As was common in the evolution of a congregation, people with similar ideas and experiences, even though coming from every corner of the old world, would meet to worship God, take care of the poor, and bury their dead. The first organization of which we have record was "The Hebrew Benevolent Association" founded in 1869. This charitable organization purchased a plot of ground, the first cemetery, "Hebrew Rest". So a cemetery really preceded the organization of a formal congregation.
Thirty-six men banded together in 1873 to form the Eureka Lodge No. 198, I.O.B.B. Six years later, in 1879, the members of Eureka Lodge resolved to organize a congregation and to build a house of Jewish worship. Thus, was born Rodef Sholom Congregation, on April 13, 1879. The first president was Rudolph Lessing. A site for the Synagogue was selected on Washington Avenue in that same year. Services had been held in rented quarters, but with the occupancy of the new building and with the dedication in 1881, Rodef Sholom took on physical form and spiritual significance. A list of charter members recalls many notable names: A.S. Haber, Ben Haber, Louey Migel, Abe Alexander, A. Suhler, L. Friedlander, Rudolph Lessing, Louis Gabert, S. Rosenthal, A. Cohen, Sol Hirschberg, H.L. Long, Siegmund Archenhold, A. Meyer, I.A. Goldstein, R. Lovinger, Isaac Simmons, Sam Sanger and Lehman Sanger.
Rabbi M.M. May filled the first pulpit, but illness forced him to retire in less than a year, and he was succeeded by A. Suhler. Services and community affairs were held in this early Temple from 1881 to 1910. Rodef Sholom Congregation became a member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1907.
In the Minutes of the 1908 board meeting, it was recorded that Rabbi J. Warsaw had accepted the rabbinate of the temple. This gifted Rabbi exerted a powerful influence on the congregation and he soon convined the members of the inadequacy of the old building. A contact for a new and modern brick and stone structure (the second Temple) was let in 1909. It was constructed in the semi-classic style and was designed by renowned architect Milton W. Scott. It was considered one of the most beautiful houses of worship in Waco.
Rabbi Wolfe Macht was called to the pulpit of Rodef Sholom in 1919. During Rabbi Macht's long tenure from 1919 to 1952, events of significance were observed. One was a celebration in 1922 honoring Louis Migel for twenty-five years of service to the congregation. Another notable occasion was the fiftieth anniversary celebration of Congregation Rodef Sholom in 1929.
The important 75th Anniversary of Temple Rodef Sholom was held on December 5, 1954. The Temple facilities were not satisfactory for this celebration, nor for the expanding congregation and growing religious school enrollment. Again a movement was growing and rumors of a new Temple were spreading.
From the minutes of a board meeting on December 27, 1954, "the Board voted to submit to a general meeting of the congregation an offer to buy the Temple property at 924 Washington Avenue, and also, that property on 41st Street under option, should be bought with the intent to build new Temple facilities." On January 4, 1955, at a called meeting of the entire congregation, a motion was made, seconded and carried that "the needs of this congregation for building a new Temple are such that the congregation should build a new one." This motion was not implemented until 1958. During this period of inactivity and almost indecision, we were fortunate to acquire Rabbi Amiel Wohl.
The new Rabbi brought youth and vigor to the congregation. Through his support and urging, and under the leadership of the President, Elehugh Levy, a building committee was formed and an architect was engaged. In February 1960 the board approved all plans and instructed the acchitect to proceed with the building.
Consecration of the site and appropriate ground breaking ceremonies were held in November 1960. Less than a year later, construction was completed and the new Temple was ready for its dedication.
On September 1, 1961 the congregation celebrated "Days of Dedication", featuring a procession bringing the eternal light and Torah scrolls from the old Temple on Washington Avenue to the new Temple on North New Road.
Rabbi Mordecai Podet came to Temple Rodef Sholom in 1964 and served 24 years until his retirement in 1988. During this time, the Congregation celebrated its 100th Anniversay in 1979.
Following Rabbi Podet's retirement, several Rabbis have served as spiritual leader for the Congregation; Rabbi Joshua Taub, Rabbi Norman Klein, Rabbi Alejandro Lilienthal, Rabbi Seth Stander and Rabbi Mordechai Rotem. Under the leadership of Rabbi Rotem, our Congregation has moved into the 21st Century and has adopted, among other things, a new prayer book and a stronger commitment to the Union for Reform Judaism.
Another significant milestone for Rodef Sholom was reached in 2004, as we celebrated our 125th Anniversary. Chaired by Ima Joy Gandler, the gala weekend included a banquet and a musical presentation entitled "From Generation to Generation". The culmination of the 125th Anniversary was the approval and installation of our State of Texas Historical Marker in 2007.
Temple Rodef Sholom continues to serve the needs of the Reform Jews of Central Texas. |
