Organized in 1924 East Midwood Jewish Center stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s vibrant Jewish community. This isn’t just a synagogue. It is a historic landmark with a unique story.
The East Midwood Jewish Center’s story began with Jacob R. Schwartz. He was a dentist who wanted a Hebrew school for his sons. From the start it was intended as a Conservative synagogue. This meant familiar Hebrew services but with some English prayers. This approach differed from earlier synagogues. Services were in Hebrew and English only. Members came from all over Europe.
The first annual meeting took place in 1924. Pincus Weinberg was elected as the first president. He was also the father of Sidney Weinberg. Sidney later headed Goldman Sachs. Reuben Kaufman became East Midwood’s first rabbi. Jacob Schraeter was its first cantor.
In 1925, land was purchased on Ocean Avenue. The cornerstone was laid in 1926. High Holiday services were held there that year. The building’s Talmud Torah also moved into the new building.
Completed in 1929 the Renaissance revival building cost $1 million. It typified the new synagogue centers. It combined a synagogue and a community center. There was a synagogue auditorium kitchens a restaurant classrooms a gymnasium and a swimming pool. Harry Halpern became East Midwood’s rabbi. He served for 49 years.
The Great Depression hit the congregation hard. Membership dropped and financial burdens arose. The synagogue survived. By 1941, there were 1100 member families.
From 1955 to 1985 Abraham Nadel was the Choral Director. Joseph Eidelson became cantor in 1956. He previously served as cantor at Warsaw’s Sinai Synagogue.
In 1968, Mayor John Lindsay was booed at the East Midwood Jewish Center. This happened during the teachers’ strike. Lindsay supported a school decentralization plan. It pitted black parents against Jewish teachers.
In the late 20th century, the East Midwood Jewish Center absorbed three other congregations. This included the Jewish Communal Center of Flatbush.
By 2009, East Midwood had become fully egalitarian. This meant women had full membership rights.
The synagogue building has remained unchanged since its construction. It was the only synagogue in Brooklyn with a working swimming pool until 2010. In 2006 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
East Midwood Jewish Center ran a successful Talmud Torah. In 1950 a school building was built. Enrollment peaked at almost 1000 students in the early 1950s.
The East Midwood Jewish Center also created a day school. It was later renamed the Rabbi Harry Halpern Day School.
The architect of the East Midwood Jewish Center is uncertain. Louis Abramson may have drawn the basic plans. Maurice Courland’s obituary also claims the design as his work.
Famous members include Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was confirmed at East Midwood. Filmmaker Marc Levin was also a member.
In 2018 scenes from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel were filmed here.
Today the East Midwood Jewish Center continues to serve its community. It transmits the beauty of Jewish traditions to new generations. It emphasizes education social justice and mutual responsibility. East Midwood Jewish Center remains a vibrant and important part of Brooklyn.