History of Temple Israel In 1944, a group of women headed by Rosalyn Kessler decided to form a Sisterhood with that end in view. Sylvia Deitch, Bert Ossar, Dorothy Haber, Helen Goosenberg, Hannah Winikur, Florence Robbins and Pearl Myers were among that group. They contacted the local Zionist group and promoted many fund-raising projects: card parties, rummage sales, book reviews, etc.
In 1945 we were successful to the point that we were able to hold our first High Holiday services which were held at the Real Estate Board Building with Rabbi Morris Shoulson officiating. Sunday School classes were started with an enrollment of forty-nine children. Maury Goosenberg was elected first president of the newly formed Men's Club.
In 1946 Samuel Kauffman was elected first president of the Upper Darby Synagogue Center. Through the efforts of Charles Sidman, the Publicker family was persuaded to donate a tract of land on Bywood Avenue as the site of our Temple. David Slott and David Supowitz were authorized to prepare plans for building. Sylvia Siegel and Dr. Harry Zelson were appointed to head the school committee. The first Hebrew School and Sunday School classes were held at 7035 West Garrett Road.
Benjamin Zieve was elected President in 1948. Edward Tenenbaum assumed the post of our first Rabbi and Samuel Goldenberg, our first Cantor.
In 1949 ground breaking ceremonies were held and in 1950 Paul R. Sand was elected President of the newly named Temple Israel. 'Me cornerstone of our building was dedicated in that year.
In May of 1952 David Slott was elected President and Allan Langner assumed the post of Rabbi.
By May 1954 the building was almost completed and Maury Goosenberg became President. During these years we held Building Fund drives with guest speakers urging our membership to help support the Synagogue. There were no rich "angels" to make large donations to the fund - so that all monies collected were donated by our members, which made it a true community effort.
The main Sanctuary was completed in May 1956 and Dr. Maurice Sand was elected President. Cantor Nathan Levinson was appointed and Morton Weinberg became School Administrator, a position he held for twenty-five years.
The Slott Family dedicated the auditorium in honor of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Slott, in June 1957, and Dr. Harry Zelson became president.
In May 1958, the Ark was dedicated by David Supowitz in memory of his parents, Mendel and Jeanie.
Percy Sand was elected president in June of 1958 and was succeeded in 1959 by Aaron Slott. In that year our membership had grown to 343 families. In July Rabbi Langner left Temple Israel and was succeeded by Rabbi Jerome Weistrop.
The Eternal Light was dedicated in memory of Isaac Kassel by his wife, Dollie. Mike Kreitzer was installed as president in 1963 and Samuel Appel assumed the post of Cantor in 1964. In 1965 Leon Robin was elected president.
In March of 1967 Louis Engelman became president and Leo Ginsburg was appointed Rabbi, and was succeeded by Rabbi Jerome Bass. The preschool was started in 1967.
Irv Sherman was installed as president in June 1969. In March 1971 our 25th anniversary Gala Ball and Dinner Dance was held. Bill Padiasky was installed that year as president. Maurice Corson was appointed Rabbi in 1972 and in 1973, Dr. Edward Freedman became president. In 1976 he was succeeded by Dr. Jack Foster. When Rabbi Corson left Temple Israel in 1976, he was succeeded by Rabbi Mitchell Smith.
Richard Waters served as Cantor from 1972 to 1978, followed by student cantors Neil Schwartz and William Lieberman. In September 1978, Rabbi Martin Rubenstein assumed the post. In that year, the Sand Family donated a "Tree of Life" in memory of Judge Paul Sand.
In 1980 Shirley Kleinman was elected the first woman president of Temple Israel. Cantor Steven Howard Friedrich was selected in September 1981.
Sidney Shulman and Bill Padlasky were installed as co-presidents in 1982, and in 1983 Phyllis Peikin and Sidney Shulman succeeded them. Phyllis Peikin reigned in 1984 followed by David Peikin and Arthur Wartell.
A new musical setting for the Friday evening service was commissioned in honor of our 40th anniversary, which we celebrated April 19th and 20th of 1985.
Kehillat-Mishpakhot started with a multi-family shared shabbat in December 1986.
Dr. Robert Rothberg assumed the presidency in 1987 and was succeeded in 1989 by Sidney Nathans who served for four years.
After an absence of 20 years, Cantor Samuel Appel returned to lead services and teach in 1992. Co-Presidents Elaine Cohen and Benjamin Radis took office in 1993.
In 1995 the Pre-School was named in memory of Rita Bard who served as lead teacher for 22 years.
Irv Sherman agreed to chair our 50th Anniversary celebration which was a wonderful weekend of fellowship and music in April 1996.
May 1998 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Israel's independence with a Klezmer music by Ken Ulansey.
In June 1999 Cantor Sam Appel was honored for his 50 years as a Cantor, 15 at Temple Israel. Jeffrey Walters became High Holiday Cantor in September 1999.
Elaine Cohen continued as co-president serving, with Sheldon Gantz and Richard Brody.
Marilyn Yanofsky has been the chair of the 55th Anniversary Ad book and festivities.
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In July, 2002, Temple Israel closes and merges with Congregation Beth El Ner Tamid, Broomall PA.
(reprinted from the 55th Anniversary 1945-2000 Temple Israel of Upper Darby Journal)
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