Ohavay Zion Synagogue records
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Ohavay Zion Synagogue records
- Date
- 1889-2019, undated (inclusive)
- Extent
- 8.1 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Judaism.
- Jewish children -- Kentucky -- Lexington
- Jewish leadership -- Kentucky -- Lexington
- Jewish women -- Kentucky -- Lexington
- Religious education
- Religious institutions -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
- Synagogue archives
- Ohavay Zion Synagogue (Lexington, Ky.)
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged into 6 series by subject and format: Administrative files, History and development, Board and rabbi papers, Printed materials, Photographs and Services and events.
- Preferred Citation
- 2018ms004: [Identification of item], Ohavay Zion Synagogue records, 1890-2015, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Ohavay Zion Synagogue is a Conservative Jewish congregation in Lexington, Kentucky. Its first house of worship, on the corner of West Maxwell and Jersey Street, opened in 1914. Prior to the Second World War, Ohavay Zion had no permanent rabbi and many short termed rabbis and congregants Davened and led services. During those years, members grew and began a board, sunday school, and daily hebrew classes as well as social groups like the Ohavay Zion Sisterhood and a Men's group. Also, Ohavay Zion bought a house to attract a rabbi, a house on Upper Street for a social hall and in 1940 built an addition onto the church for an auditorium as well as a library and playground for children. In the late 1950s, Rabbi Stanley Wagner founded a nursery school which was equipped in memory of Sarah Ades an early Sunday School teacher.
- In 1962, Rabbi Bernard Schwab began a twenty-three year service to the Ohavay Zion Synagogue. During his years, the congregation assumed a more orthodox practice of Judaism and Schwab especially focused on childre's jewish education. A new addition to the synagogue for a lobby, classrooms, offices, and the library was dedicated on the fiftieth anniversary of the building in 1964.
- After Schwab passed away in 1985, the board focused on finding a new larger location for the synagogue and integrating all members, women and men, into all aspects of religious activity. Rabbi Uriel Smith was hired and served during the transition years. OZS became affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and is an active part of Central Kentucky Jewish Federation.
- In 1987 Ohavay Zion Synagogue opened its new location on Edgewater Court and hired a new rabbi, Eric Slaton. In 2000, Sharon Cohen served as rabbi and in 2009, OZS welcomed Rabbi Moshe Smolkin. Ohavay Zion Synagogue continues to support an active congregation through worship services, education, and social groups.
- Scope and Content
- The Ohavay Zion Synagogue records (dated 1889-2019, undated; 8.1 cubic feet, 1.66 GB; 27 boxes, 1765 digital files) comprise administrative files, bulletins, yearbooks, newspaper and magazine articles, service and event programs, and photographs that document the history and development of Lexington, Kentucky's conservative Jewish congregation. The collection also includes Board of Directors and committee reports, Rabbi correspondence, architectural plans and drawings for expansions and building construction, and materials for anniversary celebrations including Ohavay Zion Congregation's centennial in 2012.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment. Access to membership applications is restricted and requires prior written approval of the Rabbi or President of the Ohavay Zion Synagogue.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Contents of the Collection
Administrative files, 1912-2012, undated
Scope and Contents
The Administrative files series comprises official documents and correspondence to the congregation, administrative lists, memorial list, and member directories. Eleven computer compact disks contain website back ups, fliers, lists, calendars and photographs. The series also includes a sampling of financial books, contracts and invoices.
Restricted member applications and files are present. Due to sensitive personal information, researchers must gain permission in writing to view the member files from the Ohavay Zion Synagogue Rabbi or President.
Official documents and correspondence, 1912-2012, undated
Articles of incorporation (copies), 1912-1959
Commonwealth of Kentucky recognition certificate, 2012
Israel Consul Yeheskel Bernea correspondence, 1964-1965
United Synagogue of America correspondence, 1983
Outgoing faxes, 1996-2000
Letters, 1971, 1981
Stationary, undated
Ada Gail watercolor painting restoration letters, 2012
Directories and lists, 1969-2009, undated
Yahrzeit notecards, 1969-1974
Yahrzeit plaque lists, 1983
Yizkor list, 1983-1986
Yahrzeit list, undated
Membership list, 1982
Roster lists, 1984-1986
Directory, 1988-1989
Directory, 2008-2009
Membership list, undated
Temple lists, undated
Administrative lists, undated
Media lists, undated
Electronic records, 2004-2012
Financial, 1955-1989
Fundraising letters, 1976, undated
Suggested priorities of donations, circa 1955
Invoices, 1971, 1989
Godhelff apartment agreements, 1974-1975
Account book, 1963-1977
Funds notebook, 1985-1988
Member files, 1974-2010
New members, 1974
New members, 1975
New members, 1976
New members, 1977
New members, 1978
New members, 1979
New members, 1980
New members, 1981
New members, 1982
New members, 1983
New members, 1984
New members, 1985
New members, 1986
B, 1998-2010
C, 1997-2002
D, 2000-2004
E, 2002-2005
F, 2001-2009
G, 1998-2007
I, 1998-2004
J, 1999-2002
K, 2001-2009
L, 1998-2006
M, 1997-2004
N, 2003
O, 2000-2003
P, 2004-2007
S, 1997-2003
Bulletin, donations, 2011
Board and rabbi papers, 1946-2016, undated
Scope and Contents
The Board and rabbi papers series comprises board of directors meeting minutes, committee reports, board president correspondence, and installation of officer event information. It also includes event programs honoring rabbis and letters to and from rabbis.
Board of Directors, 1946-2016, undated
Meeting minutes, 1946-1959
Meeting minutes, 1959-1960
Meeting minutes, 1961-1962
Meeting minutes, 1963-1964
Meeting minutes, 1965-1966
Meeting minutes, 1967-1968
Meeting minutes, 1969-1970
Meeting minutes, 1971-1972
Meeting minutes, 1973-1974
Meeting minutes, 1975-1976
Meeting minutes, 1977-1978
Meeting minutes, 1979-1981
Meeting minutes, 1982-1983
Meeting minutes, 1984-1985
Meeting minutes, 1988 March 1
Board president correspondence, 1977-1985
Steven T. DeKosky, Board President letter, 1987 March
Bruce Brody, board president correspondence, 1995-1997
Rick Zimmerman, board president correspondence, 1997-1998
Leon Cooper, Religious Committee chairman, correspondence, 1979-1982
Constitution and by-laws, 1958-1965
Constitution and by-laws, 1976-1978
Committee lists, 2001-2002
Committee reports, 2003
Committee reports, 2004
Committee reports, 2005
Committee goals, 2003
Educational and Financial committees objectives, 1997
List of presidents, rabbis and early founders, 2012
Board installation and annual meeting, 1998 June 14
Annual Congregational Dinner and installation of officers, circa 1965
Board resolution congratulating Temple Adath Israel, 1979 May
OZS Minutes book, 1942-1945
Meeting minutes and reports, 2015-2016
Meeting minutes, 2005-2014
By-laws, 2015 December 1
Rabbi papers, 1953-2003
Rabbi Albert Pappenheim papers and correspondence, 1953-1956
***Rabbi Bernard Schwab and Bernice Schwab welcome reception invitation, 1962 August 26
Rabbi Amran Perro papers and correspondence, 1984
****Rabbi Sharon Cohen and Education Director, Simone Salomon welcome program, 2003 May
Rabbi Bernard Schwab memorial program, 1985 January 27
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1985
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1988
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1989
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1990
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1991
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1992
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1993
Rabbi Eric Slaton incoming, 1994
Rabbi Eric Slaton outgoing, 1988
Rabbi Eric Slaton outgoing, 1989
Rabbi Eric Slaton outgoing, 1991
Rabbi Eric Slaton outgoing, 1992
Rabbi Eric Slaton outgoing, 1993
Rabbi Eric Slaton outgoing, 1994
History and development, 1890-2015, undated
Scope and Contents
The History and development series includes anniversary event programs, documents gathered for the 2012 Ohavay Zion Synagogue centennial book, and research papers. In the history sub-series is an audiotape describing Israel Jacob Schwartz, a Polish immigrant who authored, Kentucky, the first book written in Yiddish describing life in the United States. The series also contains Ohavay Zion Synagogue architectural drawings and plans for building additions and construction during the 1960s and 1980s.
History, 1976-2015, undated
Bicentennial tribute book, 1976
75th anniversary book, 1988-1989
75th anniversary presentation script, 1988-1989
Website history text, 2007
Rosie Moskovitz oral history project research, 2008
Centennial book, 2012
Centennial book advertisements, 2012
Centennial book forms, 2012
Centennial shalom article, 2012
Archives committee correspondence notes, 2012
Articles and notes, 2012
Bar and bat mitzvah list, 2012
Lists and drafts, 2012
Spinoza and Lexington Jewish history article and drafts, 1989/2012
Article notes Michael Ades correspondence, 2012-2015
Copies of photographs, undated
Hanna Smith note re: history, undated
Sarah Fox Ades nursery school book with photographs, undated
OZS Golden Jubilee Anniversary program, 1965 April 10
I.J. Schwartz audiocassette tape, 1972
Building projects, 1890-2010
First Presbyterian Church clippings (copies), 1890-1908
Addition grand opening program, 1941 November 30
Succoth addition planning, 1965
Upper Street property contracts, 1967
Appraisal report, 1972
Kentucky Historic Resource Individual Inventory form, 1977
Parking lot contracts, 1978-1986
Planning committee reports, 1982-1984
Plans, 1984-1985
Fundraising, 1985
Contracts, 1985-1986
Planning committee reports, 1985-1986
Construction specifications report, 1986 June 23
Groundbreaking ceremony guestbook, 1986 September 28
Estimates, 1986-1987
Newspaper clippings, 1986-1987
Transferring of the Scrolls ceremony program, 1987 May 10
Dedication program, 1987 September 13
Property valuation, 2009
Paint schedule, 2010
Proposed conditions of sale for Maxwell Street property, 1984
Seating plans, undated
Architectural drawings, 1965, 1984-1988
Photographs, 1924-2009, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises photographs of the Ohavay Zion Synagogue building, members, and students of the Sunday and religious school. Also includes photographs of congregational ceremonies, holidays and special events like plays and congregational dinners.
Banquets/Dinners, 1960-2004, undated
Building, 1934-1997, undated
Events, 1957-2003, undated
1957
1977-1979
1987-1988, undated
1963, 1976, 2003
undated
Performances, 1958-1979, undated
Performances, undated
Holidays, 1958-2001, undated
Hanukkah, 1959-1979, undated
Hanukkah, 1987, undated
Hanukkah, 1961, 1998-1999, undated
Hanukkah, undated
Holidays, 1972, undated
Holidays, 1997, 1999-2001, undated
Purim, 1958-1979, undated
Purim, 1958, 1978, undated
Purim, 1963, 1994, 2000, undated
Sukkot, undated
Sukkot, 1971, 1987, undated
Sukkot, 1958, 1966, 1998, undated
Other, 1950-1969, undated
People, 1934-2009, undated
Services, 1987, 2002, undated
Sunday school classes, 1925-2004, undated
Sunday school classes, 1955-1998, undated
Classes, 1925-2000, undated
Sunday school classes, 1955, 1958, 1997
Sunday school classes, 1997-2004
Sunday school classes, undated
Sarah Fox Ades nursery school book with photographs, undated
Slides, 1970-1992, undated
Sukkot, 1970 November
Purim, Gratz Park, 1972 March
Simchat Torah, Shul, 1976 November
Tu BiShvat, 1977 February
Purim, 1977 March
Youth programs, 1977 June
Simchat Torah, 1977 October
Sukkot, 1977 October
Hanukkah, 1977 December
Purim, 1982 March
Purim, 1983 March
Graduation party, 1983 June
Simchat Torah, 1983 October
Holocaust Memorial day, 1984 May
Cohen Bar Mitzvah, 1984 November
Rabbi Schwab Memorial, Berzins-Oppenmems, 1985 March
Weddings and holidays, 1985 April
Simchat Torah celebration, 1985 October
Purim, Shul, Bar Mitzvah, 1986 April
Congregational Dinner, Mason Bar Mitzvah, 1986 July
Simchat Torah, 1986 October
Groundbreaking, 1986 October
Moving day, 1987 May
Dedication ceremony, 1987 September
Purim Bazar, 1988 March
Purim Bazar, Yom Haatzmaut, 1988 April
Whit Grn Hadassah installation anniversary, 1988 June
Rabbi Schwab Memorial, Berzins-Oppenmems, 1988 September
Hanukkah party, 1988 December
Shu Tu B'Shvat, Washington D.C., 1990 February
Dinner celebration, 1990 March
Purim, Shul, 1990 April
Purim, 1990 April
Rememberance day, 1990 May
Seder at the Sherman's, 1990 May
Music festival, 1990 May
Torah tablets, 1992 March
Simchat Torah, undated
Reception, 1977 February
Purim, 1988 March 25
Digital, 2006-2012
Scans, 2012
Hanukkah at OZS, 2009
Welcome Back Hot Dog Lunch, 2008
iPhoto library, 2006
Photos, 2007-2009
Scans, 2011
Photos, 2010
Ohavay families scrapbook, 2001-2011, undated
Photo album presented to Rabbi Bernard Schwab from a grateful congregation, 1967
Photocopy of watercolor of Ohavay Zion Synagogue building by Ada Gail, 1955 (2 copies), undated
Printed materials, 1889-2019, undated
Scope and Contents
The Printed materials series contains bulletins, newsletters and yearbooks created for the members and friends of Ohavay Zion Synagogue. The bulletins from 2014 through 2019 are only available as a digital file (.pdf). The series also includes newspaper clippings about OZS programs and members as well as Jewish reference articles and books. Of significance are two Hebrew primers published in 1918.
Bulletins, 1965, 1972-2019
1965 December 7
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
By Jewish authors and publications, 1918-2012, undated
Jewish song sheets, undated
Jones, Joseph R. I.J. Schwartz in Lexington, Kentucky Review v.3. n.1, 1981
Lexington and the Tercentenary event program, 1955 April 4
Harlow, Rabbi Jules, A prayer book for Shabbat, festivals, and weekdays, 1995
Hebrew Primer, Hebrew Publishing Co., 1918
Second Grade Hebrew Primer, Hebrew Publishing Co., 1918
B'nai B'rith Sabbath, Temple Bulletin, Temple Adath Israel, 1956 November 5
National Jewish Monthly, B'nai B'rith magazine clippings, 1966 May
National Jewish Monthly, B'nai B'rith magazine, 1976 July
ADL Bulletin, Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, 1976 October
B'nai B'rith Bulletins, Lodge 289, Lexington, 1976-1979
B'nai B'rith News, District Two, 1977 November
Bulletins Beth Tzedec Congregation, Toronto, 2002-2003
Ha-Kooch Lexington Jewish newspaper, 1929 April
Improving Education in Kentucky, Bulletin of the Bureau of School Service, UK, 1954 March
Jewish Family Life: The duty of the woman tenth edition booklet, 1965
Jewish Organization and Activities in Central Kentucky directory, 1981-1982
Lexington Chapter of Hadassah: A time for greatness, 1951-1952
Love for life: A collection of poems by Herbert Cantin, undated
Midstream Monthly Jewish Review by Theodor Herzl Foundation, Inc., 1971 December
Trees of Israel magazine, 1983
Central Kentucky Jewish Association (CKJA) Israel 35 celebration announcement, 1983 May 14
CKJA Newcomers list, 1985 February 6
CKJA Newsletters, 1986-1987
Beth David B'nai Israel Beth AM Congregation, The Window, 1984 May
Temple Adath Israel, Tenth anniversary of reunited Jerusalem bulletin and invitation, 1977 December 11
Temple Adath Israel building fund guidelines, 1984
Temple Adath Israel yearbook, 2001-2002
Temple Adath Israel 100th anniversary commemorative book, 2004
Temple Adath Israel membership guidelines, 2011-2012
United Synagogue of Conservative Jerusalem member guide, 1993 November
United Synagogue of Conservative Jerusalem directory and resource guide, 2002
United Synagogue of America, Ohio Valley Region phone book, undated
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation Shalom community book, 1986
Newspaper and magazine clippings, 1889-2003, undated
Hanukkah newspaper clippings, 1974-1978
Holocaust and Israel clippings, 1989-1990
Jewish community and Ohavay Synagogue Lexington newspaper clippings (copies), 1889-1953
Jewish community and Ohavay Synagogue Lexington newspaper clippings (copies), 1957-2003
Kentucky's Yiddish Poet, Courier Journal clipping, 1975 September 14
Kosher recipe clippings in Kentucky's newspapers, 1976, 1996
Lexington Herald Leader article inventory, undated
Heritage draws Jews to undergo bar, bat mitzvahs, Lexington Herald Leader, 1984 December 19
Moosnick, Franklin, Ohavay Zion member newspaper clippings, 1989-1991
Ohavay Zion Synagogue clippings, 1986-1996
Ohavay Zion Synagogue members clippings, 1965-2000
Region and Jewish culture clippings, 1987-2000
Kosher recipes, 1970-1979
Passover recipes, 1988, undated
OZS clippings, 1965-1991
Ohavay Zion Sisterhood Yearbooks, 1942-1988, undated
1954-1955
1957-1961
1963-1969
1969-1972
1973-1977
1979-1982
1982-1985
1986-1988
Ohavay Zion Sisterhood New Year's greetings pamphlets, 1984-2012
Synagogue newsletters, 1937-2012, undated
Synagogue Weekly newsletters (copies), 1937-1944
Lexington Synagogue News, 1951 August 8
Lexington Synagogue News, 1955 September 16
Lexington Synagogue News High Holiday issue, 1955-1956
OZS newspaper mock-ups, 1980
Ohavay Zion Congregation Chronicles, 1984 August
Children's religious school curriculum and pamphlets, 1972-2000
Services and events, 1941-2001, undated
Scope and Contents
The Services and event series comprises programs for Ohavay Zion Jewish holiday celebrations and special events like bar/bat mitzvahs and memorials.
High Holiday schedules, 1981-1983
High Holiday schedules, 1985
High Holy Day programs, 1987
Calendars, 1989-2001
Kol Nidre service, 1991
Passover service, 1988-1990
Purim Festival program (copy), 1948
Purim Festival programs (originals), 1949-1951
Rosh Hashanah programs, 1983, 1992
Mock Seder program, 1988
Shabbat Emor program, 2001
Governor Wilkinson proclamation for Holocaust Remembrance day, 1989
Yom Hashah program, undated
Yom Kippur program, 1990
Tehilim service readings, 1957-1962
Services programs, 1969-1970
Congregational Dinner invitation, 1957 November 17
Testimonial Dinner invitation, 1958 August 17
50th Anniversary program, 1965 April 10
Congregational Dinner flier and photographs, 1977 June 6
Congregational Dessert Rafi Finkel and Beth Goldstein, 2000 June 11
Grand Opening of Have Zion Congregation program (copy), 1941 November 30
Bicentennial Tribute to the Founding Fathers (copy), 1976
Diamond Jubilee Celebration program, 1988
My Fair Sadie playbook and clippings, undated
A Hole in the Head program, circa 1960
Play scripts and programs, undated
Bar and Bat Mitzvah list, 1966-2003
Bar Mitzvah invitations and programs, 1972-1977
Bar Mitzvah invitations and programs, 1982-1992
Bar Mitzvah invitations and programs, 2000, undated
Bat Mitzvah invitations and programs, 1968, 1973-1975
Bat Mitzvah invitations and programs, 1982, 1988-1990
Wedding announcements and programs, 1987-1992
Funeral programs and obituaries, 1980-1992, undated
Rosenberg memorial, 1964 July
Jason Kroot memorial, 1996
Shabbat and Shavuot celebration program, 1979 June 1
Chai Celebration Dinner souvenir program, 1966 June 23
OZS program transcript, 1975
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Table of Contents
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.