Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-02-13
The Hebrew Synagogue.

The Hebrew Synagogue.
ITS DEDICATION TO TIE WORSHIP OF
GoD-ITs INTERIOR-ADDREss AT THE
| OPENING.
&C., &C., &C.
The new Synagogue on Kalorama street
was open for worship last Friday evenln g
at Z 80 O'Clock. The main audience room,
which is entered from vestibule, is plain.
neat and pretty, and will comfortably seat
about one hundred persons. The papering
of the room. in imitation OF frescoe, done
by Hewitt Il Son is very handsome. The
rabbits desk at the western end of the
room is lighted by gas candlabras on eth
er side, bearing an imitation of wax can
dies from which the lights come. In the
csntre of the room are other gas jets. To
the left of the pulpit is the choir stand
aud organ. The members OF the choir are
Mesdames Louis Cohen and Fl. Sacher-
man, Misses Sophie and Flora Switzer and
Messrs. Adolph Loeb, Julius Switzer, b.
Weinberg and Leon Weinberg. The CON-
mittee or providing a synagogue for the
worshippers Of God, Of that faith. and who
did their work with economy and excellent
taste were Messrs. Adolph Loeb. LOUIS
Cohen, ST.. and Morris Witt. Some addi-
tions are yet to bs made, one being the
tables of the Ten Commandments which
will soon arrive and be put in their place
on each side of the pulpit.
On Friday evening, Mr.. Louis Cohen.
ST., opened the service by reading in He
brew 1.-The duties of Israel" interspersed
by choral service. This was followed by
singing by the choir, after which Maj.
Alex. Hart delivered the following ad-
dress
My friends; Our situation this evening brings
forcibly to mind the period and hour when
the ark with the Ten Commandment was con-
veyed to the great temple at Jerusalem
Biblical History informs us that after Moses
returned from his interview with the Almighty
in the mountain, bringing with him the Com
mandments, the Israelites gave freely their
jewelry and cherished treasures and also their
labor to build shelter for the inestimable
gift of God; and that when the sheltered ark
was completed the Commandments were con-
veyed from place to place as the Israelites
journeyed by command of God. When David
whose veneration and gratitude to the
Almighty was profound, assembled the throne
as King of Israel, his first thought was to tes-
tify his piety and gratefulness by the erection
of dwelling suitable for the Commandments
and David arranged for the building of the
magnificent Temple, and left its completion as
legacy to his son Solomon. The temple was
completed in all its grandeur and beauty
With music, singing, and every possible rejoic-
ing the ark was placed in its resting place.
Nine years ago the little band of Israelites
here, had no congregation nor place of wor-
ship; the only Jewish organization was club
formed for social amusement. The members
of the club after mature elaboration, conclud-
ed to organize congregation. This congre-
cation has moved like the ark of old, from
place to place, finding itself frequently in dis
agreeable quarters; troubles have often assail-
ed the congregation, and several times the dis
turbing elements have almost engulfed it in
complete and final ruin. Hope seemed extin-
guished, but the little band worked steadily,
and determined to go down with their flag of
Faith and Religion flying defantly. Gods
protective arm saved us from ruin. His spirit
renewed hope, and encouraged the despairing
The time had come to locate permanently
the congregation. A few weeks since com
mittees were appointed to purchase and fit up
| a synagogue. The committees have worked
faithfully and zealously, and as the fruits of
their labor we are assembled here this evening
| to dedicate this building a Synagogue-a
| permanent home for the congregation. Our
thanks are due and are herewith rendered to
| the hard working committee We receive
gratefully this Synagogue from their hands
and all hearts rejoice that at last the Staunton
| Congregation, ''Sons of Israel" have Home.
And now, my friends, we welcome you here,
and as you become habituated to assemble
here each Sabbath and holy day, and unite in
prayers of thankfulness, I pray that the AL.
mighty may give ear to your petitions and an
swer them favorably. May the Lord bless and
preserve thee; may the Lord grant you the
light of His Countenance and he gracious
| unoo thee, ana may Inc LORD grant thee Har-
mony and Peace. Amen.
After further choral service, Mai Hart
gave the evening lecture, the subject OF
which was Faith" The services con-
cIuded with the benediction The choir
made all admirable beginning on Friday
evening and gives promise of being one OF
the best in the city. As the congregation
is composed of both Orthudox and Re-
formed Hebrews, the former Of which
worship with their hats on and the latter
with bare heads, it has been agreed fol
the sake Of uniformity that the latter Gus.
tom be adopted.