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Cornell University Library 1993.A HISTORY OF THE
ISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
READ BEFORE THE SOCIETY, MARCH 20, 1876, AND REVISED AND CONTINUED TO THE
PRESENT TIME.
BY REY. S. FALK.*
Mr. President and Gentlemen:
We live in the first centennial year of these United States;
a period abounding in glorious reminiscences of patriotic en-
thusiasm; of brave exploits in the Revolutionary War, and of
the legislative wisdom, which, almost one hundred years ago,
on the virgin soil of the New World, gave birth to this repub-
lic. And we celebrate our government as one granting and
guaranteeing the largest measure of civil and religious freedom
a citizen could reasonably expect; one which generously opened
the gates on all sides for settlement upon her lands, to the
children of all nations, treating none as step-children. This
republic, one hundred years ago a weak infant, now stands be-
fore the world, a giant.
The Children of Israel, since the destruction of the second
Temple at Jerusalem by the Romans scattered over the whole
* Rabbi of Temple Beth Zion.*2 go
A HISTORY OF THE
habitable globe, banished and oppressed, hunted by hatred and
prejudice, fleeced by princes and nobles, and continually made
the objects of derision and plunder by misguided multitudes,
especially hail this Genius of Liberty; for it opened to them a
free asylum, where they might dwell in safety, and identify
themselves with the interests of the nation by developing and
practically employing their faculties throughout society, in
every lawful pursuit. From all countries, pre-eminently those
of Europe, the Israelites began to flock to the shores of the
United States. As a matter of course, the oldest and largest
cities, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Charles-
ton, New Orleans, Boston, Cincinnati, show the earliest records
of Jewish settlements in this country. Buffalo, one of the
younger cities, is naturally behind these in the date of Jewish
arrivals, as well as in the number of Jewish inhabitants.
The Jews, a people who profess a historically developed re-
ligion, and have kept pace with the march of History from the
civilization of ancient Egypt down to the present day,—who
were, in the Middle Ages, the teachers of philosophy, and gave
to Europe the impulse of scientific progress,—have nowhere
failed to excite the curiosity of the inhabitants of the places
where they have taken up their abode. I have no doubt, gentle-
men, that you have felt, at times, some interest in the represent-
atives of this people in our goodly city; and in grateful appre-
ciation of the resolution of this society, which last winter made
me a resident member, an honor certainly undeserved on my
part, I have undertaken to entertain you, if I may, this eve-
ning, with a history of the Israelites of Buffalo; to tell you of
their original settlement here, their subsequent organizations,
and their social position.
The knowledge of facts anterior to my own experience, I
have derived mostly from authentic records; and, wherever
these w7ere found wranting in positive information, I have re-
sorted to verbal information, from those on whose memory
reliance could be placed.ISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
291
As soon as Buffalo had risen from the rank of a village, to
the significance of a city, Israelites began to find their way to
this Queen City of the Lakes.
The first Israelite found residing here by those who came
later, was a Mr. Flersheim, from Frankfort-on-the-Main. His
occupation was that of a private teacher, giving instruction in
German. He must have been in Buffalo as early as 1835. The
second was Barnard Lichtenstein, who is still living, and re-
sides in Waupun, Wisconsin. He was known here in 1838,
and was a constant resident of Buffalo till about two years ago.
The third was Salomon Phillipp, from Hamburg. He was
never married, and died here in March, 1867. The fourth was
Elias Bernheimer. Then came Mr. Joseph E. Strass, a Ba-
varian, who arrived here in the spring of 1843, and resides
here still. Among the earliest settlers of Jewish birth, suc-
ceeding these, were Mark Moritz, Samuel Altman and Michael
Will. Noah; the latter, an Englishman, whose wife still resides
here.
It behooves me, before proceeding further, to offer some
explanatory remarks about the Jewish worship and religious
observances, at that early day everywhere intact.
Ten male Israelites, who have passed the thirteenth year of
their age, are the number requisite to form a congregation
entitled to hold Divine service; that is, the reading of the Law
from the scroll of parchment, and the recital of prayers, are
not allowed with a less number than ten. A beautiful custom
in Israel, still pretty generally observed, is the holding of
Divine service on the anniversary of the death of father or
mother^ including the offering of special prayers for the de-
parted soul. This secures to the deceased a sacred memory,
and at the same time fosters filial affection in the hearts of the
rising generation. Up to this day, conservative Israelites are
careful not to neglect such anniversaries. Hence, no sooner
could the first few settlers of the Hebrew pursuasion bring
together the number requisite for holding Divine service,292
A HISTORY OF THE
than they solicited the attendance of every available one,
for the observance just described. Thus the nuclei of Jewish
associations were formed. Such religious assemblages were
gathered in the parlors of those who needed them. Divine
service was also conducted in private rooms on high feasts,
such as New Year’s Day, Day of Atonement and Passover.
The first public worship of Israelites known to have been
held in Buffalo, took place in the old Concert Hall, afterwards
Townsend Hall, southwest corner of Main and Swan streets, in
the spring of 1847, f°r the celebration of our Passover feast; the
rental fee for that purpose having been obtained by the volun-
tary contributions of the participants.
The Israelites having increased in number—Ihe women feel-
ing likewise the inward necessity of enjoying the spiritual
benefits of public Divine worship—the want of an organized
religious society was deeply felt by all. Therefore, “ actuated
by a sense of gratitude for enjoyment of their inalienable
human rights, granted them in the land of their adoption, and
for the inestimable privilege of moving at liberty in the ‘land
of the free,’ to form associations of their own; recognizing at
the same time the duty of pecuniarily assisting, and personally
attending upon, sick brethren, and piously adhering to the
time-honored custom of watching with their sick co-religionists
in their dying hours, and reciting the religious profession, that
they might expire in the faith of their fathers,” the so-called
Jacobsohn Society was organized on the third day of October,
1847. Eleven gentlemen united in this, whose names were
as follows: Louis Dahlman, Hirsch Sinzheimer, Moritz Weil,
Emanuel Strauss, Joseph Mayer, Sam. Held, Jacob Lowen-
thal, Louis Rindskopf, Samuel Desbecker, Abraham Strass and
Joseph E. Strass. Their first president was Louis Dahlman,
and their main object was visiting the sick, dispensing weekly
benefits, and securing decent burial of the dead in accordance
with Jewish rites.
The necessity of procuring a Jewish burying ground forcedISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
293
itself on the members of the Jacobsohn Society on the death of
the wife of Elias Bernheimer. Ever since the patriarch, Jacob,
in his last words, said to his son Joseph, “I pray thee, do not
bury me in Egypt, but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt
carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in this burying place,”
there existed a strong desire in the hearts of Israelites, for burial
in a spot consecrated by Israelites, for their last resting place.
And so, here, the Jacobsohn Society bought a piece of land for
their burying ground, situated near Batavia street, now front-
ing Fillmore avenue. This burial place was, however, aban-
doned July 19th, 1861.
But to care for the sick and the dead was not the only object
of the society. They had, in their constitution, a paragraph re-
quiring members to bring their disputes, arising from injury
done to their interests, as well as all matters touching the
honor or reputation of members, before the board of the
society for adjustment, in order to avoid going to law with co-
religionists; monetary affairs in dispute, to.be submitted to a
peace-committee for arbitration. The constitution also con-
tained a clause imposing fines on members for proven slanders,
or any attempts to injure the character of a brother, or do him
bodily harm.
Practically useful, however, as this society was,—benevolent
in its intent, .and calculated to be a guardian even of the mor-
ality of its members,—it did not exist longer than five years.
Several influential members had removed from the city. New
elements had been added, which disturbed the harmony that
at first marked its progress; and the remaining members, on
account of continued discussions, finally agreed to dissolve the
society, and divide its accumulated funds.
From the fact of Israel’s dispersion among all nations, you
will readily perceive, as you have undoubtedly noticed in the
■statement already given about the first Jewish settlers, that the
Israelites belonged to different nationalities. Besides the pre-
judice which education within the form and life of a particular294
A HISTOR V OF THE
nationality naturally breeds, there was also in the matter of
religion a barrier of separation, a variation in sentiment and
practice, which worked the stronger, as it was connected with
nationality. In Europe there are three principal liturgies in
use at Divine service, public or private; namely, the German,
the Polish, and the Portuguese Minhag.* They differ mainly
in the pronunciation of the Hebrew, and in the wording and
length of their prayers. The variation is not in creed, but in
the mode of worship. Usage, however, in course of time be-
comes law; and habit is man’s second nature. It soon became
obvious that the Israelites of Buffalo, as new-comers were
added to their ranks, hailing as they did from different coun-
tries and nations, could not harmonize the peculiarities of their
respective forms of synagogical worship, and of the various
usages to which they were accustomed from their earliest child-
hood. This circumstance, together with a heterogeneous so-
cial life, soon created a division among the Israelites in Buffalo.
Poland and Russia, containing a greater number of Israelites
than any other countries, sent very many of them as emigrants
to America; numbers of whom came to Buffalo. Bavaria,
where they were the most severely oppressed and the most
cruelly proscribed, sent the greatest number of German Israel-
ites to this land. Hence, according to nationality or national
affinity, and liturgical predilections, religious societies were
formed everywhere in this country, in earlier times; whereas,
now, the distinction of Reform and Orthodoxy decides Israel-
ites as to uniting with one congregation or another.
The need of a place for public worship came to be felt in
this city more and more, from Sabbath to Sabbath. The solemn
feasts were approaching, the services of a minister were fre-
quently needed, not only for conducting Divine service, but
also in maintaining the strict observance of the dietary laws.
Accordingly, in the year 1847, the first Jewish congregation in
* Ritual, or Liturgical Service.I SR A ELITE S IN BUFFALO.
295
this city was organized, and named “Beth El”* with Mr. Mark
Moritz, now living in San Francisco, California, as its first presi-
dent; the Rev. Isaac M. Slatky, who, a few months ago, died in ripe
old age at the General Hospital, being the first minister. This
congregation, in its infancy, worshipped in the uppermost story
of the Hoyt building, on the northwest corner of Main and
Eagle streets. An amusing incident once occurred there, which
deserves mention. It was on a Day of Atonement that Rev.
Mr. Slatky stood in the synagogue the whole day, as the cus-
tom was, in his white linen robe and white cap, with a white
girdle about his loins. Toward dusk he again began to offi-
ciate. The congregation could no longer read without lights;
but it being strictly forbidden to the Israelites of the orthodox
school to kindle a light or touch a candlestick on such a
day, they sent for some non-Israelite to light their hall.
They happened to procure a tall negro. He, on entering the
synagogue, seeing Mr. Slatky with his pallid face and his long
white beard, in full keeping with his white attire, and scarf with
the fringes prescribed in the Bible (Numbers xv., 38, 39), was
seized with terror—ran out as quickly as he could—and reach-
ing the stairs, fell headlong down the whole flight, causing
quite a sensation by his precipitate exit.
Beth El congregation occupied this place over two years;
and, in 1850, bought the old school-house on Pearl street, near
Eagle. On Friday, July 22d, 1850, the new synagogue into
which that school-house had been re-modelled, was consecrated
to the worship of God. Rev. Mr. Isaacs of New York, invited
for the purpose, delivered the dedication sermon in the English
language. This was, doubtless, the first English sermon ever
listened to at a Jewish Divine service in this city.
This synagogue, surrounded as it was by all sorts of business
establishments, by which its worship was often disturbed, was
at last sold by the congregation, and abandoned in October*
* House of God.296
A HISTORY OF THE
1873. A new building, more pleasing and spacious, and more
in accord with the requirements and circumstances of the so-
ciety, was erected on Elm street, between Eagle and North
Division, and dedicated on Friday, August 14th, 1874. I had
the honor of delivering the dedication sermon. At present,
Mr. Henry Brown is president, and Rev. Philip Bernstein min-
ister, of that conservative congregation.
The Polish liturgy being used in the worship of this society,
its services could not give satisfaction to the German Israel-
ites. Hence, eleven of them called a preliminary meeting,
which was held November 14th, 1850, and followed by another,
November 27th, at which a congregation was organized accord-
ing to the German liturgy. This was called Beth Zion* and
the first Board of Trustees elected, consisted of E. T. Bernhei-
mer, President; Albert Strass, Vice-President and Treasurer;
Moritz Weil, Secretary; Israel Drinker, David Kurtz and
Jacob Strauss, Trustees. Rev. Mr. Slatky, who had severed his
connection with the Beth El congregation, now engaged him-
self to the German congregation, Beth Zion, from December
ist, 1850, for five dollars per month, and from May 1st, 1851,
at one hundred dollars per annum. He was not required to
preach, or to teach children; he simply read the prayers and
the Thora,f and attended to the procurement of meat accord-
ing to the Scriptural , and Rabbinical dietary laws.
The congregation Beth Zion at first worshipped in the parlor
of Mr. Sinzheimer, No. 55 Oak street; who received fifty cents
per month for the use of his room. For this consideration, the
society was also entitled to hold its business meetings there, at
any time they pleased.
Any member of this congregation, not belonging to the Ja-
cobsohn Society, could, by an arrangement perfected with the
latter, purchase a right in the burying ground of that society,
by paying an initiation fee of three dollars, and during life-
* House of Zion.
+ Roll of the Law.ISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
297
time twelve and one-half cents per month, as regular dues.
Long after the dissolution of the Jacobsohn Society, namely,
November 18th, 1857, the surviving members thereof deeded
their burying ground to the congregation Beth Zion.*
Rev. Mr. Slatky served this congregation only three weeks.
The next minister regularly elected, was Mr. Daniel Shire;
who entered upon his duties, January 6th, 1851, and is still a
resident of our city.
The congregation Beth Zion labored under many trying dis-
advantages. It rented various places of worship from time to
time, its last synagogical home being the house on the north-
west corner of South Division and Elm streets, which was
occupied till the organization disbanded in 1864.
But, meanwhile, discord very often appeared among the
members, arising from their peculiar notions, which none were
willing to relinguish for the sake of peace, or to favor others.
They had, for the most part, well educated ministers, whose
efficiency, however, was much impaired, and whose dignity
was lowered, by functions unbecoming a minister.
This society deserves especial credit for the fact that by it
peculiar regard was paid to the sacred duty devolving upon
Jewish parents of having their children instructed in the reli-
gion of their fathers; the minister being the school teacher, and
receiving all the pecuniary income which this afforded, while
the congregation furnished room and fuel, free of charge.
Beth Zion, however, struggled on, without any sign of pros-
perity. Meanwhile the War of the Rebellion broke out.
Times changed remarkably within two years, and brought new
accessions of energetic Israelites to Buffalo, in addition to
those who had settled here after the panic of 1857. The claim
of modern times'on behalf of the exercise of religion, was felt
and recognized on all hands. Wealth increased. Parents
realized, more and more, their obligation to provide a liberal
* See Buffalo Cemeteries, p. 73.298
A HISTORY OF THE
religious education for their children. The antiquated arrange-
ment in the synagogues, which placed the women in a gallery,
almost hidden from the eyes of men and boys—the daughters
being left at borne till they were married—ceased to satisfy
those who were fully imbued with the progressive spirit which
in other cities called flourishing congregations into existence,
built beautiful temples, and established Reform services there-
in, to the glory of God. Those Israelites of Buffalo who favored
liberal ideas, felt the weight of responsibility for the fact that they
were not worthily represented before the Christian community.
Actuated by these sentiments, the following named gentle-
men, Jacob Altman, Henry Brock, Henry Cone, Henry Friend,
Leopold Keiser, Siegmund Levyn, Leopold Marcus and Mar-
cus Wall, in September, 1863, requested the Rev. Dr. Wise of
Cincinnati to send, them a minister to preach before them and
others, on the high feasts of New Year’s Day and Day of
Atonement. Kremlin Hal! was rented, and converted into a
place of worship for the time being. It was an entire novelty
to many Israelites in this city, to see a Divine service conducted
with such essential deviation from the old Ritual:—a modern
service, enhanced in interest by choir-singing; and edifying,
through the preaching of the word of God in a known tongue.
The people were on this occasion favorably impressed with
the new form of worship. It was some time, of course, before
the Reform movement could win over a considerable number.
But those at first interested in the cause, showed willingness to
give a practical shape to the idea which agitated the Jewish
community; and, in response to a call, a preliminary meeting
was held, October 9th, 1864, at Kremlin Hall, for the purpose
of organizing a Reform congregation. Mr. Joseph E. Strass
called the meeting to order; Mr. Leopold Keiser was elected
chairman, and Mr. Louis M. Brock, secretary, pro tem. A
committee presented a report in favor of organizing a congre-
gation, to be known as The Congregation of Temple Beth' Zion;
recommending that its worship should be conducted on ReformISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
299
principles, and that a school for the religious education of the
children, held to be one of the main objects of the organiza-
tion, should be established. The report was unanimously
adopted; and, at a subsequent meeting, a committee was em-
powered to lease, buy or build a place of worship, and to engage
a minister for one year; it being provided that no member
should subscribe less than twenty-five dollars to the support of
the congregation.
The following were the charter members of this Reform con-
gregation: Jacob Altman, Simon Bergman, Salomon Biesen-
thal, Moritz Block, Henry Brock, Louis M. Brock, Henry
Cone, Samuel Desbecker, Abraham Falck, Siegmund Hofeller,
Leopold Keiser, Emanuel Levi, Siegmund Levyn, Leopold
Marcus, Louis Michaels, David Rosenau, Salomon Rosenau,
Joseph E. Strass, Marcus Wall, Leopold Warner and Marcus
Weiss.
The number being so limited, negotiations were opened with
the old Beth Zion congregation, looking to a fusion of the two
societies. The plan proved to be as favorable as it was desir-
able. Old Beth Zion lacking numerical strength, was satisfied
that it could sustain itself no longer, yet its members insisted
on retaining their name Beth Zion for the new union, and this
wasa greed upon. The name of the Reform congregation, in
contradistinction to the old society, is, therefore, “ Temple Beth
Zion.”
Among other conditions of the fusion, old Beth Zion gave to
the new organization their burying ground on Pine Hill; to
which, last year, Mr. Simon Weil added by a legal instrument
the adjoining tract, which was owned by those members of the
old Beth Zion who declined joining the new one. Temple
Beth Zion owns, also, the abandoned burying ground on Bata-
via street.
The first officers of Temple Beth Zion were: Siegmund Le-
vyn, President; Siegmund Hofeller, Vice-President; Jacob
Altman, Treasurer; David Rosenau, Secretary; Salomon Bie-A HISTOR Y OF THE
.3°°
senthal, Leopold Keiser, Joseph E. Strass and Leopold Marcus,
Trustees. The first minister of the congregation was Rev. I.
N. Cohen, whom I had the honor to succeed, November ist,
1866. The present officers are: President, Henry Brock; Vice-
President, Leopold Keiser; Treasurer, Lehman Hofeller.
The next important step, after the election of Mr. Cohen,
who had formerly been minister of the old Beth Zion, was the
purchase of a place of worship. The Methodist Episcopal
church on Niagara street, just below Eagle, then owned by
Mr. William G. Fargo, was purchased‘for the sum of thirteen
thousand dollars, and was suitably fitted up for Jewish worship.
Over seven thousand dollars were raised forthwith, by sub-
scription; which Mr. Abraham Altman headed with the munifi-
cent gift of one thousand dollars.
The Temple was dedicated, Friday, May 25th, 1865, with
appropriate solemnities; Rev. Dr. Wise of Cincinnati deliver-
ing the dedication sermon. The sacrifices in time and means
brought for this good object are truly praiseworthy; and de-
serve to be remembered among the facts gathered and recorded
under the auspices of our local Historical Society.
In most houses of worship on both sides of the Atlantic,
trained choirs have to be dearly paid for. The congregation
Temple Beth Zion deserves to be noted as one of the laudable
exceptions. From its very beginning, members who contribu-
ted large sums annually to its support formed a volunteer choir,
attended regularly every Divine service, and vied with the
lady choristers in promptly obeying the organist’s summons to
rehearsals. The names of those who for eight or ten years
persevered in setting so noble an example, ought to be recorded;
they were Misses Fanny Biesenthal, Mathilda Brock, and Ma-
thilda Wiener; and Messrs. Louis M. Brock, Henry Cone, Dan-
iel Shire, Siegmund Levyn and Leopold Marcus. This volun-
teer choir has been justly the pride of the congregation.
Peace and harmony among the members, who count now
.seventy-eight paying seat-owners, and an energetic and well-ISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
301
meaning administration of congregational affairs, have so far
marked the progress, revealed the strength, and made known
the secret of the vitality of this youthful society.
On Elm street, between Batavia and Clinton, worship every
morning and evening the congregation “ Berith Shalom”* a.
society consisting wholly of Prussian Israelites. They for
twelve years constituted a Mutual Benefit Society for attend-
ing to the sick and burying the dead; but gradually merged
into a religious congregation of the strictest orthodox type.
They built a frame synagogue, which was dedicated on Friday,
August 24th, 1873. Their present president is Mr. Gumbinsky;
and their minister is Rev. Mr. Jacobsohn.
The social position of the Israelites of Buffalo, may be best
understood from the societies they maintain and the occupa-
tions they represent.
The Hebrew Union Benevolent Association originated from a
meeting, which was held July 15th, 1863, in the house of Samuel
Kohn on Batavia street, for the purpose of raising funds to
buy substitutes for every Israelite who might be drafted into
the army of the United States. But the waves of patriotism
ran so high on that occasion, that instead of raising funds, the
formation of a Jewish company of volunteers was reported;,
thirty-two names being subscribed for membership. Of the
signers, nine actually enlisted in different regiments. Instead of
furnishing substitutes, a benevolent society was started on the
same day with the formation of the military company; and
funds were secured, by subscription, for the efficient assistance
of our Jewish home poor, and worthy Jewish travelers. This
society has done immense good in these thirteen years of its
existence. Its first president was Leon Mayer; its present
president is Simon Bergman. The ladies also called a benevo-
lent society into existence for a similar purpose, pre-eminently
for dispensing relief to sick and needy women. Its present
* Covenant of Peace.302
A HISTORY OF THE
president is Mrs. William Friedman; who, two years ago, was
chiefly instrumental in organizing a Ladies’ Sewing Society, to
furnish wearing apparel for the destitute.
In the summer of 1871, the ladies of Temple Beth Zion
joined the Protestant Ladies’ Hospital Association of this city;
and have, so far, every year returned a liberal donation toward
the support of that philanthropic institution. The first two
lady managers of our congregation were Mrs. Abraham Altman
and Mrs. Henry Cone. The present two managers are Mrs.
Abraham Altman and Mrs. Simon Bergman.
In the fall of 1873, the congregation of Temple Beth Zion
joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the Ex-
ecutive Board of which is in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the object,
the scientific education and professional qualification of Jew-
ish ministers and teachers in this country, in a rabbinial
college, to be established for this purpose. In July, 1875, the
second annual council of delegates from the congregations
constituting the Union was held in this city, in McArthur’s
Hall; where a large company of divines, gentlemen of the legal
profession and prominent merchants, met and discussed the
affairs and prospects of the much needed Hebrew Union Col-
lege.
Besides the societies of a purely charitable nature, there is a
society of True Sisters; for mutual care in case of sickness and
demise.
There are four Jewish lodges in the city. The oldest is
Montefiore Lodge, No. 70, I. O. B. B.,* which meets twice a
month at the Lodge Hall, No. 13 Court street; where, also,
the other lodges (two Kesher shel Harzel,\ and one of the In-
dependent Order of Free Sons of Israel) hold their services.
In respect to nationality, the Israelites are English, French,
Germans, Hollanders, Austrians, Hungarians, Polanders, and
Russians.
* Independent Order Benai Berith (Sons of the Covenant.)
t Band of Iron.ISRAELITES IN BUFFALO.
3°3
As to occupation, they are divided as follows, alphabetically
arranged: Banker, .....	1	Furnishing-goods dealer (wh.),	1
Barber, ....	. 1	Hardware dealer,	1
Butchers (wholesale),	3	Insurance agent,	1
Carpenter, ....	. 1	Jewelers (wholesale),	5
Cattle dealers, ....	12	Metal dealers (wholesale),	5
Cigar makers (retail), at least,	. 16	Milliners, ....	3
Cigar maker (wholesale),	1	Ministers,	3
Cigar dealer,	. 1	Musician, ....	1
Clothiers (retail), about .	18	Piece goods (wholesale), .	2
Clothing manufr’s (wholesale),	6	Retired merchants,	5
Dry-goods dealers,	. 2	Shoemaker,	1
Editor, .	1	Tailors, . . .. dozens	
Fancy-goods dealers, .	. 2	Teachers,	4
Farmers (near Buffalo),	2	Variety dealers (1 wholesale),	2
It is a safe estimate to say that there are one hundred to
one hundred and twenty dwelling houses and business build-
ings belonging to Israelites in this city; the largest Jewish prop-
erty-owners being Messrs. Michaels Brothers. Besides all these
items it must be stated that the Israelites of Buffalo co-mingle
with the various elements of population in secret societies;
some of them even taking a deep interest, especially in the
higher degrees of Freemasonry. You will find the Jews in the
firemen’s companies; active members of several singing so-
cieties; in building and saving associations; in fire insurance
companies; and they have their representative men in politics.
Industrious and law-abiding citizens as they are, they identify
themselves with the best interests of our city; and in their re-
ligious assemblages they offer prayers for the welfare of the
community and the public authorities.
This brief history, deficient as it may appear in some re-
spects, is, I trust, illustrative no less of the cultivation of the
spiritual and social interests, than of the increase in number
and wealth, of the Israelites. The blessings of this free country,
and the enjoyment of equal rights by all her inhabitants,304	ISRAELI TES IN B UFFALO.
have ripened fruits in the province of Judaism, creditable and
beneficial both to the Israelites and to their fellow-citizens.
In the growth, embellishment and prosperity of this city we
have an indisputable share. It is acknowledged, and by rec-
ords proven, that Jewish children, in a very favorable propor-
tion, distinguish themselves in our public schools; and Jewish
students have graduated from our Central High School with
well merited honors. Being just as far from self-glorification
as from self-humiliation, I feel warranted to predict that the
proverbial sobriety and benevolence, the earnestness of pur-
pose and domestic virtues, of the Israelites, when more widely
known, will soon dispel the mist of prejudice which, so long,
so sadly wrong, has held the true Jewish character in obscurity.
The praiseworthy aspiration of Israelites to associate with the
better classes of society, may sporadically revive the old preju-
dice in malicious and narrow-minded individuals; but, thanks
to the enlightenment of our age, and thanks to the advanced
public sentiment and sense of justice fostered by our free in-
stitutions, such social phenomena will, instead of doing harm,
tend rather to show the Hebrew race to better advantage. Let
us hope that the time may not be far distant which will break
down the barrier of separation between children of the same
Heavenly Father and the same Mother, our common country.