For the first time in its history, the San Francisco Jewish community is to see two new rabbis take the pulpits of the two largest temples of the city. And at the same time, two newcomers will assume their places in the religious and Jewish cultural life of the city.
Dr. Irving F. Reichert of New York will assume the pulpit of Temple Eman-El for the high holy days, taking the place of Dr. Louis I. Newman, who resigned to become rabbi of Temple Rodeph Sholom of New York City.
Probably at the same time a new rabbi will have been selected by Congregation Sherith Israel to succeed the late Rabbi Jacob Nieto, who for 37 years occupied the pulpit of that synagogue. It is expected that in deference to the memory of the late leader, who only recently was made rabbi emeritus of the Temple in recognition of his long and faithful service, no move will be made to select a successor until just before the high holy days.
The selection of Dr. Reichert by the board of directors of Congregation Eman-El was ratified unanimously by the congregation at a general meeting on March 27. During a recent visit to San Francisco, he occupied the pulpit of Temple Emanu-El and made a strong impression on the congregation. In succeeding Dr Newman, he will have a big place to fill in the community, for the departing rabbi, since coming to San Francisco, made his influence felt in communal life. His popularity extended to all denominations. He was active in civic affairs, served on committees in charitable and social welfare movements of all creeds, and was regarded as one of the most outstanding leaders in community matters.
The successor of the late Rabbi Nieto likewise will have a heavy responsibility. The departed rabbi exerted a powerful influence in the life of his city. He was active in a diversity of endeavors, his efforts extending far outside of the Jewish sphere. He was an important figure in Masonic work, took a keen interest in Boy Scout activities, busied himself with prison reform and in the anti-capital punishment movement, and was an outstanding leader in social welfare work.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
