| Home > About Us > Facility > A Brief History |
|
| | | |
|
| |
Facility
|
|
| ||||
|
A Brief History
by Sid Meltzner In late 1980, a meeting was held at the home of Jerry and Jan Rogoway. Present were Jerry and Sandy Helman, and Beryl Weiner and his wife Judy Bin-Nun. They explored the possibility of creating a new synagogue on the West Side. Dr. David Lieber of the University of Judaism gave them a list of about 10 other families in the area who were looking for a more intimate synagogue experience. There followed a larger organizational meeting at Leo Baeck Temple. At this time a group of about 40 families emerged who had been meeting together for a few months after having broken away from Adat Shalom synagogue. Both groups decided to merge and pool their financial resources. With this nucleus, Kehillat Ma'arav Synagogue was formed, under the leadership of Rabbi Michael Menitoff and Cantor Laurie Rimland. This new group sought to have Kehillat Ma'arav be unique in several ways. It would reflect an egalitarian philosophy with respect to ritual practice, lay leadership, and administration. To foster these aims, the group decided there would be no Men's Clubs or Sisterhoods, but rather form smaller groups around shared interests, regardless of gender or financial status. > At first, services were held in members' homes. The first High Holiday services were at Paul Revere Jr. High School, and the second were at Emerson Jr. High School. As the congregation grew, we began renting space at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church where we had a small office, held weekly Shabbat services and began an afternoon religious school beginning in 1982. Subsequently, and for many years thereafter, our High Holidays were at the Miramar Hotel. The relationship with the church has continued to the present day, by celebrating Thanksgiving breakfast together, alternating between the two congregations. At present our High Holiday services are held at the Olympic Collection. Following the departure of Rabbi Menitoff and Cantor Rimland, we were led by Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, who served for 10 years, and Cantor Jeremy Lipton. Currently we have been led by Rabbi Michael Gotlieb since 1995, and Cantor Keith Miller since 1993. The afternoon religious school grew from 15 students to over 100. Our first principal, Daphna Schneider, returned later on as a teacher of the 7th graders. One of our most beloved teachers, Aaron Rubinstein. is now a Rabbi in Memphis, Tennessee. After Principal Esther Dubin's departure in 1991, the position of Principal-Cantor was created, and was filled by Cantor Barry Caplan, of blessed memory. He was succeeded by Cantor Miller. In 1986, we formed a Search Committee to find a home of our own. Through the extraordinary generosity of members Jack and Goldie Nomberg, who provided us with a gift of one million dollars, we began a capital campaign with the help of professional fundraisers and began to look in earnest. Many congregants made generous contributions which, combined with the Nombergs' gift, enabled us to purchase our own place at 1715 21st Street, south of Olympic Boulevard. An architect was found by member Maurice Kurtz. Renovation of the existing building commenced under the expertise of member/contractor Carmella Pardo and a friend of hers, contractor Uri Farkash, whose long-time dream it was to be the builder of a synagogue. Pat Solomon, also a member, designed the stained-glass panels of the ark. Many other members assisted as the work progressed, notably Jack Topal and Sam Tooch. We held our first services in our own home in August 1990. In the course of our history we have been fortunate to have many members who have given generously of their wealth, wisdom and work to enhance our KM family. Our goal is to have a congregation of 300 to 400 families--at present we are at 293 families-- and to keep the homey and welcoming atmosphere as the cornerstone of our community.
Click for Simchas/Parties Click for Gift Shop Click for Memorial Scroll Click for Sanctuary Windows |
About Us | Activities | Education | Support KM | Web Stuff
Copyright © 2007 Kehillat Ma'arav
www.km-synagogue.org