Our History
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On June 3, 1948, thirty Jews gathered at the Brevoort Hotel on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Eighth Street. Led by Harry Burnbaum, Max Cohen and C.S.White, their agenda was to discuss the re-organization of the Jewish Community Center into a "liberal Jewish" congregation for residents of Greenwich and the lower West Side areas. At that time, there were only two congregations in the area, both Orthodox; one on Charles Street and one on West 23rd Street.
The group invited Rabbi Daniel L. Davis, Director of the NY Federation of Reform Synagogues of the UAHC, to advise them. Their goals were both spiritual and social. They sought to create a congregation to hold services, conduct religious education, and provide neighborhood residents with Sunday and week-day classes. Cultural and social activities for young people, a women’s organization and a men’s club were also part of the plan.
It was an eventful evening. Stimulated by each other’s enthusiasm and energy, the group decided to incorporate The Village Temple, Congregation B’nai Israel, as of November 5, 1948. Friday evening services were held at the Brevoort Hotel and the congregation’s 150 members covered most of their modest expenses by requiring a contribution of $35. Rabbis from Temple Emanuel led services until a Rabbi could be hired to lead the fledgling community.
By January 1949, there were 300 members and the group outgrew the space at the hotel. Leaders of the congregation at that time spoke with elders at the Village Presbyterian Church at 143 W. 13th Street (now converted to condominiums) and secured the use of the sanctuary. Each Friday, the altar cross and candlesticks were removed so that the members of the Village temple could worship comfortably in the chapel. There were many interfaith activities during that time, including a memorable one on May 14, 1949, when both congregations dedicated a pulpit bible to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt participated in the service. When pianist Vladimir Horowitz learned of the unique situation involving the two congregations, he offered to perform a benefit concert. On October 9, 1949, Horowitz played an all Chopin program at Hunter College on the centennial of the composer’s birth. The proceeds went to the Temple and to the Church.
In 1954, officers continued a search of the neighborhood for a permanent home. A Building Fund was established to solicit and raise funds to purchase and renovate an appropriate building for communal worship and other activities. The congregation launched several fundraising initiatives. There was a dinner-dance in the Crystal Room of the Brevoort Hotel; luminaries in attendance included comedian Phil Silvers and members of the cast of South Pacific. At $5 each, tickets were very popular.
Backed by the burgeoning Building Fund and advised by two attorney-members, the Congregation purchased a metal shop at 33 East 12th Street on January 11, 1956 for $28,000. A raffle for a brand new Buick was one means of financing the renovation for the Temple. The car cost $2,445 and raffle tickets were $100 each. The Village Temple’s "Jewel of a Schul" according to a temple president of those early years, moved closer to establishing its roots.
Nine years after its founding, the Village Temple opened its doors on Saturday, September 14, 1957, welcoming its congregants and neighbors. Among the speakers were Rabbi Davis as well as Rabbi Samuel Silver, representing the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. A formal dedication for the Temple was held on Monday, September 16, 1957.
