promotion of
parks on Lima’s South Side.[120] Harry and Lena Grossman, the next couple listed above, lived in
Lima by 1909. Harry worked as a furrier and tailor. Samuel Krosinsky operated a second-hand
store in Lima by 1913. Harry and Mollie Liokumovitz lived in Lima around 1912 before
relocating to Wapakoneta by 1914. While living 17 miles south of Lima, both Harry and Mollie
maintained ties with Allen County’s Jewish community. The couple also had eight children, all
of whom were daughters.[121]
Ida and Louis Lotzoff lived in Lima by 1911 and Louis found work as a dry cleaner along
North Main Street. He was initially associated with Summers and Gilles before opening Lotzoff
Cleaners along West North Street. This business was in operation for 29 years before Louis sold
the firm in 1944.[122] Jenny and Max Lubinsky lived in Lima by 1913. Jenny was a mother of six
and Max worked as a cobbler.[123] By 1927, Max was conducting his trade under the name
Majestic Shoe Repair and he was located at 708 South Main Street. He continued to repair shoes
until at least 1950. Edna and Michael Marks arrived in Lima around 1901. Once established,
Michael went into the clothing business.[124] In 1919, Michael moved his store, which was known
as Mark’s Clothing and Shoes, to the space previously occupied by Lichenstader Brothers on
Public Square.[125] This firm remained in operation until 1977. Samuel Menovitz worked as a
scrap dealer in Lima by 1909. Samuel and Sarah Minsky moved to Lima by 1904. Samuel, like
many other Jews in Lima at the time, was involved in clothing retail. The prominence of Jews in
the local clothing retail business was part of a larger national pattern that was a product of the
timing of the sector’s development and the beginning of large-scale Jewish immigration to the
United States. Clothing retail developed on a national level due to the invention of
steam-powered looms and other machinery that allowed for the rapid production of clothes. By
the mid-1800s, these machines were becoming more common in the United States, and both the
manufacture and sale of clothing were rapidly expanding just as a wave of Jewish immigration
began to occur. Faced with limited job prospects, many Jews found work in the burgeoning
clothing manufacturing and retail sectors and their descendants continued to play key roles in the
area.
Benjamin and Jennie Rakowsky, the next couple listed above, moved to Lima in 1914.
During this same year, Benjamin founded the Buckeye Paper Company. Later, in 1919, this firm
was renamed the Buckeye Reliner Company and it initially produced tire patching kits. Over
time the businesses’ production capabilities expanded to include hoses, rubber sheets, and
specialty rubber products. As production increased, the firm adopted the name Buckeye Rubber
Products Company.[126] In 1997, the business was sold. Louis and Rose Rosichan lived in Lima by
1907. Louis worked in the dry cleaning business and he was associated with the New York
Steam Dry Cleaning and Dyeing Works by 1910. Nathan Tinianow, the final individual listed
above, moved to Lima in 1912 and worked in the scrap business. By 1907, there is evidence to
suggest that an Orthodox Jewish community began to be organized in Lima independent of the
Reform group. A newspaper source from September 11, 1907, reporting on Yom Kippur states
that “members of the local Orthodox congregation will observe the event with appropriate
services which will be held in the Auditorium.”.[127] The same community also organized services
to observe Rosh Hashanah.[128] In addition, two sources from 1907 reference a Reverend I.
Shomer, who was a rabbi. The first source from November 1907 states that he officiated at the
wedding of Nora Rosenthal, who was from St. Marys, and Louis Brenner of Cleveland.[129] This
wedding took place in Lima at the home of Dora and Max Bernstein. The second source reports
that I. Shomer was a member of the Lima Hebrew Club.[130] Later, in 1908, I. Shomer officiated at
the wedding of Joseph Hershey and G. Stern, who was a resident of Newark, New Jersey.[131] The
wedding was described as an Orthodox Jewish service. At the time, Joseph worked at The
Leader store.[132]
Until 1913 it appears that the emerging Orthodox Jewish congregation in Lima had no
formal name. During this year, however, a meeting was held at the Masonic Building on West
High Street to more formally organize the community.[133] At this gathering, the name Shaare
Zedek was adopted. Translated from Hebrew, this name means Gates of Righteousness. Harry
was elected as the first president of Shaare Zedek.[134] About one year later, the congregation was
granted a charter by the State of Ohio.[135] Services were held in rented spaces including Jackson
Hall and the Moose Hall. In 1916, the congregation leased a floor in Mitchell Hall for services.[136]
The congregation remained in this location until 1925.[137] Isaac Rosenbloom was the first rabbi to
minister to the members of Shaare Zedek. He lived in Lima by 1915 along with his wife,
Anna.[138] Together the parents raised six children.[139]
Other newcomers to Lima who arrived between 1900 and 1915 included Louis Berger,
Lena and Samuel Blattner, Max Braun, Samuel Cheslow, Simon Fishel, Fannie and Robert
Gordon, Blanche and Gus Holstine, Abraham Kaplan, Anna and Joseph Kaufman, Abraham
Levin, George Lindenbaum, Benedix Rosenbaum, David Rosenheim, Louis Ruben, Lester
Schnitzer, Henry Schwarz, Harry and Julius Solomon, and Bertha and Louis Strauss. Louis
Berger, who lived in Lima by 1907, was the manager of the Lyric Theater by 1912. This theater,
which opened in 1910 or 1911, was located along North Main Street for many years.[140] Louis,
however, appears to have left Lima by 1915. Lena and Samuel Blattner, who were wed in 1905,
moved to Lima in 1908 from Akron. The family was brought to Allen County after Samuel
decided to open a store along North Main Street which was originally called the Lima Credit
Department Store. In 1913, the business moved to 229-231 South Main Street. While originally
selling blankets and rugs, over time the store’s inventory expanded to include clothing, furniture,
and toys. In 1928, the business moved to the corner of Main and Spring Street. Samuel retired
from the business and passed it on to his sons, Bernard, Jerome, and Simon. By this time the
store was known as Blattner’s. Both Lena and Samuel were active members of the Lima
community. Lena volunteered her time with the Allen County Tuberculosis Association, Jewish
Ladies’ Aid Society of Temple Beth Israel, and the Lima City Hospital Auxiliary.[141] She was also
a member of the Eastern Star.[142] Samuel was active in B’nai B’rith, the Lima Association of
Commerce, and Masons.[143]
Max Braun, the next individual listed above, worked as manager of the Golden Hill
Liquor Company beginning in 1909.[144] This business was located at 34 Public Square. Later, by
1913, he operated the Braun Cafe at the corner of High and Main Street. In 1919, however, Max
and his family moved to Cleveland.[145] She is out of town right now, but is checking her emails
. She is out of town right now, but is checking her emails. Max was a member of Beth Israel during his time in Lima.
Samuel Cheslow lived in Lima by 1914. Within three years, he opened S. Cheslow & Company,
a ladies’ tailoring and furrier business. While the store was initially located in the Masonic
Building, by 1923, the firm had relocated to West Market Street. Simon Fishel moved to Lima
from Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1911.[146] At the time, he worked as an office manager for the
Smith-Premier Typewriter Company. Two years later, in 1913, Simon formed a real estate firm,
Michael and Fishel, alongside Samuel Michael. Samuel was the brother of Nathan Michael and
he lived in Lima by 1895. In 1927, Michael and Fishel was incorporated as the Michael and
Fishel Real Estate Company.[147] Simon remained a prominent realtor in Lima until his death in
1951.[148] He was a member of B’nai B’rith, Elks, Masons, and Temple Beth Israel. In addition, he
helped to create Lima’s local Kiwanis Club and Realtor’s Association.
Fannie and Robert Gordon were both immigrants from the Russian Empire who wed in
Lima during January 1914.[149] Robert had immigrated to the United States in 1912, and his
bride-to-be Fannie Pressman arrived in 1913 after Robert had saved enough money to cover her
travel.[150] Robert worked with David Epstein at his shoe repair business and the Gordon’s
wedding took place in Epstein home.[151] Fannie worked as a seamstress at the time of her
marriage. A noted element of the wedding that was reported on was the fact that the couple chose
to be wed under a large canopy made by an American flag.[152] The marriage was not long to be,
however, as Fannie passed from tuberculosis in May
1917.[153] Blanche and Gus Holstine moved to Lima in
1904 from Mansfield, Ohio. Gus, who had been involved
in the liquor business in Mansfield, moved to Allen
County to open the Gus Holstine Dry Goods Company.
By 1906, this firm was doing business under the name
Leader Store. Ten years later, in 1916, the company was
incorporated.[154] By this time, Gus was in business with
his brothers-in-law, Harry Levy and Joseph Levy. Harry
remained in Lima until 1920, when he moved to Dayton
for work.[155] Joseph worked at The Leader until around
1944, when he relocated to Canton.[156] Harold Allrud,
Alex Holstine, and Louis Rothstein also numbered among
the incorporators.
Abraham Kaplan, the next individual listed above, was a clothier in Lima by 1906.
Heremained active in this line of work until 1932, when he declared bankruptcy.[157] Anna and Joseph
Kaufman lived in Lima by 1909. Joseph worked as a tailor and he was a member of Shaare
Zedek.[158] Abraham Levin, a member of Temple Beth Israel, lived in Lima by 1904. He was
associated with the Lima Mattress Company.[159] Despite experiencing a major fire in 1904, the
Lima Mattress Company remained in operation until 1953.[160] At this time Emil Levy, another
member of Temple Beth Israel, was the firm’s president.[161] Emil moved to Lima around 1916
from Fort Wayne. George Lindenbaum, a native of New York, moved to Lima in 1912. In 1918,
he became associated with the Empire Linen Supply Company alongside a business partner,
Morris Gross. This firm primarily served barber shops and cafes in Lima. Benedix Rosenbaum,
who was more popularly known as Ben, worked as a furniture dealer in Lima beginning in
1902.[162] He was associated with the Empire Furniture Company, located on East High Street.[163]
David Rosenheim, who moved to Lima around 1900, was a tailor. He continued in this
line of work in Lima until 1927, when he relocated to Chicago with his family. David, or Dave as
he was popularly known, was also active in both the Eagles and Moose Lodge and he served
terms as president of both organizations.[164] Louis Ruben was a scrap dealer in Lima by 1903.
Lester Schnitzer, a New York native, moved to Lima from Chicago around 1908 to open a
women’s clothing store. This business was known as the Leiser Company. While Lester died in
1918 during the influenza epidemic, the Leiser Company continued until 1923.[165] Henry
Schwarz, a member of Temple Beth Israel, moved to Lima in 1908 to open the Harvard Clothes
Shop at the corner of Market and Union Street. In 1910, Henry married Frances Neumark, who
was the niece of Gus Kalb.[166] The wedding took place at the Kalb home on West Market Street.
In 1924, Frances and Henry left Lima. Harry and Julius Solomon, who were brothers, were both
born in Fremont, Ohio. The brothers moved to Lima in 1913 to open a mortgage company, the H.L.
Solomon Company. This firm specialized in buying and selling farms.[167] In 1922, the
company merged with the Colonial Mortgage Loan Company of Columbus to form the Colonial
Finance Company.[168] The new firm placed its headquarters in Lima at 321 North Main Street.[169]
Later, in 1933, Harry and Julius created the First National Bank & Trust Company of Lima.[170]
Both Harry and Julius were noted civic leaders in Lima. Harry was among the founders of the
Lima Convalescent Home and for many years he served as president of the Lima Convalescent
Home Foundation.[171] He was also a charter member of Lima’s Rotary Club and he served for a
time as president of Lima’s Lions Club.[172] Julius was active in the local Better Business Bureau,
Community Chest, Rotary, and Salvation Army.[173] Both brothers were also highly involved with
Temple Beth Israel. Bertha and Louis Strauss, the final individuals listed earlier, moved to Lima
in 1901. Both husband and wife were involved in the grocery business and they operated a store
at 718 Faurot Avenue by 1914.[174] After Louis’ death in 1916, Bertha moved to New York City.
By 1911, the members of Lima’s Reform Jewish group had secured enough funds to
purchase a plot of land located at 533 West Market Street.[175] A report from the
Republican-Gazette on January 24, 1913, stated that this plot cost the community $1,500.[176] This
sum is approximately equal to $47,000 in 2024. Purchasing the land, however, was only a step
along the road to constructing a synagogue. The Republican-Gazette reported that an additional
$20,000 needed to be raised to build the temple. A building fund was growing, however, and
some members of Lima’s Jewish community also turned to their Christian neighbors for support.
Nathan Michael, who continued to serve as the congregation’s president, stated to the
Republican-Gazette:
I think it may not be fully remembered that the Jewish people of Lima have never asked
their Christian friends for a penny for any purpose whatever, while it is well known that
Jewish merchants and others have always contributed liberally to the building funds of
almost every church in Lima and many of us are annual subscribers to the support of the
Young Men’s Christian association. Under these conditions, in view of the fact that there
are few of us to raise the funds for the new Temple, I do not think it improper for me to
say, that the Jewish people will be obliged to ask their Christian friends to aid them in
erecting a new house of worship.[177]
Donations continued to come in and on July 11, 1914, the cornerstone for the new Temple Beth
Israel was laid.[178] At the cornerstone laying service, Rabbi David Lefkowitz, Nathan Michael,
Mayor Theodore D. Robb, Reverend M. B. Fuller from Trinity Methodist Church, and Reverend
A. W. Ballinger from the First United Brethren Church all gave addresses.[179] About 30 families
were estimated to be members of Temple Beth Israel in 1914.[180]
About 30 weeks later, on February 7, 1915, Temple Beth Israel was dedicated.[181]
Hundreds were estimated to have attended the temple’s opening service which was reported on
extensively by both the Lima Daily News and Republican-Gazette. Attendees included
representatives from many Christian churches in Lima. Rabbi David Lefkowitz delivered the
opening prayer. Rabbi Louis Wolsey of the Euclid Avenue Temple in Cleveland and Rabbi David
Alexander of Temple Shomer Emunim in Toledo also participated in the dedication exercises.[182]
In its report, the Lima Daily News remarked, “There was one note that predominated above all
else at the dedication of the Beth Israel Temple Sunday. That note was joy.”[183] The
congregation’s Torah scroll, which was covered in a crimson velvet cloth tied with golden cords,
was carried into the new temple by Rabbi Lefkowitz.[184] This Torah had been purchased by
Nathan Michael while on a visit to Europe sometime before and the scroll was reportedly over a
century old.[185] It was previously read by a Jewish community in Bavaria.[186] Another religious
object, the congregation’s ner tamid, or eternal light, was lit Gustave Weinfeld in honor of his
late grandfather Gustave Frankel.[187] Another highlight of the dedication service was the
presentation of the building’s keys by Gus Holstine, a leader on the temple’s building committee,
to Nathan Michael. After receiving the keys to the new temple, Nathan Michael stated, “A dream
of a quarter of a century has been realized.”[188] Nathan went on to remark:
I have longed for a house of worship that we could call our own. I have worked for it; I
have dreamed of it, and now my joy knows no bounds. We have never had a home. It was
a hall here and a hall yonder; climbing stairs to the second and third floors to hold
services and Sunday School in places not meant for the proper worship of God. I was
ashamed to have people ask me where our church was, for we had no church.”[189]
Officers at the time of Temple Beth Israel’s dedication were Nathan Michael, president, Adolph
Weixelbaum, vice president, Leon Lowenstein, treasurer, and Simon Fishel, secretary.[190] During
the evening service that followed the dedication, Reverend Thomas Knox of the Market Street
Presbyterian Church and Reverend Franklin Stiles of the First Baptist Church both gave
addresses.[191]
At the time of its dedication, it was estimated that Temple Beth Israel had a membership
of 102 individuals.[192] Included in this total were members from Bluffton, Leipsic and Ottawa. An
estimated 300 people could be seated in the new sanctuary of Temple Beth Israel and Sunday
School classrooms were located below the sanctuary.[193] Architecturally, Temple Beth Israel was
modeled after the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.[194] Engraved on the exterior wall of the building
was a verse from the Book of Isaiah 56:7 “Mine House Is a House of Prayer for All People”. The
new temple also included an organ donated by Nathan and Rose Michael and a piano donated by
Alex Frankel.[195] Alex moved to Lima around 1896 to work alongside his brother, Abraham, who
has already been mentioned in this work. By February 1917, Temple Beth Israel welcomed its
first resident rabbi, Herbert Strauss. The Jewish community’s joy was soon darkened however as
challenging events both internationally and locally impacted the community.
A Period of Challenge and Change: Jewish Life in Lima 1917 to 1933
On April 6, 1917, the United States entered into World War I joining the Allies in their
fight against the Central Powers. Alongside millions of other Americans, Jews living in Allen
County soon found themselves working vigorously to support the war effort both domestically
and abroad. Many members of Lima’s Jewish community were feeling the impacts of the war
even before the United States formally entered the conflict. While the Western Front was largely
defined by stalemates and trench warfare, the Eastern Front experienced significant movement as
armies advanced back and forth. This area of conflict also overlapped with many of Europe’s
largest Jewish communities. Many Jews in the path of the war faced particularly difficult
circumstances as poverty was widespread and there were frequent occurrences of violent persecution
from armed forces. Many Jews in Allen County had family ties within this large region.
By 1916, local efforts
were underway to support Eastern
European Jews impacted by the war.[196]
These efforts continued throughout the
1920s as Eastern Europe experienced
continued upheavals from the Russian
Revolution, the Russian Civil War, and
other conflicts. In 1919, a local relief drive
raised $17,000 in just one day.[197] This sum
is equivalent to nearly $305,000 in 2024.
Non-Jews, including Reverend Franklin Stiles,
played significant roles in supporting fundraising for Jewish relief.[198]
At least five members of Lima’s Jewish community served in World War I. These
individuals are Dudley Bernstein, Robert Block, Isadore Cheslow, Emil Levy, and Adolph
Weinfeld. Dudley Bernstein, the son of Dora and Max, served in the Navy as part of the aviation
corps. He was awarded the Navy Cross in 1920 to recognize his efforts while serving in the
North Sea, which resulted in two German submarines being damaged or destroyed.[199]
Robert Block served in the United States Navy. His parents, Jennie and Louis Block moved to
Lima around 1915. Isadore Cheslow, the son of Gertrude and Samuel, was just 17 when the United
States declared war on Germany. In 1918, he enlisted. Following the war, Isadore returned to
Lima and worked in clothing retail. He managed the Kibler Men’s Store from 1929 to 1949.[200]
Emil Levy, who has already been mentioned in this work, worked at a grain elevator.[201] Adolph
Weinfeld, the oldest son of Samuel and Yetta, returned to Lima after the war to become general
manager of the Faultless Dry Cleaning Company.[202] On the homefront, Lima’s Jewish
community also made an impact. Adolph Steiner, who served as Beth Israel’s rabbi from 1918
until 1920, was active in selling Liberty Loans. In October 1918, he was honored by Governor
James Cox alongside 36 other Allen County residents for his support of this effort.[203] In addition,
the members of the Temple Sisterhood meet weekly to sew articles for American soldiers and the
Red Cross.[204] The Temple Sisterhood was a women’s group associated with Temple Beth Israel.
It was a successor to the Jewish Ladies’ Aid Society. Sisterhood members also organized
fundraisers to support the Red Cross.[205]
While peace returned to the United States on November 11, 1918, just over one year later
Lima’s Jewish community faced another challenge when Temple Beth Israel caught fire.[206] This
fire destroyed both the congregation’s Torah scroll and organ.[207] Additionally, the rabbi’s study
was also significantly damaged.[208] Loses were estimated to equal $10,000.[209] The fire was
believed to have been started by defective wiring or an overheated furnace.[210] While insurance
covered the damage, the congregation could not return to their building until at least October
1920.[211] In 1920, Beth Israel held Rosh Hashanah services at the First Congregational Church.[212]
While the congregation adjusted, they did not forget the firefighters who had protected much of
their temple. In December 1919, Beth Israel’s members donated to the Firemen’s Pension Fund.
It was reported that this was the city’s first voluntary contribution to the fund.[213] </sup
In 1918, Rose Michael passed away.[214] She was a longtime leader within the Temple
Sisterhood and she played a key role in fundraising to support the construction of Temple Beth
Israel’s first synagogue.[215] She was also active in the wider Lima community as a member of the
board of directors of the Business Women’s Club.[216] Around eight years later, in March 1926
Nathan Michael died. In addition to his leadership within Lima’s Jewish community, Nathan was
remembered for his civic engagement. He played an instrumental role in organizing the Allen
County Child Welfare Association and Family Welfare Association in Lima.[217] He also donated a
large fountain placed in Faurot Park which still exists as of 2024.[218] After Nathan’s death,
Adolph Weixelbaum took over the presidency of Temple Beth Israel.[219] He held the post for over
ten years.
While challenges and losses occurred, celebrations were also had within Lima’s Jewish
community. In 1925, the members of Shaare Zedek purchased a home located at 133 South
McDonel and converted the site into a synagogue.[220] Until this point members had met in rented
spaces. The primary location for the congregation’s services was in Michael Hall. Following the
purchase, Shaare Zedek was sometimes known as the Orthodox synagogue on South McDonel.
The lower level of the former house served as the sanctuary while the upper floor featured
meeting rooms and classrooms for the Sunday School. During this same period, Temple Beth
Israel was popularly known as the Market Street Temple. By 1925, several Jewish educational or
social groups also existed in Lima. In 1916, B’nai B’rith reestablished a lodge in Lima. 35
people were charter members.[221] Three years later, a women’s educational group, the Literary
Endeavor was created.[222] Jessie Solomon served as the organization’s first president.[223] The group
continued to meet until at least 1948.[224] In 1925 another Jewish women’s organization, Delta
Sigma Nu was established.[225] This sorority also included residents of New Bremen, Sidney, and
Wapakoneta among its members.[226] Blue and white were the group’s colors.[227] Delta Sigma Nu
appears to have gone inactive after 1952.[228] One year after the sorority was established, a Jewish
fraternity, Iota Nu was founded.[229] Lima was home to the Beta chapter while Toledo was home to
the Alpha chapter.[230] The fraternity’s colors were ruby and gold and events were often done in
collaboration with Delta Sigma Nu. The Beta chapter of Iota Nu existed until at least 1941.[231] A
Jewish youth group, the Judean Club also existed in Lima by 1922.[232] Members included Harry
Block, Sophia Bloom, Betsy Bream, Ethel Lotzoff, and Anna Marks.
In 1929, The American Jewish Year Book estimated that Lima was home to 400 Jews.[233]
This number may be a significant overcount. A local newspaper story published by The Lima
Morning Star and Republican-Gazette on October 11, 1932, estimated that 200 Jews attended
both Shaare Zedek and Temple Beth Israel on Yom Kippur.[234] Earlier in 1919, The American
Jewish Year Book estimated that 300 Jews lived in Lima.[235] While an exact estimate of Lima’s
Jewish population during the 1920s is not known, what is clear is that the community continued
to grow. Individuals who arrived in Lima between 1915 and 1929 included Benjamin Ackerman,
Emil Asher, Bernard Blum, Samuel Bream, Isaac Bronfen, Anna and Harry Cohen, Harry and
Werra Friedman, Harry Goldin, Jennie and Max Hyman, Elizabeth and Samuel Kamin, Joseph
Katchka, Fannie and Joseph Mayerson, Dora and Harry Mervis, Alex Miller, Louis Silverman,
Samuel Spero, Louis Sugarman, and Alex and Pearl Yessenow.
Benjamin Ackerman lived in Lima by 1921 and he was associated with the Ackerman
Company. This firm, located along West First Street, sold feed and seeds to farmers. Another
relative, Joseph Ackerman, was also associated with the business by 1922. Both Benjamin and
Joseph were members of Temple Beth Israel. In 1939, Benjamin served as chairman of the
Temple’s board of trustees.[236] Asher worked as a jeweler with the Windsor Jewelry Company in
Lima by 1918. This firm was part of a larger chain of stores.[237] Bernard Blum moved to Lima in
1919 from Albany, New York, to take over management of the Leiser Company. In 1920,
however, he took a role with Feldman & Company.[238] Bernard was a member of the Retail
Merchants Association and Temple Beth Israel. Samuel Bream, also known as Myer Pzejofsky,
lived in Lima by 1917.[239] He was an immigrant from Poland and he found work as a shoemaker.
Isaac Bronfen was associated with Benjamin Rakowsky, who has already been mentioned in this work,
in business. He lived in Lima by 1917. At this time, Benjamin and Isaac worked together
as co-owners of the Buckeye Paper Company.[240] In 1919, the Buckeye Paper Company
was succeeded by the Buckeye Reliner Company.[241] Anna and Harry Cohen lived in
Lima by 1921. Harry was an active member of the Lima community and he served on
the Lima Community Development Advisory Committee.[242] He was also a member
of the Kiwanis Club and volunteered over 1,000 hours at the Lima Memorial Hospital
during his time in Allen County.[243] For many years, Harry and his brother-in-law,
Morris Goldberg operated the Superior Candy and Tobacco Company.[244]
Morris arrived in Lima by 1944.
Harry and Werra Friedman, the next individuals listed above, lived in Lima by 1916.
Harry was a hotelier who was associated with the Lima House Hotel and the Hotel Norval. In
1924, however, Harry sold his interests in the Lima House Hotel.[245] Six years later, he also sold
his interests in the Hotel Norval and relocated to Detroit alongside Werra and their son, Bertram.[246] 246
Bertram had worked with his father in the hotel business since 1924. Harry Goldin, a
native of the Russian Empire, moved to Lima around 1917 and found work as a scrap dealer. By
1933, he operated a scrap yard located at 316 East Elm Street. Tragedy struck the Goldin family,
however, in 1942 when Harry was killed in an auto accident.[247] Harry was married to Leah and
they had three sons, Albert, Ned, and Ralph. Jennie and Max Hyman lived in Lima by 1916.
Max, a native of Germany, worked alongside Emil Levy operating a grain elevator.[248] This
business, known as Hyman and Levy, was eventually purchased by Benjamin Ackerman.
Elizabeth and Samuel Kamin lived in Lima by 1924. During this year, Samuel operated a scrap
business along South Central Avenue. By 1925, however, he began to work as a commercial
artist at the Artkraft Sign Company.[249] Five years later, in 1930, Samuel founded the Neon
Products Company.[250] This business manufactured commercial signs for both domestic and
international clients. During World War II, the firm’s production shifted temporarily to aircraft
canopies, astrodomes, blisters, and plexiglas.[251] In 1969, the business merged with Essex
International Incorporated and was renamed Essex NPI Illuminated Signs.[252]
Joseph Katchka worked with the Garford Service Department. In 1923, he worked to
compile the text for the Garford Motor Parts ordering manual. At 1,280 pages, the book was the
largest ever published in Lima at the time. Seven pounds of paper were used for each book.[253]
Joseph and his wife and two children relocated to New York in 1924. Fannie and Joseph
Mayerson lived in Lima by 1917 and Joseph supported his family by operating a scrap yard
along South Central Avenue. This business was eventually known as Mayerson Iron and Metal.
In 1922, Fannie and Joseph separated.[254] By 1924, Joseph remarried Dora Sobelman. Dora and
Harry Mervis lived in Lima by 1920. By this year, Harry was associated with the Royal Boot
Shop, which he incorporated along with two other individuals.[255] While this business went
bankrupt in 1922, by 1925 Harry operated a clothing store located at 211 South Main Street.
Samuel Spero and Louis Sugarman were also involved in clothing retail. Samuel worked in Lima
by 1929 and Louis lived in Lima by 1928.
Alex Miller, Louis Silverman, and Alex Yessenow were all involved in the scrap
business. Alex Miller lived in Lima by 1916 and he worked along South Central Avenue.[256] By
1918, his brother Samuel joined the business, which became known as Miller Brothers. Louis
Silverman lived in Lima by 1917 and he also worked on South Central Avenue. Alex Yessenow,
a native of the Russian Empire, worked in Lima by 1928. In this same year, he applied for a
business permit to operate a scrap yard at 331 South Central Avenue.[257] Much like the clothing
industry for earlier Jewish immigrants, the disproportionate presence of Jews in the scrap metal
industry was due to the recent development of the trade and its accessibility to immigrants at a
time when many other professional avenues had significant barriers to entry. Operating a scrap
yard was also particularly attainable for many Jewish immigrants because of its low startup cost
and scalability. Religious entrepreneurs could also create their own work schedules around
holidays and other observances which would not have been permitted in larger factories.
Nationally, by 1930 Fortune magazine estimated that 90 percent of scrap metal yards in the
United States were owned by Jews.[258]
Major events of note within the Lima Jewish community during the early 1930s included
the dedication of a new Torah ark by the members of Shaare Zedek and the expansion of Lima’s
Jewish cemetery in 1933.[259] Shaare Zedek’s Torah ark featured artwork by Samuel Kamin.[260]
Community-wide philanthropic efforts also continued. In 1930, Lima’s Jewish community raised
$3,000 for impoverished Jews in Eastern Europe and Palestine.[261] This effort was part of the
first-ever national Allied Jewish Campaign.[262] In 1935, a new organization, Federated Jewish
Charities, was created to organize the community’s fundraising efforts. Simon Fishel and Albert
Negin were early leaders within the group. Albert, who has not yet been mentioned in this work,
moved to Lima in 1933 and he worked as an attorney. In 1939, he wed Louise Burke, a native of
Minneapolis.[263] During her time in Lima, Louise was an active volunteer within the Jewish
community and was part of the Lima Convalescent Home Auxiliary.[264] Albert and Louise also
raised two children. Annual traditions within the Jewish community also continued. One
tradition was a yearly Thanksgiving Dance organized by the Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood.
More than 100 couples attended the 1937 Thanksgiving Dance.[265] Sisterhood members also
supported local philanthropic efforts such as the School Shoe Fund, which benefited students
enrolled in Lima’s public schools.[266] In 1931, Lima’s B’nai B’rith lodge had around 50
members.[267] Lodge members frequently participated in local sports leagues.
Before moving into the mid-twentieth century, a note should be made of anti-Jewish
sentiment that existed among some residents of Allen County, particularly during the 1920s and
1930s. Two anti-Jewish organizations are known to have operated in Lima, the Black Legion, or
Patriotic Legion of America, and the Ku Klux Klan. The Black Legion, which broke away from
the Ku Klux Klan, was vocal in its opposition to the rights of Blacks, immigrants, and Jews. In
addition, Catholics were also targeted by the Black Legion.[268] One national leader within the
organization, Virgil Herbert Effinger lived in Lima. Membership in the Black Legion may have
peaked in the tens of thousands across primarily Michigan and Ohio. The Ku Klux Klan was an
even larger national organization. A Klan presence in Lima can be dated to at least 1921.[269] In
this same year, Lima’s mayor warned Klan members not to engage in illegal activities involving
conspiracy, intended or threatened violence, or infringement of property or persons.[270] By the late
1930s, however, membership in both organizations had significantly declined in Allen County.
Despite the activity of these hate groups, Lima’s Jewish community grew in size. In 1937, The
American Jewish Year Book estimated that 75 Jewish families lived in Lima.[271] Another source,
the 1947 edition of The American Jewish Year Book, reports that 420 Jews lived in Lima ten
years before.[272] A highlight of Jewish history in Lima during the 1930s was the dedication of a second purpose-built
synagogue in Lima by the members of Shaare Zedek. This event will be related next.
Another Space to Gather: The Dedication of A New Synagogue on South McDonel
By 1933, the home purchased by the members of Shaare Zedek at 133 South McDonel
was growing too small for the congregation. On some holidays, services were organized in larger
rented halls such as the Union Savings and Loan Hall on the Public Square. Three years later, in
October 1936 ground was broken for a new home for Shaare Zedek at 125 South McDonel.
Samuel Kamin served as chairman of the building committee.[273]
Members of the congregation’s women’s group, the Jewish Ladies’
Auxiliary, also played a key role in fundraising for the new synagogue
by organizing events such as dances and ice cream socials. Ten months
later, in August 1937, Shaare Zedek’s new synagogue was dedicated.
The property at 133 South McDonel was retained by the congregation
to use as a parsonage. The new synagogue cost the congregation more
than $20,000 to build.[274] This sum is equal to approximately $431,000
in 2024. Dedication events included an open house reception to which
all members of the Lima community were invited and an evening banquet.
The members of Delta Sigma Nu Sorority and Iota Nu Fraternity
assisted in the congregation’s dedication programs.[275] Cantor Philip Gellman
of Columbus and Rabbi Irving Weingart from Fort Wayne also led portions
of the dedication exercises.[276] The new synagogue could seat 200 people and it had dedicated spaces for classrooms and a social hall.[277]
Officers of Shaare Zedek in August 1937 were Samuel Kamin, president, Alex Yessenow, vice president, Sherman Minsky,
vice president, and Alex Miller, treasurer.[278] Louis Lotzoff, Herman Gross, Alex Miller, Harry Mervis, and Harry Silverstein served as trustees.
Of the individuals listed above, Sherman Minsky, Herman Gross, and Harry Silverstein
are new to this work. Sherman Minsky, the son of Sarah and Samuel Minsky, graduated from
Notre Dame and worked at the Neon Products Company. By 1974, he lived in Emerson, New
Jersey. Herman Gross, the son of Lena and Morris Gross, worked with his father at the Empire
Linen Supply Company. In total, Herman was associated with the firm for 54 years.[279] He was
also active in B’nai B’rith, Elks, and Masons. Harry Silverstein moved to Lima by 1930. During
this same year, he opened Harry’s Hat & Furnishing Shop. This business was located at 113 West
High Street and it was a successor to the Green Hats Shops, which Harry managed for a time.[280]
In 1931, Harry’s business, now known as Harry’s Hat Store, moved to 136 North Main Street.
Other newcomers to Lima between 1929 and 1939 included Bernard Brender, Louis and Pauline
Caplan, Ralph Dettelbach, Eleanor and Louis Glazer, Esther and Fred Heimann, Charles Kozek,
Sidney Kurtin, Albert and Fannie Rachlin, and Jennie and Samuel Silberman.
Bernard Brender, the first individual listed above, was a native of Columbus who moved
to Lima to take over management of Kay’s Jewelry Store. This business was located at 42 Public
Square. Louis and Pauline Caplan moved to Lima in 1932 or 1933. Louis initially worked in the
scrap business. Later, in 1942 Louis began to work as the proprietor of the South Side Clothing
Store. This business was located at 678 South Main Street at the corner of Main and Kibby
Street. In 1959, Louis retired from the business and eventually relocated to Miami Beach.[281]
Pauline, a native of New York, was active in Shaare Zedek.[282] Ralph Dettelbach moved to Lima
in 1939 to take over management of The Lima Good Housekeeping Shop. In 1940, this business
moved from 210 East Market Street to 28-30 Public Square. Eleanor and Louis Glazer moved to
Lima in 1937 after Louis decided to open a dental practice at 65 Public Square.[283] Louis
maintained his practice in Lima for over 40 years.[284] Eleanor, an immigrant from Hungary, was a
skilled piano player and an active member of the local Jewish community.[285]
Esther and Fred Heimann, the next couple listed above, moved to Lima in 1939 after Fred
decided to open a business, Heimann’s Furs, along the Public Square.[286] 286 Before moving to Lima,
Fred had developed his skills in South America, New York, Chicago, and Indiana.[287] Esther, a
native of Brooklyn, also worked at Heimann’s. The firm remained in operation until 1994 and
over this 55 year period, the store moved three times. Its final location was at 707 North Cable
Road. Billie Heimann, the daughter of Esther and Fred, led Heimann’s during the business’ later
years. Charles Kozek lived in Lima by 1939 and operated a business that produced barrels.
Sidney Kurtin and Samuel Silberman were both associated with the Conestoga Cream and
Cheese Company. This New York-based brand, owned by two companies, Kurtin & Kurtin and
Silberman Brothers, opened a factory at the corner of Eureka and Wood streets in July 1930.[288]
Conestoga located its plant in Lima due to the advocacy of the Lima Industrial Foundation,
which was established in September 1929.[289] Between 20 and 25 men were employed at the
factory at the time it opened and the plant could handle up to 150,000 pounds of whole milk.[290]
Conestoga remained in business until 1945, when the factory was purchased by the
Cleveland-based Telling-Belle Vernon Company.[291] Samuel and Sidney worked as managers at
the plant. Albert and Fannie Rachlin, the final individuals listed above, moved to Lima by 1936.
Albert supported his family by working in the scrap business. He remained in this line of work
for over 15 years.[292]
During the 1930s, both Temple Beth Israel and Shaare Zedek enjoyed full-time rabbinic leadership.
Bernard Dorfman, a native of Cleveland, moved to Lima from Peoria, Illinois, in 1931 to become Temple
Beth Israel’s rabbi.[293] Earlier, during the 1920s, Temple Beth Israel was served part-time by students from Hebrew Union College.
Bernard, who never married, was highly active in the Lima community.
He served on the board of directors for Community Chest and
he was active in the Lima Open Forum, Masons, and Rotary Club.[294]
The Lima Open Forum, which Bernard served for two years as
vice president, was an educational organization. Rabbi Dorfman
was also a noted speaker in Allen County. Tragically, Bernard died
in 1943 at the age of 39.[295] In his memory, the Rabbi Bernard M. Dorfman
Memorial Collection was created at the Lima Public Library. This collection
was originally known as the Jewish Memorial Collection and it was begun
by Rabbi Dorfman.[296] By 1978, the collection had grown to include 1,700 books.[297]
Mayer Bitman of Chicago temporarily filled the pulpit at Temple Beth Israel part-time
until Alfred Goodman washired in 1944 at the age of 25.298]
In March 1930, Samuel Held was installed as rabbi at Shaare Zedek.[299] More than 300
people were estimated to have attended the rabbi’s installation service.[300] Samuel moved to Lima
from Indianapolis and succeeded Rabbi L. Brachman, who left Shaare Zedek to take a rabbinical
position in Canton.[301] It is also of note that in 1930, Rabbi Held led religious services at Temple
Beth Israel on some occasions.[302] A gifted singer, Samuel was the nephew of Anna Held, a
Broadway star during the 1910s.[303] 303 Rabbi Held left Lima by May 1932 and he was followed at
Shaare Zedek by Rabbi Herschel Stollman. Lay leaders also continued to play important roles in
religious services at Shaare Zedek. One member of the congregation, Samuel Kleinberger, was a
noted public speaker and he gave sermons at the synagogue, including on Rosh Hashanah.[304] He
was also a member of Temple Beth Israel who for a time served the congregation as secretary.[305]
Samuel worked as a factory manager with the American Cigar Company in Lima by 1905.[306]
Shifting Locations: Jewish Life in Lima During the 1940s
On December 7, 1941, the United States was attacked by the Empire of Japan at Pearl
Harbor. Soon millions of Americans would enlist in the armed forces. At least 24 local Jews are
known to have served in World War II. Their names are George Atkin, Chester Bernstein, Ralph
Edelman, William Edelman, Walter Fishel, Albert Goldin, Ned Goldin, Ralph Goldin, Arnold
Greenberg, Philip Holstine, Milton Kamin, Aaron Levy, Nathan Levy, Harold Lotzoff, Marvin
Lubinsky, Henry Mayerson, Israel Rachlin, Julius Solomon Jr., Leon Stone, William Tigner,
Sylvan Wise, Irving Yessenow, Jacob Yessenow, and Paul Yessenow. In addition, another
individual, Bernard Miller, the son of Alex and Ida Miller, served in the United States Army but
did not go overseas. He died in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1945 after being struck by a car.[307]
Bernard studied at The Ohio State University for two years before enlisting in June 1943.[308]
Another individual, Philip Holstine was held by the Nazis as a prisoner of war for one month.[309]
At least two individuals listed above, Ralph Goldin and Marvin Lubinsky, were awarded medals.
Ralph, who worked as a doctor in Columbus by 1942, served in the Medical Corps and was
awarded the Bronze Star.[310] He was the son of Harry and Leah Goldin and later taught radiology
at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.[311] Marvin, the son of Jenny and
Max Lubinsky, was awarded the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. During the war,
he flew 30 missions in Europe as part of the Army Air Force.[312] After the war, Marvin donated
his bomber jacket to the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton. Here it was later seen by a designer
with Hasbro and used as a model for G.I. Joe dolls.[313] Marvin worked at the Neon Products
Company for over 60 years.[314]
On the homefront, the impact of Lima’s Jewish community was also felt. Ruth Blattner
and Pearl Gross were two of the many Jewish women who volunteered with organizations like
the Servicemen’s Canteen and Red Cross. In addition, Benjamin Rakowsky was asked by the
United States government to serve on the Rubber Allocation and Advisory Board based in
Washington D.C. During the 1940s, a group for women was also organized within Lima’s B’nai
B’rith chapter.[315] Inez Wise served as the group’s first president.[316] Members of B’nai B’rith
donated office space and furnishings for Allen County’s Red Cross chapter.[317] The Nazi
persecution of Jews also led some individuals to come to Allen County as refugees from Europe.
These individuals included Bernhard and Lilli Bing, Martha Baer, and Elizabeth and Martin
Sondheimer. In addition, Michael Rabe, a physician, and his wife, E. Margarete left Europe to
escape the Nazis.[318] Michael immigrated to the United States in 1938 and Margarete followed in
1940. On May 12, 1940, Michael opened a medical practice in New Bremen which he
maintained until 1971.[319] Michael was also a member of Temple Beth Israel. Martin Sondheimer
also worked as a physician. Before arriving in the United States, he served in World War I as a
member of the Imperial German Army.[320] Martin also had a medical practice in Stuttgart,
Germany. In 1938, as life for Jews in Germany became more intolerable, Martin and Elizabeth
moved to the United States and, two years later, they settled in Lima. This decision was
motivated by the reality that Ohio was among the few places in the United States where an
internship period was not required for new doctors. Dr. Sondheimer specialized in internal
medicine. Elizabeth was especially active in her new community. Her volunteer roles included
serving on the board of directors of the Lima Symphony Orchestra and being an active member
of the Temple Sisterhood.[321] She also spoke at schools in Dayton, Lima, Toledo, and other areas
about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor.
Following World War II, Lima’s Jewish community continued to grow. In 1947, the members of
Temple Beth Israel elected to sell their property located at 828 West Market Street to the Lima Church of God.[322]
This was done due to plans by the members of the congregation to build a new synagogue on the southwest corner
of Glenwood and Lakewood Avenue. 
At the time of the sale,
Sylvan Holstine served as president of Temple Beth Israel
and the congregation’s rabbi was Alfred Goodman.
Rabbi Goodman moved to Lima in 1944.[323] From August
1945 to July 1947, however, he served as a chaplain in the
United States Army. This service included time stationed in Japan.[324]
During this period of absence,Temple Beth Israel was served
by student rabbis from Hebrew Union College.[325] On May 31, 1948,
ground was broken for the new Temple Beth Israel building at 2105
Lakewood Avenue.[326] The two-story structure was reported to cost $80,000.[327]
The members of the site committee were Mrs. Sherman Abrahams,
Joseph Ackerman, Bernard Brender, Anna Cohen, Simon Fishel, Louis Glazer,
Leon Stone, and Arthur Wohlgamuth.[328] The members of the
congregation’s building committee were Sheldon Ackerman, Simon Blattner,
Benjamin Cogen, Robert Fromson, Harriett Holstine, Nathan Levy, Benjamin
Rakowsky, Julius Solomon, Elizabeth Sondheimer, and Sylvan Wise.[329]
About one year later on May 1, 1949, the members of Temple Beth Israel dedicated their
new synagogue.[330] An estimated 300 to 400 people attended the dedication exercises which
featured a lecture by Rabbi Bertram Korn, a noted scholar of American Jewish history.[331] Other
programs were scheduled by congregants throughout the week. Christian ministers, including
Reverend John Berger, Reverend Porter French, and Reverend Arthur Romig also participated in
the dedication ceremony for the new temple.[332] During 1949, Temple Beth Israel included both
an active Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Later, in 1953, a youth group was organized at the temple.
Sanford (Sandy) Glazer served as the group’s first president.[333] This group was a chapter of the
National Federation of Temple Youth. B’nai B’rith also hosted its own youth group, Aleph Zadik
Aleph, by 1947.[334]
Shaare Zedek also experienced changes during the 1940s. Shortly after the decade began,
in March 1940, Rabbi Akiva Ostrovsky began to serve as the congregation’s religious leader. He
remained in Lima until 1943, when he relocated to Toledo to take a position with B’nai Jacob.[335]
Akiva returned to Lima every Monday, however, until Shaare Zedek found a new rabbi. Later, in
1946, Rabbi Myron Movsky was installed as the congregation’s religious leader. A native of
Rochester, New York, Myron was ordained at Yeshiva University in New York City in 1942. He
served congregations in Hornell, New York, and Rochester before moving to Lima.[336] Rabbi
Movsky remained with Shaare Zedek until 1958. His predecessor, Martin Krauss, left Lima to
take a rabbinical position with a synagogue in Terre Haute, Indiana. While Lima’s Jewish
community experienced change many traditions also continued. One tradition was an annual
Yom Kippur Dance organized by Delta Sigma Nu and later, after 1950, sponsored by Shaare
Zedek. During the early and mid-1940s, several Jews also relocated to Lima. These individuals
included George and Marjorie Atkin, Frank and Helen Cartin, Benjamin and Celia Cogen,
Robert Fromson, Morris Goldberg, Jo and Louis Goldman, Nathan Halpern, Albert and Marjorie
Kahn, Judith and Milton Teitelbaum, and Alvin Verstein.
George and Marjorie Atkin were wed in 1942.[337] At the time, George worked at Neisner
Brothers, a discount store located at 231 North Main Street. Marjorie lived in Ottawa, Ohio,
before her wedding and she worked as a teacher.[338] Her father, Sigmund Wise was associated
with the Wise Clothing and Shoe Company. This company was operated by members of the Wise
family from 1898 to 1974.[339] In 1946, George and Marjorie left Lima for Ottawa after George
was made a partner at the Wise Clothing and Shoe Company along with Robert Wise.[340] Frank
and Helen Cartin moved to Lima around 1940. Frank initially worked at the Linda Jayne Shop, a
clothing store at 115 West High Street. Later, in 1949, he opened the Lord’s Men’s Store
alongside Isadore Cheslow, who has already been mentioned in this work.[341] While Isadore left
Lima in 1950 due to health complications, Frank continued working with Lord’s until 1958,
when he sold the business to William Koon.[342] Benjamin and Celia Cogen moved to Lima in
1943. Benjamin was a contractor who oversaw the construction of 275 homes in Lima between
1944 and 1948.[343] These developments included both the Lakewood Park and Sherwood Park
neighborhoods.[344]
Robert Fromson, the next individual listed above, moved to Lima in 1941 to work with
the Westinghouse Electric Company. By September 1965, however, he moved to Pittsburgh.
Morris Goldberg, who was born in Imperial Russia, lived in Lima by 1944. He was the co-owner
of the Superior Candy and Tobacco Company, which remained in business until at least 1969. In
addition, he was active in B’nai B’rith, Elks, Rotary, and Temple Beth Israel.[345] His wife, Ida was
the sister of Harry Cohen, who was Morris’ business partner.[346] Ida was a homemaker and a
member of B’nai B’rith Women and Temple Beth Israel.[347] Jo and Louis Goldman lived in Lima
by 1941. Louis operated two dress shops, Jocele’s located at 128 West Market Street and
Goldman’s at 226 North Main Street. Nathan Halpern, the next individual listed, moved to Lima
around 1940. He was associated with Madison’s Ready to Wear, which was located on Public
Square.[348] Albert and Marjorie Kahn lived in Lima by 1944. Albert worked at Century Home
Improvement and was a member of B’nai B’rith, Elks, and Shaare Zedek.[349] Marjorie was active
in Delta Sigma Nu and the Shaare Zedek Sisterhood, which was the successor to the Jewish
Ladies’ Auxiliary. Judith and Milton Teitelbaum were also members of Shaare Zedek. The
couple lived in Lima by 1944 and Milton worked as an artist at the Neon Products Company.[350]
Alvin Verstein moved to Lima shortly after his marriage to Helen Rakowsky in 1938. Helen was
the daughter of Benjamin and Jennie Rakowsky, who have already been mentioned. After
relocating to Lima, Alvin, or Al as he was popularly known, was associated with Buckeye
Rubber Products Incorporated. He remained with the firm for 31 years before moving to
Cleveland.[351] In 1947, it was estimated by the United Jewish Appeal that Lima’s Jewish
population numbered 418.[352] This estimate is only slightly different from the one taken for
1937.[353] It is also likely that Lima’s Jewish community peaked in size between 1950 and 1966.
This final period of time will be recorded in the last section of this history.
A Time for Unity: The Merger of Shaare Zedek and Temple Beth Israel
During the 1950s, Lima’s Jewish community likely reached its peak in size. This growth
can be seen through the creation of new organizations and communal initiatives. By 1950, Lima
was home to a chapter of the international Jewish women’s organization Hadassah.[354] This
organization, which still exists, served a philanthropic purpose. One major area of focus is on
supporting healthcare access in Israel. The first recorded activity undertaken by the members of
Lima’s Hadassah chapter was making blankets, nightgowns, sweaters, and other garments for
children in Israel.[355] Hadassah’s creation brought the number of Jewish women’s organizations in
Lima to four, the three older groups being B’nai B’rith Women, the Sisterhood of Shaare Zedek,
and the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel. Two men’s groups, B’nai B’rith and the Temple Beth
Israel Brotherhood also existed. By 1954, Shaare Zedek had a daily religious school. Three years
later, history was made when a bat mitzvah was celebrated at the synagogue for the first time.
Marlene Kay of Findlay was the first member of the congregation to participate in the
ceremony.[356] Marlene had recently moved to Findlay from Boston with her parents.[357] This event
also shows that by 1957, Shaare Zedek had, as a congregation, adopted Conservative rather than
Orthodox Judaism. Conservative Judaism, while not going as far as Reform Judaism, seeks to
adapt Jewish traditions to modern times. In 1955, the Lima Jewish community organized a new
charitable effort in Allen County, an Israel Bond campaign.[358] Israel Bonds played an important
role in aiding the young State of Israel in handling the absorption of hundreds of thousands of
immigrants and refugees, repairing the damage from the 1948 War of Independence, and
promoting the economic development of the state. One way the Jewish community organized its
philanthropic efforts was through the Federated Jewish Charities of Lima.[359] Funds raised
through the group benefited local, national, and international philanthropic efforts.[360] In 1955, the
organization raised over $17,500 for charity.[361]
During the early 1950s, both Shaare Zedek and Temple Beth Israel had full-time rabbis.
Myron Movsky, who has already been mentioned, served as Shaare Zedek’s rabbi from 1946
until 1958. During his time in Lima, Rabbi Movsky served as a board member of the Lima
District Tuberculosis and Health Association and he was a member of the Allen County
Ministerial Association, Optimist Club, and Torch Club.[362] He was also active in local efforts to
raise funds to research cerebral palsy and he ministered to Jewish patients at the Lima State
Hospital.[363] After leaving to accept a position in Sarasota, Florida, Rabbi Movsky was followed
by Rabbi Maurice Gross.[364] Maurice did not remain in Lima long, however, by November 1959
he left Shaare Zedek to take a position with a Jewish school in Philadelphia.[365] He was succeeded
by Rabbi Louis Gorod, who moved to Lima from Valdosta, Georgia, alongside his wife,
Henrietta, and their two children.[366] This would not end Shaare Zedek’s challenges in securing a
long-term rabbi, however, as Louis resigned in July 1960 due to poor health.[367]
At Temple Beth Israel’s new location at 2105 Lakewood Avenue, Rabbi Alfred Goodman
was succeeded by Milton Shulman in August 1950.[368] He moved to Lima from Toronto, Canada,
and remained in Allen County until 1952, when he accepted a pulpit in Madison, Illinois. He was
followed by Rabbi Norman Kahan, who began his time with Temple Beth Israel in September
1952.[369] After four years, however, Rabbi Kahan left Lima to accept a position with Temple Beth
Jacob in Newburgh, New York.[370] Rabbi Harry Sandman nearly closed out the decade serving as
Temple Beth Israel’s rabbi from 1956 to 1959.[371] The fifth rabbi to serve at Temple Beth Israel
during the 1950s, however, was Sydney Hoffman, who began his time with the congregation in
August 1959.[372] He moved to Lima with his wife and children from Battle Creek, Michigan.[373]
Sydney Hoffman was also the second to last full-time rabbi to serve at Temple Beth Israel
before its merger with Shaare Zedek in the summer of 1966.[374] By this time, Lima’s Jewish
community numbered around 385 people according to The American Jewish Year Book.[375] This
is a seven percent decline from the estimate made in 1947. Rabbi Sandman’s departure in July
1965 for East Liverpool, Ohio, also occurred shortly after the death of David Herson, Shaare
Zedek’s rabbi of nearly four years, in June 1965.[376] Rabbi Herson succeeded Rabbi Louis Gorod
in August 1961.[377] A native of Lithuania, David lived in Miami before moving to Lima.[378] The
difficulty of retaining long-term rabbinic leadership at both Shaare Zedek and Temple Beth Israel
undoubtedly contributed to each congregation’s decision to merge. Even before 1966, however,
Shaare Zedek, Temple Beth Israel, and other local Jewish organizations collaborated on efforts to
promote Jewish life and learning in Allen County. For example, by 1962 Lima’s B’nai B’rith
lodge, Shaare Zedek, and Temple Beth Israel, sponsored public lectures on Judaic themes. These
events were known as the Jewish Forum.[379]
Rabbi Sol Oster was the first religious leader to serve Lima’s unified Jewish congregation,
which adopted the name Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek in June 1966.[380] He
arrived in Lima about two months before the merger was announced to take over religious
leadership at Temple Beth Israel.[381] He also moved to Allen County with his wife, Frieda, and
their son, Joel.[382] A native of Berlin, Sol left Germany in 1933 and lived in Lithuania and
England before coming to the United States in 1939. He then served as a chaplain during World
War II and, after the war, spent time ministering to individuals in the New York State prison
system.[383] Rabbi Oster also holds the distinction of being the longest-serving rabbi to have lived
in Lima. In total, Sol served Lima’s Jewish community for 26 years until his retirement in
1991.[384] .
At the time of the merger, Milton Kamin
served as president of Shaare Zedek and Rudolph
Rakowsky served as president of Temple Beth Israel.
Milton was the son of Elizabeth and Samuel
Kamin, who have already been mentioned in this work.
He worked at the business his father had
founded, the Neon Products Company. This firm was
known in its later years as Neon Products, Incorporated.
Samuel, as noted previously, served as president of Shaare Zedek
when its synagogue at 125 South McDonel was dedicated.[385]
By 1970, Milton lived in Atlanta. Rudolph Rakowsky was also the
son of an entrepreneur. A native of Lima, Rudolph, or Rudy as he was
popularly known, attended the United States Naval Academy and
served in the Navy after World War II.[386] In 1949, he returned to Lima
to work at the Buckeye Rubber Products Company, which his father, Benjamin
had founded in 1914. By 1951, he served as the firm’s vice president.
The new Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek affiliated itself with Reform Judaism and, in
1966, the congregation had an active Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and youth group. After the
merger, it was remarked by Milton Kamin and Rudolph Rakowsky that:
The merger of these two fine religious institutions will surely bring about a greater
emphasis of religious unity which will strengthen the whole moral and ethical structure of
Lima and Allen County Jewry, fulfilling the psalmist’s proclamation: ‘Behold, how good
and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity’[387]
The members of Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek elected to move into the temple at 2105
Lakewood Avenue and sell the older synagogue at 125 South McDonel. While home to a church
as of 2024, the former synagogue still retains visible exterior signs of Judaica. Temple Beth
Israel-Shaare Zedek continues to exist in Lima as of 2024 and the congregation is Allen County’s
sole synagogue. Since 1966, however, Lima’s Jewish community has declined in size. In 1995, it
was reported that 84 families were members of Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek.[388] By 2001, it
was reported that 40 people were members of the congregation.[389] While much can be written
about Jewish life in Allen County over the last 58 years, this will be a topic for another work.
Bibliography
Allen, Ed. “Jewish Merger Completed.” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 9.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1907. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2237.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 16.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1914. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2301.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 21.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1919. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2345.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 31.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1929. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2434.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 39.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1937. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2510.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 41.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1948. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2662.
“American Jewish Year Book Vol. 67.” Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of
America, 1966. https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2988.
Eskenazi, Joe. “Junkyard Jews.” Jewish News of Northern California (San Francisco),
August 20, 2004.
Fike, John. “GI Joe Gets Jacket with Lima History.” Lima News, August 10, 2002.
Guinta, Shirley. “Israel Bonds Play Vital Role in 13-Year History of Nation.” Lima
Citizen, March 07, 1961.
Hoersten, Greg. “Building Blocks in Lima.” Lima News, September 16, 2015.
Hoersten, Greg. “Lord’s Place in Bustling Downtown.” Lima News, November 03, 2021.
Hoersten, Greg. “Trying to Stamp Out Black Legion.” Lima News, July 17, 2019.
Huba, Stephen. “Spiritual Leader of Lima’s Jewish Community Puts A Premium on
Education.” Lima News, December 16, 1995.
Hunter, Tom. “This Fellow Built 275 Homes.” Lima News, February 01, 1948.
Jantzi, Karen. “Career Marks 51 Years of Service.” Lima News, November 28, 1991.
Kessinger, Dawn. “Rosh Hashanah A Time of Reflection.” Lima News, September 15,
2001.
Kincaid, Kim. “For the Children.” Lima News, June 16, 2004.
Kincaid, Kim. “New Temple Brought Jewish Community Together.” Lima News, March 31, 1999.
Kincaid, Kim. “The Liberty Truck.” Lima News, November 11, 1998.
Lackey, Mike. “Dorfman Collection at Library Grew From Rabbi’s Donation.” Lima
News, August 06, 1978.
“Our History.” Trinity United Methodist Church. Accessed March 3, 2024.
https://www.limatrinityumc.org/our-history.
Pannabecker, Mary. “Putnam Museum Restoring Log Cabin.” Lima News, July 13, 1980.
Proske, Bob. “When You Were A Jew, You Were Condemned.” Lima News, April 23,
1978.
“Who Are We? A Story of Immigration.” Lima News, September 27, 2020.
https://www.limaohio.com/uncategorized/2020/09/27/who-are-we-a-story-of-immigration/.
Footnotes
[1] “Our History,” Trinity United Methodist Church, Accessed March 3, 2024,
https://www.limatrinityumc.org/our-history.
[2] “Who Are We? A Story of Immigration,” Lima News, September 27, 2020,
https://www.limaohio.com/uncategorized/2020/09/27/who-are-we-a-story-of-immigration/.
[3 ]”Funeral of Mr. Wise,” Times-Democrat (Lima), November 12, 1894.
[4] Obituary of Levi Jacobs, Hebrew Standard (New York City), June 16, 1905.
[5] Allen County Democrat (Lima), May 26, 1869, p 1.
[6] “Another New Store,” Allen County Democrat, May 15, 1867.
[7] Allen County Democrat, December 24, 1862, p 3.
[8] Lima Weekly Gazette, January 04, 1865, p 2.
[9] Allen County Democrat, September 18, 1885, p 8.
[10] “Domestic Record,” Israelite (Cincinnati), September 06, 1867.
[11] Lima Daily Times, June 11, 1886, p 1.
[12] “Harrod House,” Times-Democrat, July 13, 1901
[13]“Frankel Fails,” Times-Democrat, February 14, 1906.
[14] Allen County Democrat, August 07, 1873, p 3.
[15] “Will Copy Filed,” Lima News, May 14, 1925.
[16] “Harris Funeral Services Held Wednesday Morning,” Lima News, January 11, 1922.
[17] “Death of a Prominent Hebrew Citizen,” Allen County Democrat, March 31, 1881.
[18] “$2,500 Fund for Child Cripples is Established,” Lima News, March 02, 1930.
[19] Ibid.
[20] “A New Bank,” Lima Times-Democrat, May 15, 1894.
[21] “Lima Pioneer is Taken by Death,” Lima Republican-Gazette, January 02, 1925.
[22] “New Bank,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, April 08, 1898.
[23] “Superior Specialities,” Allen County Democrat, June 05, 1879.
[24] “Michaels Store is Pioneer,” Lima News, August 06, 1922.
[25] Obituary of Theodore Michael, Lima Citizen, March 18, 1958.
[26] “One of Lima’s Oldest Merchants Retires,” Republican-Gazette (Lima), May 24, 1913.
[27] “A Tonsorial Place,” Lima Daily Times, March 22, 1890.
[28] Allen County Republican-Gazette, November 26, 1891, p 4.
[29] “A Barber’s Betrothal,” Lima Daily Times, March 02, 1891.
[30] Obituary of Harry Stein, Allen County Republican-Gazette
[31] Obituary of Abraham A. Stein, Lima Republican-Gazette, August 27, 1923.
[32] Lima Morning Star and Republican-Gazette, December 23, 1932, p 10.
[33] Adrienne McGee, “All Dressed Up,” Lima News, May 31, 2012.
[34] Ibid.
[35] “California Wine Company,” Lima Times-Democrat, December 23, 1905.
[36] Adrienne McGee, “All Dressed Up,” Lima News, May 31, 2012.
[37] “Blattners Complete Deal for Feldman’s,” Lima News, December 28, 1951.
[38] “Beginning the New Year Together,” Allen County Democrat, January 06, 1881.
[39] “Blum-Cohn,” Lima Daily Democratic Times, November 26, 1888.
[40] “B’nai B’rith Ball,” Lima Daily Times, March 18, 1890.
[41] “The Hebrew Hop,” Lima Daily Times, March 21, 1890.
[42] Ibid.
[43] Lima Daily Times, September 10, 1891, p 8.
[44] American Israelite (Cincinnati), January 17, 1889, p 2.
[45] “Yom Kippur,” Lima Daily Republican, September 24, 1890.
[46] “The Hebrew New Year,” Lima Daily Times, September 15, 1890.
[47] “The Jewish Atonement,” Lima Daily Times, September 22, 1890.
[48] Ibid.
[49] “Enlightened Israelites,” Lima Daily News, October 04, 1890.
[50] Lima Daily Times, February 28, 1891, p 5.
[51] Lima Democratic Times, August 29, 1885, p 1.
[52] “Death of Mrs. Ed Wise,” Times-Democrat, July 29, 1897.
[53] “Industry, Improvement, Enterprise,” Lima Daily Times, July 04, 1889.
[54] “Gus C. Weil and Theodore Michael Have Formed a Partnership,” Allen County Republican-Gazette,
August 03, 1894.
[55] “Street Talk,” Lima Times-Democrat, July 09, 1895.
[56] “Robbed American National Bank,” Times-Democrat, December 26, 1898.
[57] Ibid.
[58] “Robbed American National Bank,” Times-Democrat, December 26, 1898.
[59] Ibid.
[60] Ibid.
[61 ]“Looted,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, December 27, 1898.
[62] “Robbed American National Bank,” Times-Democrat, December 26, 1898.
[63] “New Officers,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, December 30, 1898.
[64] Ibid.
[65] New Officers,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, December 30, 1898.
[66] “Lima Bank Resumes,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, April 18, 1899.
[67] “Michael Testifies This A. M.,” Lima News, December 06, 1899.
[68] “Elijah Bowsher Sues for $20,000,” Lima News, October 28, 1899.
[69] “Mystery of the American National Bank Robbery is Finally Cleared Away,” Lima Daily News, October
11, 1905.
[70] “Half Forgotten Robbery of the American National Bank,” Times-Democrat, October 13, 1905.
[71] Kim Kincaid, “New Temple Brought Jewish Community Together,” Lima News, March 31, 1999.
[72] Kim Kincaid, “New Temple Brought Jewish Community Together,” Lima News, March 31, 1999.
[73] Kim Kincaid, “The Liberty Truck,” Lima News, November 11, 1998.
[74] “Max Bernstein is Victim of Heart Disease,” Lima News, September 30, 1935.
[75] Ibid.
[76] Ibid.
[77] “A New Store,” Lima Times-Democrat, May 26, 1894.
[78] “A Change of Firm,” Lima Times-Democrat, October 31, 1905.
[79] Proved Fatal,” Lima Times-Democrat, October 18, 1905.
[80] “Wide Open,” Lima DailyTimes, March 14, 1890.
[81] “March 15,” Times-Democrat, March 02, 1898.
[82] Ibid.
[83] Greg Hoersten, “Hofeller, Hiatt & Clark,” Lima News, December 25, 2019.
[84] “Leon Lowenstein, Lima Pioneer Merchant, Dies Thursday in Hospital,” Lima News, June 23, 1932.
[85] Ibid.
[86] “Big Hotel Deal,” Lima Times-Democrat, February 21, 1894.
[87] Ibid.
[88] “New Venture,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, April 10, 1903.
[89] “Pioneer Cigar Salesman Dies Early Monday,” Lima News, July 03, 1939.
[90] Ibid.
[91] Ibid.
[92] “A Canopy of Flowers,” Lima Daily Times, May 12, 1892.
[93] “Making a Newspaper,” Lima News, March 23, 1927.
[94] Ibid.
[95] Ibid.
[96] “Weixelbaum Retires as News President,” Lima News, January 04, 1930.
[97] “Jewish Cemetery Association Incorporated Today,” Lima Times-Democrat, August 20, 1902.
[98] Ibid.
[99] “New Congregation at Lima, O.,” Jewish Review and Observer (Cleveland), January 29, 1904.
[100] “Dedicate New Synagogue, Temple of Israel With Elaborate Ceremonials Today,” Republican-Gazette,
February 07, 1915.
[101] “Rabbi Lefkowitz will Lecture,” Lima Times-Democrat, February 27, 1904.
[102] “Grand Purim Ball,” Lima Daily News, March 09, 1906.
[103] Lima Times-Democrat, December 06, 1902, p 2.
[104] Lima Times-Democrat, September 17, 1910, p 10.
[105] “Lima Hebrew Club,” Lima Times-Democrat, December 09, 1907.
[106] “Chautauqua is Organized as Branch of the Jewish National Chautauqua Circle,” Lima
Times-Democrat, March 09, 1907.
[107] Ibid.
[108] “Jewish Chautauqua,” Lima Times-Democrat, March 16, 1907.
[109] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 9, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1907, p 361,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2237.
[110] American Jewish Year Book Vol 16, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1914, p 372,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2301.
[111] “Lima, O.,” Jewish Review and Observer, September 23, 1904.
[112] “Jewish Services,” Lima Times-Democrat, October 03, 1908.
[113] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[114] “Long Struggle of Jews to Build Temple Here Cited on Anniversary,” Lima News, January 26, 1939.
[115] Ibid.
[116] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 9, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1907, p 361,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2237.
[117] “Yom Kippur,” Lima Daily News, September 23, 1909.
[118] Obituary of Harry Bloom, Lima News, January 26, 1947.
[119] Obituary of Anna Bloom, Lima News, May 06, 1960.
[120] “Bond Issue Illegal Because Someone Blundered Again,” Lima Daily News, October 11, 1913.
[121] Obituary of Harry H. Liokumovitz, Lima News, October 30, 1938.
[122] Obituary of Louis J. Lotzoff, Lima News, July 31, 1945.
[123] Obituary of Max Lubinsky, Lima Citizen, January 15, 1959.
[124] “Pioneer Lima Merchant Dies Tuesday Night,” Lima News, July 19, 1939.
[125] Lima Times-Democrat, April 08, 1919, p 12.
[126] “Buckeye Rubber Keeps Bouncing Along After 75 Years,” Lima News, February 25, 1990.
[127] “Orthodox Jews will Observe the Day of Atonement Next Week,” Lima Times-Democrat, September
11, 1907.
[128] Ibid.
[129] “St. Marys Girl Joined in Holy Wedlock Here Today,” Lima Times-Democrat, November 28, 1907.
[130] “Lima Hebrew Club,” Lima Times-Democrat, December 09, 1907.
[131] “Hershey-Stern,” Lima Daily News, July 03, 1908.
[132] Ibid.
[133] “Shaare Zedek Congregation Dedicates Synagogue Sunday,” Lima News, August 08, 1937.
[134] Ibid.
[135] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[136] Ibid.
[137] “Shaare Zedek Congregation Dedicates Synagogue Sunday,” Lima News, August 08, 1937.
[138] “Yom Kippur to be Celebrated Here,” Lima Republican-Gazette, September 17, 1915.
[139] Obituary of Anna Rosenbloom, Lima Morning Star, January 25, 1933.
[140] Greg Hoersten, “The Lyric Final Part,” Lima News, July 10, 2013.
[141] Obituary of Lena Blattner, Lima News, April 12, 1973.
[142] Ibid.
[143] “Blattner Rites to be Monday,” Lima News, October 28, 1945.
[144] “Great Success,” Lima Daily News, March 05, 1909.
[145] “Surprise Party,” Lima Times-Democrat, May 31, 1919.
[146] “Simon Fishel Dies Tuesday,” Lima News, May 15, 1951.
[147] “Michael, Fishel Inc. Outlines Expansion Plan,” Lima News, August 17, 1930.
[148] “Simon Fishel Dies Tuesday,” Lima News, May 15, 1951.
[149] “Wed ‘Neath Flag in Russian Romance,” Republican-Gazette, January 02, 1914.
[150] “Hebrew Rites for Young People,” Lima Daily News, January 02, 1914.
[151] Ibid.
[152] “Wed ‘Neath Flag in Russian Romance,” Republican-Gazette, January 02, 1914.
[153] “Native of Russia Dies at District Hospital,” Lima Times-Democrat, May 16, 1917.
[154] “Leader Store Company $100,000 Corporation,” Lima Republican-Gazette, March 31, 1916.
[155] “Levy Goes to Dayton,” Lima Republican-Gazette, September 16, 1920.
[156] Obituary of Joseph Levy, Lima News, March 05, 1964.
[157] Lima Morning Star, August 16, 1932, p 14.
[158] Obituary of Joseph Kaufman, Lima News, February 26, 1949.
[159] “Big Blaze,” Allen County Republican Gazette, October 21, 1904.
[160] “Notice of Dissolution,” Lima News, January 05, 1953.
[161] “Emily Levy, 74, Dies Following Long Illness,” Lima Citizen, April 26, 1961.
[162] “Benedix E. Rosenbaum, Lima Merchant, Dies,” Lima News, August 01, 1929.
[163] Ibid.
[164] “Rosenheim Dictator,” Republican Gazette, January 22, 1915.
[165] “Lester Schnitzer Called by Death,” Lima Times-Democrat, October 14, 1918.
[166] “Beautiful Home Event,” Lima Times-Democrat, September 06, 1910.
[167] Lima Daily News, August 15, 1913, p 11.
[168] “Lima to Get New Business Office,” Lima Republican-Gazette, June 11, 1922.
[169] Ibid.
[170] “Harry L. Solomon’s Door ‘Always Open’”, Lima Citizen, September 20, 1959.
[171] Ibid.
[172] Ibid.
[173] “Banker, Philanthropist Dies After Long Career,” Lima News, March 19, 1979.
[174] Obituary of Louis Strauss, Lima Republican-Gazette, February 18, 1916.
[175] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[176] “Jews will Build a $20,000 Church,” Republican-Gazette, January 24, 1913.
[177] “Jews will Build a $20,000 Church,” Republican-Gazette, January 24, 1913.
[178] “Lay Corner Stone [sic] Beth Israel Sunday,” Republican-Gazette, June 11, 1914.
[179] Ibid.
[180] Ibid.
[181] “New Temple Dedicated at Lima, Ohio,” Jewish Review and Observer, February 12, 1915.
[182] “Beautiful New Temple is Dedicated with Impressive Ceremonies During Sunday,” Lima Daily News,
February 08, 1915.
[183] Ibid.
[184] Ibid.
[185] “Dedicate New Synagogue, Temple of Israel With Elaborate Ceremonials Today,” Republican-Gazette,
February 07, 1915.
[186] Ibid.
[187] “Beautiful New Temple is Dedicated with Impressive Ceremonies During Sunday,” Lima Daily News,
February 08, 1915.
[188] “Beautiful New Temple is Dedicated with Impressive Ceremonies During Sunday,” Lima Daily News,
February 08, 1915.
[189] Ibid.
[190] “Dedicate New Synagogue, Temple of Israel With Elaborate Ceremonials Today,” Republican-Gazette,
February 07, 1915.
[191] “Beautiful New Temple is Dedicated with Impressive Ceremonies During Sunday,” Lima Daily News,
February 08, 1915.
[192] “Dedicate New Synagogue, Temple of Israel With Elaborate Ceremonials Today,” Republican-Gazette,
February 07, 1915.
[193] “Beautiful New Temple is Dedicated with Impressive Ceremonies During Sunday,” Lima Daily News,
February 08, 1915.
[194] “Lay Corner Stone [sic] Beth Israel Sunday,” Republican-Gazette, June 11, 1914.
[195] “Dedicate New Synagogue, Temple of Israel With Elaborate Ceremonials Today,” Republican-Gazette,
February 07, 1915.
[196] “Social Notes,” Lima Times-Democrat, February 26, 1916.
[197] “Lima Oversubscribes Quota,” Jewish Independent (Cleveland), January 23, 1920.
[198] “Rev. Dr. Stiles Appeals for Jewish Relief,” Lima Times-Democrat, December 29, 1919.
[199] “Navy Medal is Given Bernstein,” Lima Republican-Gazette, November 12, 1920.
[200] “Former Clothing Store Head Dies,” Lima News, April 21, 1955.
[201] “Emily Levy, 74, Dies Following Long Illness,” Lima Citizen, April 26, 1961.
[202] “New Lima Concern,” Lima Times-Democrat, May 26, 1919.
[203] “Former Cleveland Rabbi Honored,” Jewish Independent, October 25, 1918.
[204] Lima Times-Democrat, June 18, 1917, p 5.
[205] “Attend the Bazaar,” Lima Daily News, December 12, 1917.
[206] “$10,000 Loss by Fire in Temple,” Lima Republican-Gazette, December 02, 1919.
[207] “Long Struggle of Jews to Build Temple Here Cited on Anniversary,” Lima News, January 26, 1939.
[208] Ibid.
[209] “$10,000 Loss by Fire in Temple,” Lima Republican-Gazette, December 02, 1919.
[210] Ibid.
[211] “Temple Beth Israel is Being Remodeled,” Lima News, August 02, 1920.
[212] “Jewish Services to Be At Congregational Church,” Lima News, September 12, 1920.
[213] “Beth Israel Temple Gives Purse to Firemen Fund,” Lima Republican-Gazette, December 04, 1919.
[214] “Mrs. N.L. Michael Dies in Chicago,” Lima Republican-Gazette, April 02, 1918.
[215] Ibid.
[216] Ibid.
[217] “City Mourns at Sudden Demise of N.L. Michael,” Lima News, March 14, 1926.
[218] Kim Kincaid, “For the Children,” Lima News, June 16, 2004.
[219] “Weixelbaum Heads Temple Beth Israel,” Lima News, November 13, 1926.
[220] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[221] “The Idler,” Lima Times-Democrat, January 17, 1916.
[222] “Lima Temple Services,” Jewish Independent, October 17, 1919.
[223] “Death Takes Mrs. Solomon Here Tuesday,” Lima News, July 25, 1944.
[224] Lima News, May 23, 1948, p 1.
[225] “Anniversary Dinner is Held Wednesday Evening by the Delta Sigma Nu Sorority,” Lima News,
February 10, 1944.
[226] “Party will be Held by Sorority,” Lima News, May 05, 1927.
[227] Ibid.
[228] “Farewell Party Given for Mrs. Brownstein,” Lima News, January 14, 1952.
[229] Lima News, February 23, 1936, p 15.
[230] “Beta Club Members Join Iota Nu Fraternity,” Lima Morning Star, June 17, 1930.
[231] “Holiday Dance is Given by Fraternity,” Lima News, January 02, 1941.
[232] Lima Republican-Gazette, December 14, 1922, p 4.
[233] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 31, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1929, p
226, https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2434.
[234] “200 Jews Mark Close of Yom Kippur Services,” The Lima Morning Star and Republican-Gazette,
October 11, 1932.
[235] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 21, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1919, p 532,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2345.
[236] “25th Anniversary Program to Be Conducted Sunday by Temple Beth Israel Members,” Lima News,
January 29, 1939.
[237] “New Jewelry Store to Put In $30,000 Stock,” Lima Republican-Gazette, March 28, 1916.
[238] “Bernard H. Blum Joins Feldman Organization, Lima Republican Gazette, June 02, 1920.
[239] “Aliens Forswear Native Countries,” Lima Republican-Gazette, February 08, 1917.
[240] “Paper Plant Blaze is a Costly One,” Lima Times-Democrat, October 05, 1917.
[241] “Lima Firm Receives Incorporation Papers,” Lima Daily News, December 31, 1919.
[242] Obituary of Harry Cohen, Lima News, September 18, 1988.
[243] Ibid.
[244] Obituary of Morris Goldberg, Lima News, February 18, 1985.
[245] “Lima House has New Manager,” Lima Republican-Gazette, December 04, 1924.
[246] “Wheatley to Take Norval on Saturday,” Lima Morning Star and Republican Gazette, February 12,
1930.
[247] “Lima Resident Killed, Two Women Injured in Auto Accident Sunday,” Lima News, June 22, 1942.
[248] Obituary of Max M. Hyman, Lima News, February 19, 1946.
[249] “Neon Products Founder Dies,” Lima News, September 04, 1984.
[250] “Essex Lights World,” Lima News, February 28, 1971.
[251] Ibid.
[252] Ibid.
[253] “Gazette Prints 1280-Page Book for Garford Co.,” Lima Republican Gazette, October 08, 1923.
[254] “Poor Housekeeper Claim,” Lima Republican-Gazette, May 24, 1922.
[255] “Royal Boot Shop Company Incorporates,” Lima Republican-Gazette, October 05, 1920.
[256] “Junk Feud Continues,” Lima Times-Democrat, April 15, 1916.
[257] “Junk Dealer Seeks Permit to Operate,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, January 31, 1928.
[258] Joe Eskenazi, “Junkyard Jews,” Jewish News of Northern California (San Francisco), August 20, 2004.
[259] “New Cemetery Will Be Dedicated Sunday,” Lima News, May 21, 1933.
[260] “New Lima Rabbi to Be Installed Sunday,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, March 20, 1930.
[261] “Jews will Open $3,000 Drive in Lima Thursday,” Lima News, June 17, 1930.
[262] “Lima Jews will Raise $3000 for National fund,” Lima News, July 15, 1930.
[263] Obituary of Louise Burke Negin, Lima News, February 10, 1974.
[264] Obituary of Louise Burke Negin, Lima News, February 10, 1974.
[265 “Temple Sisterhood Gives Thanksgiving Eve Dance for Members and Friends,” Lima News, November
25, 1937.
[266] Lima News, November 20, 1932, p 2.
[267] “Lima Chapter of B’nai B’rith Hears Address,” Lima News, January 13, 1931.
[268] Greg Hoersten, “Trying to Stamp Out Black Legion,” Lima News, July 17, 2019.
[269] “Mayor to Order Ku Klux Probe,” Lima Republican-Gazette, September 22, 1921.
[270] Ibid.
[271] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 39, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1937, p 714,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2510.
[272] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 41, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1948, p 680,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2662.
[273] “Work Started on Synagogue; Group Elects,” Lima News, October 15, 1936.
[274] “Shaare Zedek Congregation Dedicates Synagogue Sunday,” Lima News, August 08, 1937.
[275] Ibid.
[276] Ibid.
[277] Ibid.
[278] “Shaare Zedek Congregation Dedicates Synagogue Sunday,” Lima News, August 08, 1937.
[279] Obituary of Herman I. Gross, Lima News, March 28, 1980.
[280] “Mainly About People,” Lima News, September 12, 1930.
[281] “Friends Honor Retiring Operator of Clothing Store,” Lima Citizen, June 12, 1959.
[282] Obituary of Mrs. Louis A. Caplan, Lima News, September 11, 1953.
[283] Lima News, August 22, 1937, p 7.
[284] Obituary of Louis Glazer, Lima News, June 25, 1978.
[285] Obituary of Eleanor Brownstein Glazer, Lima News, November 02, 1999.
[286] “Fur Expert to Open Store in Square Monday,” Lima News, August 20, 1939.
[287] Ibid.
[288] “New Lima Cheese Plant Will Open Tuesday” Lima Morning Star and Republican Gazette, June 27,
1930.
[289] “Industrial Expansion,” Lima Morning Star and Republican Gazette, April 26, 1930.
[290] “Lima Assured New Factory,” Lima Morning Star and Republican Gazette, April 26, 1930.
[291] “Dairy Concern Here is Sold,” Lima News, December 16, 1945.
[292] Obituary of Albert Rachlin, Lima News, September 24, 1954.
[293] “Rabbi Dorfman to Take Duties in Lima Temple,” Lima Morning Star and Republican Gazette, October
15, 1931.
[294] “Rabbi Bernard M. Dorfman Passes Away After Three-Month Illness,” Jewish Independent, March 05,
1943.
[295] “Death Claims Rabbi Dorfman,” Lima News, March 03, 1943.
[296] “Nearly 600 Books Given in City and County for Use of Men in Service,” Lima News, March 19, 1943.
[297] Mike Lackey, “Dorfman Collection at Library Grew From Rabbi’s Donation,” Lima News, August 06,
1978.
[298] “Successor to Dorfman will Be Here Aug. 1,” Lima News, May 06, 1944.
[299] “New Lima Rabbi to be Installed Sunday,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, March 20, 1930.
[300] “300 Jews Attend Installation Rites,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, March 24, 1930.
[301] “New Lima Rabbi to be Installed Sunday,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, March 20, 1930.
[302] “Jewish New Year Rites End Today,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, September 24, 1930.
[303] “Citizenship Class Hears Christmas Songs,” Lima News, December 23, 1931.
[304] “Jews to Mark Start of New Year Friday,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, September 09, 1931.
[305] “Jews Celebrate Feast of Lights,” Lima Star and Republican Gazette, December 07, 1931.
[306] “Long Time,” Allen County Republican-Gazette, June 30, 1905.
[307] “Bernard Miller Killed by Auto,” Lima News, February 06, 1945.
[308] Ibid.
[309] “Servicemen’s Lima News,” Lima News, May 20, 1945.
[310] Obituary of Dr. Ralph Goldin, Lima News, March 29, 1999.
[311] “Central Graduate Gets Medical College Post,” Lima News, August 21, 1955.
[312] Obituary of Marvin Lubinsky, Lima News, May 01, 2009.
[313] John Fike, “GI Joe Gets Jacket with Lima History,” Lima News, August 10, 2002.
[314] Obituary of Marvin Lubinsky, Lima News, May 01, 2009.
[315] “Lima Women to Head B’nai B’rith Lodge,” Lima News, May 29, 1945.
[316] Obituary of Inez Wise Warren, Lima News, January 06, 2002.
[317] “Red Cross Chapter Gets Office from B’nai B’rith,” Lima News, June 25, 1944.
[318] Obituary of Michael Rabe, Lima News, November 10, 1981
[319] Ibid.
[320] Bob Proske, “When You Were A Jew, You Were Condemned,” Lima News, April 23, 1978.
[321] Obituary of Elizabeth Sondheimer, Cleveland Jewish News, May 01, 2009.
[322] “Court’s OK Starts Shifting of Churches,” Lima News, November 07, 1947.
[323] “Successor to Dorfman will Be Here Aug. 1,” Lima News, May 06, 1944.
[324] “Welcome Dinner Listed for Rabbi,” Lima News, July 24, 1947.
[325] “Rabbi Goodman to Leave Lima,” Lima News, May 15, 1950.
[326] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[327] “Temple to Be Started in Spring,” Lima News, February 01, 1948.
[328] Ibid.
[329] Ibid.
[330] “Programs to Complement Dedication of Temple,” Lima News, May 02, 1949.
[331] Ibid.
[332] “Solemn Rites to Mark Dedication of Beth Israel Temple,” Lima News, May 01, 1949.
[333] “Temple Youth Group Organizes,” Lima News, February 04, 1953.
[334] “2 From Lima In AZA Debate,” Lima News, August 24, 1947.
[335] “Rabbi Accepts Call to Toledo,” Lima News, June 27, 1943.
[336] “Rabbi Assumes Leadership of Shaare Zedek,” Lima News, February 17, 1946.
[337] “Marriage Takes Place at Ottawa,” Lima News, March 25, 1942.
[338] Ibid.
[339] Mary Pannabecker, “Putnam Museum Restoring Log Cabin,” Lima News, July 13, 1980.
[340] “Firm Expands,” Lima News, March 05, 1946.
[341] Greg Hoersten, “Lord’s Place in Bustling Downtown,” Lima News, November 03, 2021.
[342] Ibid.
[343] Tom Hunter, “This Fellow Built 275 Homes,” Lima News, February 01, 1948.
[344] Greg Hoersten, “Building Blocks in Lima,” Lima News, September 16, 2015.
[345] Obituary of Morris Goldberg, Lima News, February 18, 1985.
[346] Obituary of Ida Goldberg, Lima News, October 24, 1987.
[347] Ibid.
[348] “Madison’s Launches Renovation Work,” Lima News, September 10, 1961.
[349] Obituary of Albert W. Kahn, Lima News, November 24, 1972.
[350] Obituary of Milton Teitelbaum, Lima News, March 14, 1981.
[351] Obituary of Alvin J. Verstein, Lima News, February 27, 1978.
[352] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 41, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1948, p 680,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2662.
[353] Ibid.
[354] “Chapter Makes Clothing for Children in Israel,” Lima News, November 12, 1950.
[355] Ibid.
[356] “First Bat Mitzvah Held at Synagogue in Lima,” Lima News, March 10, 1957.
[357] Ibid.
[358] Shirley Guinta, “Israel Bonds Play Vital Role in 13-Year History of Nation,” Lima Citizen, March 07,
1961.
[359] “Jewish Charities Group to Hold Victory Dinner” Lima News, November 30, 1955.
[360] “Moyer Named President of Jewish Charities,” Lima News, November 13, 1955.
[361] “$17,500 Collected in Jewish Drive,” Lima News, December 01, 1955.
[362] “Rabbi Movsky Gets Post in Florida,” Lima Citizen, July 23, 1958.
[363] Ibid.
[364] “Nashville Rabbi to Take Post at Shaare Zedek,” Lima Citizen, November 03, 1958.
[365] “Reception Set Tonight for Shaare Zedek Rabbi,” Lima Citizen, November 15, 1959.
[366] Ibid.
[367] “Rabbi Gorod Resigns Due to Ill Health,” Lima Citizen, July 26, 1960.
[368] “New Rabbi Arrives to Assume Post,” Lima News, August 02, 1950.
[369] “New Rabbi Assumes Spiritual Duties Sept. 1 at Lima’s Temple Beth Israel,” Lima News, August 17, 1952.
[370] “Lima’s Future Kiwanis Topic,” Lima News, February 19, 1956.
[371] “Southern Rabbi Takes Lima Post,” Lima News, June 09, 1956.
[372] “Rabbi Assumes Duties This Week at Lima Temple,” Lima Citizen, August 13, 1959.
[373] Ibid.
[374] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[375] American Jewish Year Book Vol, 67, Philadelphia, Jewish Publication Society of America, 1966, p 89,
https://ajcarchives.org/Portal/Yearbooks/en-US/RecordView/Index/2988.
[376] “Jewish Leader is Dead,” Lima News, June 10, 1965.
[377] “Shaare Zedek Names Spiritual Leader,” Lima Citizen, August 06, 1961.
[378] Jewish Leader is Dead,” Lima News, June 10, 1965.
[379] “Spring Jewish Forum Opens Here on May 21,” Lima News, May 13, 1962.
[380] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[381] “Temple Beth Israel Gets Rabbi,” Lima Star, April 22, 1966.
[382] Ibid.
[383] Karen Jantzi, “Career Marks 51 Years of Service,” Lima News, November 28, 1991.
[384] Karen Jantzi, “Career Marks 51 Years of Service,” Lima News, November 28, 1991.
[385] “Shaare Zedek Congregation Dedicates Synagogue Sunday,” Lima News, August 08, 1937.
[386] “Buckeye Rubber President Dies,” Lima News, August 28, 1988.
[387] Ed Allen, “Jewish Merger Completed,” Lima News, July 03, 1966.
[388] Stephen Huba, “Spiritual Leader of Lima’s Jewish Community Puts A Premium on Education,” Lima News, December 16, 1995.
[389] Dawn Kessinger, “Rosh Hashanah A Time of Reflection,” Lima News, September 15, 2001.