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Temple Anshe Sholom Celebrates 65 Years!
Where Did We Come From?
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Temple Anshe Sholom a Beth Torah Marks Sixty-Fifth Anniversary…and Remembers its History in the South Suburban Community
The history of Jews in the Chicago Heights area coincides with the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893. By the turn of the century, twenty-eight Jewish families are recorded in Chicago Heights. The first Jewish House of Worship (orthodox) was built in 1905 on Otto Blvd by then organized Beth Israel Congregation. In 1921, the Jewish Ladies Aid Society, a part of Beth Israel Congregation organized itself into a section of the National Council of Jewish Women whose primary function was the religious education of the Jewish children of Greater Chicago Heights. In order to create a cultural center for Jewish life, the section built Council House, adjacent to Temple Beth Israel.
After World War I some members of the community felt a need for a more liberal type of religious service, other than that which orthodox worship had to offer. Student Rabbis served these families until 1940 when the first formal Reform High Holiday Services were held laying the foundation for Temple Anshe Sholom. The Temple was founded in October, 1942, when an organizational meeting was held to vote on the establishment of a liberal congregation in Chicago Heights. One month later, thirty-five families received the official charter from the State of Illinois recognizing Temple Anshe Sholom. (People of Peace)
Land was purchased in 1944 for a new temple at 15th and Scott Avenue in Chicago Heights. We are so fortunate to have individuals or their families as members today who were on the Board of Trustees when the building in Olympia Fields was dedicated in 1964: Robert Bachrach, Bernetta Tennant, Jerome Dreyfuss, George Kline, Elwyn Winston, Barbara Zoline and the families of Newton Inlander, Charles Rosenblum, Jerome Finder and Werner Greenebaum. The “a Beth Torah” was added in 1974 when Congregation Beth Torah in the Beverly community and Temple Anshe Sholom merged. Members of Congregation Haverim joined with Temple Anshe Sholom in 2002.
Much of the information for this article has been gathered from the research of Leo and Gerry Slov in 1977 and the booklet printed for the Dedication of the current building in 1964.
Join us and our wonderful planning committee when a rich history will be remembered as members and friends celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Temple Anshe Sholom with a special Shabbat Service on Friday, October 26th and a festive evening of dinner and dancing on Saturday, October 27th.
Mark Fine and Debby Pebworth
65th Anniversary Weekend co-chairs
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