Kehillath Israel Synagogue of Brookline, Massachusetts began as a small collective in 1911 before its establishment, with 36 members, in 1915. The State of Massachusetts granted the Synagogue a State Charter in 1917, and land was then purchased in Brookline, Massachusetts for the development of the Synagogue and Hebrew School. The first Holy Day services were held in the Synagogue in 1924, and in 1925 the building was formally dedicated with Rabbi Louis M. Epstein installed as Rabbi. Rabbi Epstein led the Synagogue until his retirement in 1947. Rabbi Judah Nadich succeeded him until 1957, when Rabbi Manuel Saltzman was installed. Most recently the Synagogue has been under the leadership of Rabbi William Hamilton.
Kehillath Israel established a Sisterhood in 1919, followed several years later by the creation of a Brotherhood in 1927. The two often shared fundraising responsibilities, but the Brotherhood also had an established Glee Club under the direction of Mary Wolfman for many years. Both groups hosted various events, including teas, dances, performances, lectures and Shabbat dinners. The two groups were also responsible for the production of the K.I. Yearbooks.
In addition to its Hebrew School and adult learning opportunities, Kehillath Israel is also home to the Judge and Mrs. Louis Goldberg Nursery School, also known as KINS. The congregation remains active in the community with a Social Action Committee, youth leadership program, and youth department, in addition to regular and holiday services.
1 Historical information obtained from the Kehillath Israel collection and website .
-
1911:
Initial services are held in a private residence.
-
1911:
First Holy Day Services and First Hebrew school classes at Oddfellows Hall.
-
1915:
K.I. Congregation established with a membership of 36.
-
1917:
K.I. Congregation is granted a State Charter.
-
1917:
Land is purchased for the Synagogue and Hebrew School.
-
1917:
The Kehillath Israel School is organized.
-
1919:
The K.I. Sisterhood is created.
-
1921:
Land is purchased for the site of the Temple.
-
1923:
The cornerstone of the Temple is laid.
-
1924:
First Holy Day services are held in the new Synagogue.
-
1925:
Dedication of Kehillath Israel.
-
1925:
Louis Epstein is installed as Rabbi.
-
1925:
K.I. High School organized.
-
1927:
The K.I. Brotherhood is organized.
-
1929:
The school building is completed and dedicated.
-
1946:
Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman installed.
-
1947:
Rabbi Epstein retires.
-
1947:
Rabbi Judah Nadich installed.
-
1957:
Rabbi Manuel Saltzman installed.
-
1966:
Judge and Mrs. Lewis Goldberg Nursery School established.
-
1987:
70th Anniversary with Senator Ted Kennedy as featured speaker.
From the guide to the Kehillath Israel Synagogue (Brookline, Mass.) records, undated, 1924-2001 (bulk 1950-1999), (American Jewish Historical Society)
