Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation records 1923-1991

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Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation records 1923-1991

http://archives.nypl.org/scm/20913

The Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, one of the oldest and largest communities of black Hebrews in the United States, was founded in Harlem in 1919 by Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew (1892-1973). Though this congregation traces its origin to the activities of those who came to New York during the first waves of black migration and immigration, it was in the post World War II years that the community took root. Rabbi Matthew created a number of auxiliary organizations, and today there are seven black synagogues in the downstate New York area that trace their origins directly to Rabbi Matthew and his congregation. The synagogue is located in Harlem. The Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation records consist of several ledgers including a photocopy of a record book listing members' names and addresses, births and deaths (1923-1959), and other membership ledgers providing individual financial records, worship and Hebrew school attendance (1927-1959). The collection ledger lists amounts donated from 1974 to1991. The collection includes correspondence of Rabbi Matthew regarding dedication of the new synagogue in Harlem (1962) and discussing speaking engagements in the Northeast (1968-1970). There is also a notebook listing members of various committees along with notes about several services held at the synagogue (1948), a golden anniversary program (1966) and news clippings.

.4 linear ft.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archives Section

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 6317196

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation (Harlem, New York, N.Y.)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6vx592d (corporateBody)

The Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, one of the oldest and largest communities of black Hebrews in the United States, was founded in Harlem in 1919 by Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew (1892-1973). Though this congregation traces its origin to the activities of those who came to New York during the first waves of black migration and immigration, it was in the post World War II years that the community took root. Rabbi Matthew created a number of auxiliary organizations, and today ...

Matthew, Wentworth A. (Wentworth Arthur), 1892-1973

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6cc1r5r (person)

Chief Rabbi Wentworth A. Matthew was born in the British West Indies, and began his ministerial career in a black Pentacostal church which had endorsed the Universal Negro Improvement Association founded by Marcus Garvey. The first black rabbi in New York City, Chief Rabbi Matthew founded the Commandment Keepers of the Living God. He trained and ordained many of the black rabbis who later founded synagogues in various cities in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Rabbi Matthew b...