Reform Judaism

Abstract

A few Jewish merchants settled in Billings in 1884, but a community began only after 1900. Congregation Beth Aaron was formed in Billings in 1918. The Jewish population grew and declined mainly with the boom (1950s) and bust (1960's) of the oil business. By 1979, there were approx. 30-40 Jewish families in Billings.

Abstract On July 13, 1884, Horrace Tabor conveyed property, as a gift, to "David May for the Benefit of the Congregation Israel." The congregation was organized primarily by Germanic Jews under the practice of Reform Judaism. The temple cost $4,000 to erect and was dedicated on September 19, 1884. A separate Jewish cemetery was also created. Of Leadville's population of 30,000 in the early 1800s, there were around around 300 Jewish residents. Many Jewish families in Leadville left after the silver...

Abstract

Contains 6 folders of Minutes (1987-2011), 2 membership reports (1996-2011), and 2 membership lists (1987-1996), 2 staff retreats (1992-2000), 2 Board retreats (1992-2006) and correspondence (1991 and 2000).

Abstract

Various materials related to the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism. The Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism is a policy-development and leadership body, bringing the vision of Reform Judaism to issues of social justice.

Abstract Congregation Emanuel, the oldest synagogue in Colorado, was founded in Denver by a group of mostly German Jewish immigrants. At a meeting in 1874, members of the congregation decided to draft a constitution and incorporate the congregation as an institution of Reform Judaism. Rabbi Samuel Weil became the congregation's first rabbi in 1876; he served the congregation for only a year and was followed by a number of rabbis whose terms were short-lived. Rabbi William S. Friedman became the...

Abstract On July 13, 1884, Horrace Tabor conveyed property, as a gift, to "David May for the Benefit of the Congregation Israel." The congregation was organized primarily by Germanic Jews under the practice of Reform Judaism. The temple cost $4,000 to erect and was dedicated on September 19, 1884. A separate Jewish cemetery was also created. Of Leadville's population of 30,000 in the early 1800s, there were around around 300 Jewish residents. Many Jewish families in Leadville left after the silver...

Abstract Congregation Micah, the second Jewish Reform congregation in Denver, was started by members of Denver's Temple Emanuel who felt that their congregation had strayed from the principles taught by its former leader, Rabbi William Friedman. A number of individuals involved in the school's formation started a Reform Judaism congregation, which became incorporated in September 1956 as the Denver Congregation for Reform Judaism and changed its name to Congregation Micah in 1957. Congregation...

Abstract

The Sisterhood of Congregation Micah was a unit in the congregation until 1976. Membership declined during the 1960s and in 1976 the Congregation sold their buildings to the Mount Gilead Baptist Church and the Sisterhood ceased to exist. The collection primarily contains administrative and financial records, but also newsclippings, event materials, and recipes.

Abstract

Rabbi William S. Friedman is shown seated in a formal portrait. Rabbi Friedman became the rabbi of Temple Emanuel in 1889 at the age of 21 and served until 1938. A graduate of Hebrew Union College and a leader in the movement of Reform Judaism, he specialized in classic oratory and maintained a high civic profile in Denver, Colorado. He was a founder of National Jewish Hospital and Community Chest, a nonsectarian charity organization.