Congregation Tifereth Israel

The Congregation Tifereth Israel was the first Reform Jewish congregation in Cleveland, and was established on May 26, 1850 when members of the congregation Anshe Chesed seceded regarding a religious dispute. Forty-seven members left Anshe Chesed to form Tifereth Israel, meaning “Glory of Israel.” Dr. Isidor Kalisch was appointed to be the first “rabbi, teacher, preacher, and reader” of the congregation, and Alexander Schwab, the president. During the first year, services were held in the Schwab home, but over the years Tifereth Israel would inhabit several grand houses of worship, including the Temple at University Circle. By the end of the 19th Century, the Temple was one of the most prominent Reform congregations in the country.