Abraham Alpert (1873-1939)
Born in Kovno, Lithuania, Abraham Alpert immigrated to the United States, and in 1886 settled in Boston, Massachusetts. He learned English while attending night school and would later become an internationally known writer. Under his pen name Ish Kovno (the Man from Kovno), he became well known for his humorous, yet polished, writing. He was the editor of The Boston Jewish American and a correspondent for a number of Yiddish papers in New York. Outside of his writing, he also rose to become a prominent Jewish figure and leader, not just in Boston, but also nationally. One newspaper wrote that there was not a synagogue on the Atlantic coast that had not heard Alpert talk. He helped organize the Boston branch of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), and was active there for over 40 years, aiding over 2000 immigrants in receiving citizenship. Much of his work was aimed at helping the Jewish community, for which he organized meetings and events, often as a speaker, to raise funds and awareness of issues that concerned the Jewish community.
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1873:
Born in Kovno, Lithuania
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1886:
Settled in Boston
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1899:
Married Sarah Bailen
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1903 -
1939
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Served as a speaker and organizer for Jewish events
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1917:
Acted as clerk for what is believed to be the first Rabbinical court held in Boston, concerning two synagogues' claim over Cantor Mordecai Hershman's contract
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1925:
Took part in the dedication of Temple Agudath Ashkenazim in Cambridge, Massachusetts
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1934:
Celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary
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1939:
Died after being ill for some time
Footnote
1 Information used in this finding aid is from the following sources: Materials from the collection.
From the guide to the Abraham Alpert (1873-1939), papers, undated, 1900-1947 (bulk 1916-1939), (American Jewish Historical Society)
