“Lovers of Peace.” That is what Oheb Shalom Congregation means in Hebrew. Founded in 1860, Oheb Shalom has a rich history. It reflects the evolution of Judaism in America. We are standing before a testament to faith and community.
Oheb Shalom Congregation started with a group of B’nai Jeshurun members in Newark. They wanted to maintain Orthodox practices. Bernard Hauser’s home was the meeting place. Rabbi Isaac Schwarz became Oheb Shalom’s first rabbi. The founders chose the name carefully. It signified a peaceful departure. They wanted to preserve harmony.
Services were first held in German and Hebrew. The location was a rented room on Prince Street. By 1864, Oheb Shalom Congregation built its own wooden synagogue. It had a balcony for women. Men wore silk hats during services. The Hebrew School was taught by volunteers.
Rabbi Ferdinand Leopold Sarner became the second rabbi. He was the first US Army rabbi. Rabbi Sarner was wounded at Gettysburg. In the 1870s, Rabbi Tintner created a women’s auxiliary. It became Miriam Frauen Verein.
Rabbi Bernard Drachman arrived in 1885. He introduced English into services. Rabbi Drachman wanted to serve American-born Jews. He sought to blend Judaism with American values.
Under Rabbi Wolf Willner, English replaced German entirely. However, Miriam Verein continued using German until 1917. In 1884, Oheb Shalom Congregation built a new brick building. Three young women carried the Torah scrolls during the dedication. This building still stands today. It is a historic site.
As men and women began to sit together, changes happened. Oheb Shalom adopted English. An organ was installed. A professional hazzan led services. In 1906, Rabbi Charles I. Hoffman arrived. He sought a middle ground between Orthodox and Reform Judaism. He aimed to conserve tradition while embracing American culture.
In 1907, Oheb Shalom Congregation decided to move. They bought land on High Street. The new building was dedicated in 1911. Woodrow Wilson and Solomon Schechter spoke at the dedication. In 1913, Rabbi Hoffman helped form the United Synagogue of America. Oheb Shalom became a leading Conservative congregation.
During the Depression, Oheb Shalom paid off its mortgage. In the 1930s and 40s, High Street became a Jewish hub. It was home to synagogues and Jewish institutions.
Rabbi Leon S. Lang emphasized youth programs. Rabbi Louis M. Levitsky revolutionized women’s roles. Oheb Shalom was among the first to give aliyot to women.
After World War II, members moved to the suburbs. In the 1950s, Oheb Shalom decided to relocate to South Orange. The Scotland Road property was purchased. The congregation raised one million dollars. They did it without a mortgage.
The plans changed to save a copper beach tree. Groundbreaking occurred in 1957. The new building opened in 1958. The Torah scrolls were paraded to South Orange. The new sanctuary included familiar elements. The inscription from the High Street ark was reused.
In 1972, Rabbi Alexander M. Shapiro succeeded Dr. Levitsky. He emphasized social justice. He welcomed Russian immigrants. Rabbi Shapiro expanded the nursery school.
In 1983, Congregation Beth Torah of Orange merged with Oheb Shalom. Rabbi Albert Raab became an auxiliary rabbi. Cantor Henry Rosenblum started the Oheb Shalom Chorale. Cantor Erica Lippitz joined in 1987. She was one of the first female cantors.
Rabbi Mark Cooper brought new energy in 1998. Facility improvements were made in 2004. Rabbi Abigail Treu and Cantor Eliana Kissner arrived in 2021. They lead Oheb Shalom Congregation today.
As we conclude our visit, remember Oheb Shalom’s journey. From its Orthodox roots to its inclusive present, it continues to evolve. Oheb Shalom remains a vital part of the Jewish community.