Standing here we reflect on a place not just of worship but of community. The East Midwood Jewish Center stands as a testament to faith and resilience.
Organized in 1924 the congregation sought a compromise between Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Services were familiar yet included English prayers. This differed from other synagogues. It welcomed immigrants from across Europe not just one region.
The East Midwood Jewish Center held its first meeting in November 1924. Pincus Weinberg became its first president. Weinberg’s son Sidney later headed Goldman Sachs. Reuben Kaufman became the center’s first rabbi.
Initially land was purchased. However a location on Ocean Avenue seemed better. In 1925 the East Midwood Jewish Center secured its current spot. By autumn 1926 the building was enclosed. High Holiday services took place there.
Completed in 1929 at a cost of $1 million the center typified new “synagogue-centers.” It combined a synagogue and community center. There was an auditorium kitchens a gymnasium and a swimming pool.
The Great Depression affected the East Midwood Jewish Center. Membership dropped. Dues increased and teachers received notes instead of paychecks. Yet the synagogue survived. By 1941 membership rose to 1100 families.
From 1955 to 1985 Abraham Nadel directed the choir. Joseph Eidelson became cantor in 1956. He previously served in Warsaw and Vilna.
In 1968 Mayor John Lindsay faced a hostile crowd at the East Midwood Jewish Center. This occurred during a teachers strike. Lindsay’s plan had caused conflict. Protesters shouted and heckled him.
After Halpern’s retirement Alvin Kass became rabbi. He was a Columbia graduate.
As demographics shifted the East Midwood Jewish Center absorbed other congregations. This included the Jewish Communal Center of Flatbush. By 1996 membership reached 1000 families.
Disputes arose over women’s roles. By 2009 the East Midwood Jewish Center became fully egalitarian.
The building has remained unchanged. Until 2010 it was Brooklyn’s only synagogue with a pool. In 2006 it joined the National Register of Historic Places.
Aaron Pomerantz joined as associate rabbi in 1978. He had escaped Europe after World War II. Joseph Eidelson became Cantor Emeritus in 1995. Sam Levene became cantor in 2004.
Kass retired in 2014. He had also served as a police chaplain. Matt Carl became rabbi in 2014.
The East Midwood Jewish Center ran a Talmud Torah. Susan Brownmiller attended as a child. In 1950 a school building was added. Enrollment peaked at almost 1000.
The center created a day school later named after Rabbi Harry Halpern. Dennis Prager taught there.
The building’s architect is debated. Louis Abramson is a possibility. Maurice Courland’s obituary also claims credit.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was confirmed at the East Midwood Jewish Center. She wrote essays for the synagogue bulletin. Filmmaker Marc Levin was also a member.
The East Midwood Jewish Center has seen tragedy. Jason Sekzer died in the September 11 attacks. Danny Farkas died in Afghanistan.
In 2018 “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” filmed scenes here.
The East Midwood Jewish Center stands as a symbol. It represents community faith and history. It adapted thrived and served its people.