J.D.B. News Letter

(By our Utica correspondent)

Reorganization of the Young Men’s Hebrew Association, which of recent years has been devoting itself exclusively to athletics, is now being conducted under the direction of Horace Freedman, president, and Joseph Bower of the Jewish Welfare Board. The plan is to adopt a full program of cultural activities.

Another activity which is holding the attention of many in the Utica Jewish community is the erection of a new building and community center for Temple Beth-El.

Temple Beth-El is under the direction of Rabbi Isidor B. Hoffman. From a membership of 110, the temple recently increased its number 50 percent. The present temple is being disposed of and construction on the new premises will be begun at once, with the date of occupancy set for next Rosh Hashonah. Samuel Reichler is president.

A notable development during the last month in Utica has been the acquisition of Radio Station WIBX by the Boston Store, of which Ruben Federman is president. This purchase saved for the city its radio station, which otherwise might have been abandoned. Mr. Federman announces he will turn the station over to municipal or other organizations which are formed to conduct the station.

Several organizations of Jewish young men are doing some excellent community work in various ways. Probably a most representative group of Utica Jewry is to be found in Moriah Lodge, No. 958. Free and Accepted Masons, which has been active in many Jewish activities. Harmony Club, a luncheon club composed of Jewish young men, is participating in all community activities, and took a prominent part in a reorganization campaign of the Utica Chamber of Commerce this month.

Plans for the coming year in the Orthodox synagogues include the moving of the House of Jacob, the oldest synagogue in Utica, from downtown to the uptown section. This is not definitely decided, but is being discussed.

Rabbi Abraham Shapiro is in charge of the House of Jacob and the House of Israel, as well as of Shaarei Tefillah Synagogue in Corn Hill. He has been especially successful in the development of the Hebrew Free School and in fostering several parent organizations there.

Charitable Jewish organizations find expression through the Federated Jewish Charities, Inc., which receives aid from the Utica Community Chest, Inc., and through another United Jewish Charities, over which Rabbi Shapiro presides. This includes Hachnosas Orchim and other relief work.

The Utica Section, Council of Jewish Vomen, does considerable charitable work among the poor. It is a member of the Federated Jewish Charities. One of its major items is the conduct of the Bertha Krohngold Vacation Camp, at which poor Jewish boys and girls are given a two weeks’ vacation each summer.

Utica Chapter of Hadassah, under direction of Mrs. I. B. Hoffman, is unusually active. There is also the Young People’s League of Temple Beth-El, the Young Women’s Hebrew Association, and the Junior Young Women’s Hebrew Association.

William Gumble was elected a member of the Board of Education of the City of Utica. Other Jews prominent in the city and county administration include Associate City Judge H. Myron Lewis, Sheriff’s Attorney Jacob Tumposky. Mr. Tumposky is also secretary of the Republican City Committee. Solomon R. Goldfas is an alderman.

Two of the city’s theater owners and builders are Nathan Robbins and Barney Lumberg, who this year opened one of the largest neighborhood houses in the state.