Happy 97th Birthday, COS-SJCC!

As we celebrate our congregation’s 97^th birthday this month, I decided to do a little digging in our library because that’s what rabbis and bibliophiles do.  I came across some interesting archival material that tells the story of our synagogue.

The Jewish Unity Club of Summit – the first attempt to organize Jewish life in Summit – was started by 12 families in 1923.  A religious school was established in 1927.  Classes were held in a rented room at 34 Maple Street, which is today the Sofun Noodle Shop.  So, if you dine there, you should try speaking a little Hebrew while you’re there!

Then, the Jewish Community Centre of Summit was incorporated on June 5, 1929.  Jacob Mantel was elected the first president, and he immediately got busy  One week later, on June 12, 1929, the property at the corner of Morris Avenue and Kent Place Boulevard was purchased.  According to urban legend, the founders of the congregation had a choice between this property and the property that eventually became Summit High School, and they chose this one because it was a corner property.

A little historical context: Also, in 1929, in Summit, the Summit Diner first opened.  In Atlantic City, Al Capone, “Lucky” Luciano, and Meyer Lansky participated in the first major national organized crime summit.  In Italy, the Lateran Council established the Vatican as an independent country.  And of course, in October 1929, the stock market crashed.

In 1929, a brand new Chevrolet Roadster would cost you $525.  A 5-room colonial, in Morristown cost $6,000.  A men’s suit went for $12.50.  A pair of women’s shoes cost $10.  A loaf of bread was $.08 and 3 cans of Campbell’s soup cost $.24 (source: Morristown Public Library).

In September, 1929, the first High Holiday services were held at the corner of Morris Avenue and Kent Place Boulevard after the house on the property was remodeled.  Rabbi Samuel Cohen officiated.  He was followed in quick succession by Rabbis William Weiner, Meyer Eskowitz, Jacob Cohen, Benjamin Sincoff, Meyer Gasner, Judah Siedler, Aaron Mauskoph, Murray Gershon, and Aaron Shapiro.  Until Rabbi William Horn arrived in 1962, no rabbi lasted longer than 8 years.

In 1953, the house that stood on the property was demolished and the new JCC building was erected at a cost of $120,000.  The chapel/sanctuary was where my office is today.  In 1967, the beloved driftwood Sanctuary was added – as well as the library, gift shop and new kitchen.  In 1995-96, the building was renovated.  In 2013, we completed the Room to Soar expansion which included our new sanctuary and we added the name Ohr Shalom.  

And here we are today celebrating 97 years of synagogue life here in Summit.  She doesn’t look a day over 96!  Happy Birthday to Congregation Ohr Shalom – Summit Jewish Community Center!