Congregation Zera Israel Records and Scrapbooks

Collection

Identifier: B298

Staff Only

Abstract

Congregation Zera Israel (the Descendants of Israel) was organized on May 1, 1921 in a storefront, as a Lithuanian Orthodox synagogue. It was one of the Orthodox synagogues of West Denver. Rabbi Arthur L. Fine became the leader in 1979 and Morris B. Sapper and Julius Berger were presidents of the congregation. The collection contains Articles of Incorporation, Scrapbooks and Photographs, Events and Memorials.

Dates

1921-1996

Creator

Congregation Zera Israel (Denver, Colo.) (Organization)

Language of Materials

The materials are in English, but there are some Hebrew words.

Biographical / Historical

Congregation Zera Israel (the Descendants of Israel) was organized on May 1, 1921 in a storefront as a Lithuanian Orthodox synagogue. The organizers were ''Litvaks'' from Vilna and the surrounding areas who left the Ostrover Shul in Denver. The initial trustees included Lewis Robinson, Simon Holland, and Max Ginsberg. Zera Israel was located at 3106 West Colfax, Denver, Colorado. A new building was erected in 1959 at 3934 West 14th Avenue, Denver, Colorado, when more of the Jewish residents moved out of the Jewish neighborhoods of West Colfax of Denver to areas further west. Rabbi Max Ginsberg became the spiritual leader in 1932 and Rabbi Arthur L. Fine led the congregation beginning in 1979. Morris B. Sapper and Julius Berger were presidents of the congregation. The congregation hosted Farband and Yiddish-language activities in the 1960s and 1970s. The congregation disbanded in the 1990s.

Extent

3.25 Linear Feet (2 containers)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

The collection contains scrapbooks, photographs, and documents from 1921 to 1996. The collection illustrates the history of one of the Orthodox congregations of the West Colfax Jewish neighborhoods from its incorporation in 1921 through 1996.