The Jewish Community of Camden

The Jewish community of Camden, New Jersey has a history of more than 200 years. During that time there were five congregations serving the city. The history of Camden Jews follows a pattern common to many urban centers: immigrant families came, built a community, raised their children, and moved to the suburbs. After the riots of 1971, almost all of the remaining Jewish families left Camden.

Congregation Sons of Israel was founded in February of 1894, and celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 8, 1944.

By 1905, the Camden Jewish community was served by three congregations: the Liberty Street shul, also known as the Lichtenstein Schul or B'nai Abraham, at 335 Liberty Street; Congregation Ahev Zedak at 506 Spruce Street; and Sons of Israel at South 8th and Sycamore Streets. These were joined in the mid-1920s by Beth El and Beth Israel.

• Congregation Beth El
• Parkside & Congregation Beth El
• Congregation Beth Israel
• Congregation B'nai Abraham — The Lichtenstein Shul

The Lichtenstein family settled in Camden in the early 1890s. My father, Avrom, came from Biolostok, Russia. His sons, Morris and Hyman, established a store at 331–335 Kaighn Avenue. Avrom established a modest schul at 335 Liberty Street, a refurbished row house with a first-floor sanctuary and a second floor for women. It was known as “The Lichtenstein Schul.” Around the early 1920s it was incorporated as B'nai Abraham. The name honored my father Avrom.

Other synagogues in the neighborhood: the Sons of Israel on Eighth Street was called the “Eighth Street Schul,” and Beth El was the first Conservative synagogue in Camden.

On December 19, 1898, Congregation Sons of Israel acquired 335 Liberty Street from Stephen Abdill and Susannah Abdill of Haddon Township. The deed was recorded in Book 233, pages 567–569.

On December 17, 1903, Congregation Sons of Israel acquired the corner of South 8th Street and Sycamore Street from George W. Jessup. The deed was recorded in Book 280, pages 159–160.

On November 14, 1904, Abraham Lichtenstein purchased 335 Liberty Street from Mary Grumley of National Park, New Jersey. Real estate records indicate that on December 19, 1903, Congregation Sons of Israel, having acquired the property at South 8th Street and Sycamore Street, sold 335 Liberty Street to Rachel and Barzilla Johnson. The Johnsons subsequently sold the property to Mary Grumley in May of 1904.

As of this writing I do not know what the nature of the rift was that split the Jewish community, with Sons of Israel going to South 8th & Sycamore Street, and others staying at 335 Liberty Street — PMC.

On June 4, 1917, the Y.M. and Y.W.H.A. purchased 572, 574, and 570 Walnut Street for $4,000 and $2,100.

On November 17, 1921, Congregation Beth El acquired land on Park Boulevard adjacent to the synagogue on Belleview Avenue for $8,000 from former Mayor Cooper B. Hatch.

On June 18, 1924, the Camden Talmud Torah purchased land at 621 Kaighn Avenue from David Jentis & Co. for $10,000.

Draft prepared for the Jewish Community Center cornerstone laying ceremony, May 1955.

About 1910 the Vindex Club was organized. In early 1911 the first Y.M.H.A. of Camden was incorporated in July of 1912. In March of 1914 it was consolidated as the Y.M.H.A.-Vindex. K.O.T. — Keep on Trying. The Y.W.H.A. was incorporated in May 1917. Property was acquired at 6th and Walnut Streets. A $25,000 auditorium was built.

Beth El Synagogue was formed from High Holy Day services held at the Towers Theater. The congregation raised $3,300 in 1919. “Beacon” magazine was published. Political disruption came in 1922–1923. The organization died after the crash of 1929. The building is now occupied as a church.

Signed “Jack,” dated 4-15-55. Zelda Lutz, Bernard Dubin mentioned. “Above draft may be corrected, edited, cut, mangled, expanded without hurting my feelings.”

Published in the Jewish Federation Business Directory, circa 1960.

The earliest Jewish settlers arrived in Camden in the late 19th century. Congregation Sons of Israel was founded in 1894. B'nai Abraham — known as “Lichtenstein's Shul” — was established in 1895. The first Rabbi served as “shtut rov,” the community Rabbi. Louis Segal was followed by Rabbi Naftali Riff.

The Y.M.H.A. was organized around 1907. The Vindex Club and K.O.T. also served the community. Around 1912 they merged into the Y.M. and Y.W.H.A. Several row houses on Walnut Street near 6th Street were purchased. Sunday school classes were held there. Congregation Ahav Zedak served North Camden. The Talmud Torah met on Baring Street before moving to 621 Kaighn Avenue in 1921.

Beth El was organized in 1920 as a Conservative synagogue. Beth Israel followed in the mid-1920s. Beth Sholom — the Suburban Hebrew Association — was founded in 1928. The Federation of Jewish Charities was organized in 1922, reorganized in 1937, and became the Allied Jewish Appeal. A professional Executive Director was engaged. The Jewish Community Center was completed in 1956. Temple Emanuel, a Reform congregation, was organized in 1950.

Preface: Leon Weinstein was born in Camden in 1907, grew up on Kaighn Avenue, became a lawyer, and passed away in 1990.

The Jewish businesses along Kaighn Avenue and Broadway formed the commercial heart of Camden's Jewish community. On Kaighn Avenue you would find Kaplan & Zubrin pickles; Polivnick liquor store; Eisenberg Brothers wholesale paper; Camden Bag & Paper Co. (the Gerbers); A.E. Wessel & Sons shoe factory at 222–224 Liberty; ROCHESTER'S, Herman Levin's clothing store; BLUMSTEIN'S ladies dresses; Lichtenstein furniture; Lichtenstein's Schul; Sam & Sara Richelson; William Greenberg jewelry; SHELANSKY'S men's clothing; Herman Zelnick shoe store; DENKERS ladies wear; Israel Paletz; Louis Weinstein men's wear; Sigmund Hermann men's clothing; and LICHTENSTEIN furniture at 333–335 Kaighn Avenue — among many others.

Along Broadway could be found scores more Jewish-owned businesses. The community produced distinguished lawyers including Lew Liberman, Harry Teitlemen, Ben Natal, Norman Heine, Joseph Varbalow, Carl Kisselman, and others.

“This ends the saga of Camden Jews, as relates to Kaighn Avenue and Broadway with hundreds more uncounted in the neighborhoods of East Camden, North Camden and Parkside.”

The Tarter Family: Herbert Tarter — Morris Tarter — Samuel Tarter.

The Solomon Goldstein Family: Solomon J. & Rose Goldstein — Dr. Hyman Goldstein — Dr. Leopold Goldstein — Dr. Henry Goldstein — Dr. Louis Marshall Goldstein — Dr. David E. Cooper — Bernard Z. Cooper.

The Abraham Wessel Family: Meyer Wessel — Norman Wessel.

The Fuhrman Family: Clarence Fuhrman — Charles J. Fuhrman — Abe Fuhrman.

The Steinberg Family: Ben Zion — David — Samuel A. — Isaiah — Milton — Saul Steinberg.

The Varbalow Family: Joseph A. Varbalow — Samuel Varbalow.

The Natal Family: Benjamin Natal.

The Ross Family: Israel Ross.

The Silverman Family: Fannie Silverman.

The Auerbach Family: Mair Auerbach — Carl Auerbach — Philip Auerbach — Isaac L. Auerbach — Carole Saline.

On December 28, 1928, Congregation Sons of Abraham acquired 1353 Park Boulevard for $1 from Mrs. Freda Markowitz.

Lewis Liberman was elected president of the reorganized Hebrew League. Sig Schoenagle, Samuel Shaner, and Israel Weitzman were elected vice-presidents. L. Scott Cherchesky was elected secretary and Samuel Label was elected treasurer.

Trustees elected were Hyman Bloom, Mitchell E. Cohen, Benjamin Friedman, Jacob L. Furer, Isadore H. Hermann, Carl Kisselman, Edward Markowitz, Harry Obus, Maurice L. Praissman, Samuel Richelson, Meyer L. Sakin, Julius Rosenberg, Jacob Rosenkrantz, and Jack Weinberg.

The Hebrew League held its meeting at the Hotel Walt Whitman.

Beth-El Congregation Plans Annual Ball

The eleventh annual ball of Congregation Beth El is being planned. The committee is headed by Albert B. Melnik. Norman I. Wessel chairs the ticket committee.

Hebrew P.T.A. to Plan Program for Summer

The Hebrew P.T.A. met to plan its summer program.

Funds to Aid Women's Home, Talmud Torah and Free Loan

The Federation of Jewish Charities has launched its annual campaign. E. George Aaron is chairman. Team captains are leading the drive.

Junior Social Club Here Elects New Officers

The Junior Social Club elected new officers at a meeting held at the Hotel Walt Whitman.

Jewish Charities Raise $1500 Here

The Federation of Jewish Charities campaign has raised $1,500 in Camden.

B'nai B'rith Women Give Show Tonight

The B'nai B'rith Women are presenting their show tonight at the Hotel Walt Whitman.

N.J. B'nai B'rith Meets at Shore Next Sunday

Leon H. Rose, president of the N.J. B'nai B'rith, announced that the organization will meet at Atlantic City next Sunday.

Tribute to Mrs. Greenberg

A tribute to Mrs. Greenberg was published in the form of a letter from the Hebrew Ladies' Charities. Mrs. B. Ostrof is secretary.

Reports on Tag Sale to Be Made by Deborah

The Deborah Chapter will report on its tag sale at the Beth-El auditorium, Park Boulevard and Belleview Avenue. Mrs. A. Berul presides.

$3000 Is Pledged in Jewish Campaign

The Federation of Jewish Charities has received $3,000 in pledges and is extending its drive to reach $5,000.

Beth-Israel Sisters Hold Last Card Party

The Beth-Israel Sisterhood held its last card party of the season at 205 North 28th Street.

Jewish Council Tea to Fete New Members

The Jewish Council will hold a tea at Beth El Synagogue to welcome new members. Mrs. Leo Abrahams of Newark will speak.

Camden Jews Pick Captains for Drive

The United Committee for Relief of German Jews has selected team captains for its Camden drive. Leon H. Rose is chairman.

Hebrew League Rally

The Hebrew League will hold a rally. A contribution of $507 has already been received.

Jews End Campaign

The Federation of Jewish Charities has concluded its annual campaign.

Jews Will Push Aid for Hitler Victims

Leon H. Rose, chairman of the Camden committee of the United Committee for Relief of German Jews, presided at a public meeting. The committee includes Rabbi N.S. Arnoff and Rabbi N. Riff as speakers. $300 was raised. Lewis Liberman serves as treasurer.

Miss Rose Leviton Weds Louis Polatnick

Miss Rose Leviton and Louis Polatnick were married in Camden.

Auxiliary to Meet

The B'nai Brith auxiliary will meet. Sarah Schatz, 532 Clinton Street, is the contact.

Annual Ball Slated by Jewish Federation

The 14th annual ball of the Jewish Federation will be held at the Moose Home on February 23. Tanya Roll and Samuel Shane are organizing.

Ahav Zedak Groups Plan Show, Dance

The Ahav Zedak organizations are planning a show and dance for March 8 at the Moose Auditorium, 8th and Market Streets. Meyer Gantz is chairman.

Jewish Federation Host to 400 at Ball

The 13th annual Jewish Federation Ball was held at Moose Hall. Music by Sam Yellin's Black Cat Serenaders and featuring Eddie Peabody.

Parents Give Party in Daughter's Honor

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Kantor of 1214 Empire Avenue entertained at a buffet supper celebrating the graduation of their daughter Miriam from Camden High School. Guests included Dr. and Mrs. Herman A. Kline, Jacob Leventon, Nathan Obus, Sidney Leventon, Sol W. Lewis, Norman Lewis, A.J. Rovner, Frances Baron, Louis Rovner, A.J. Stern, Nathan Friedenberg, Morris Handle, Rabbi and Mrs. Philip L. Lipis, and Barney B. Brown.

Deborah Auxiliary To Meet February 9

The Deborah Auxiliary will meet at the Beth-El auditorium in Parkside. Mrs. Elizabeth Shapiro presides.

Deborah Will Stage Show on March 27

The Deborah Auxiliary will present a play by the New Theatre of Philadelphia on March 27. Mrs. Perle Fradlin and Rose Solatoff will perform solos. Music by Jimmy Fillo's Orchestra. Proceeds benefit Deborah tuberculosis hospital in Browns Mills.

Mayor and Mrs. Kobus Open Bazaar Tomorrow

Mayor Brunner and Commissioner Kobus will open the bazaar for the ladies auxiliary of Sons of Israel Synagogue at the Talmud Torah on Kaighn Avenue.

Historian to Speak at Bethel Forum

Dr. Abraham A. Neuman of Dropsie College will address the Beth El public forum. He specializes in Spanish-Jewish history. Previous speakers have included John Haynes Holmes, Isa Kremer, and Robert Gordis. Harry Berkowitz chairs the forum. Beth El auditorium is located at Park Boulevard and Belleview Avenue.

Hadassah Sabbath Observance Friday In Beth El Temple

The annual Hadassah Sabbath will be observed at Beth El Synagogue. Mrs. David Kravitz is director. Mrs. I. Edward Tapper will speak on “An Honored Woman,” a tribute to Rose Jacobs. Dorothy Aaronson will perform as vocalist. Rabbi Philip Lipis offered remarks. The committee includes Mrs. David Kravitz and numerous members.

On April 1, 1940, Tri-County Post 126 of the Jewish War Veterans purchased 523 Broadway from the City of Camden for $2,600.

Donations Mount in U.S.O. Campaign

The Camden U.S.O. drive has brought $14,575 to the Recreation Fund. Ralph Vasso is chairman. Sidney P. McCord is treasurer. Contributors include the Camden Section National Council of Jewish Women ($10) and many others.

It has been said that every man should step to the music of his own drummer. Such a man is Rabbi Max Weine…

The Crown of a Good Name Exceeds All Others.

(Pirke Avot)

By Alice Bellitz.

Guests of Honor: Alvin Adleman — Meyer Adleman — Stanley Adleman — Edward Adleman — Michael Albert — Reverend Samuel Appel — James Artz — Joseph Asbell — Benjamin Back — Henry Becker — Jeanette Bell — Bernard Bellitz — Samuel Bellitz — Benjamin Berlin — Harold Berlin — Miriam Bitman — Philip Blackman — Sigmund Blass — Albert Bonier — William Bryen — Stephen H. Davis — Maurice Denbo — Monsignor Joseph W. Devline — Allen Dolgin — Jacob Drossner — Charles Drourr — Howard Drourr — Bernard Dubin — I. Eisenberg — Nathan Eisenberg — Max Gerald Elkins — A. David Epstein — Irving Epstein — Sig Ettinger — Bernice Fein — Elizabeth Feinstein — Louis Feinstein — Leonard Feldman — Morris Baer Finkelstein — Aaron Fleigleman — Russel Forman — Louis Fox — Philip Fox — Rabbi Isaac Furman — Ellen Gartzman — Gerald Gartzman — N. Harry Gartzman — Joel Geffen — Irving Gitomer — Cantor Mordecai Goldstein — Sidney Goodwin — William Gordon — Leon Gottlieb — Paul Gould — Barry Gratz — Rabbi William Greenburg — Al Haiken — Rabbi Lester Hering — Minna Harris — Rabbi Arthur Haselkorn — Cantor Louis Herman — Russel Janoff — Robert Josselson — Rabbi Howard Kahn — Edward Katman — David Kaufman — Mark Kauffman — Rabbi Harry B. Kellman — Harold Kirsh — Judge Albert Klein — James Klein — Jacob Koche — Ike Koff — Kotlikoff — Max Kramer — Irvin Kress — Joseph Krouse — Louis Kushner — Morris Kutner — Moses Lavinsky — Rabbi Robert Layman — Edward Leonard — Rabbi Albert L. Lewis — Leonard Levin — Sidney Levy — Herbert Liebman — Rabbi Louis Lieberworth — Leslie Lipschutz — Nathan Mazo — Aaron Mandel — Max Milask — Harold Miller — Joseph Miller — Reuben Miller — Judith H. Moore — Jacob Naden — Mayor and Mrs. Joseph M. Nardi Jr. — Irving Natkow — Rabbi Fred Neulander — Bernard Norwitz — David Novack — Morris Novack — Martin Odlen — Louis Paul — Harry Pinsky — Yetta Pinsky — Mary Plasky — Samuel Plasky — Y.D. Plotnick — Samuel Reichman — Dora Rose — Leonard Rosen — Leon Roseman — Morris Liebman — Theodore Roseman — Martin Rosner — David Rosoff — Larry Rosoff — Arthur Ross — Manuel Ross — Milton Ross — Milton Rothbaum — Julius Rothlander — Jack Rothman — Jennie Rothschild — Leon Savage — Albert Sbar — Malkah Sbar — Abe Schnapf — Norman Shaen — Louis Shefsky — Samuel Shensa.

Additional Guests: Mrs. Bertha Kapnick — Judge and Mrs. Albert J. Klein — Mr. and Mrs. Moses Lavinsky — Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lear — Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lemerman — Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leonard — Mr. and Mrs. S. Nathan Lev — Dr. and Mrs. Irvin B. Levin — Mr. and Mrs. Myron Levin — Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lutz — Mr. and Mrs. David H. Markowitz — Mr. and Mrs. Leon Mickleman — Mr. and Mrs. Abe Molotsky — Mr. and Mrs. Julian Moore — The Naden Family — Mr. and Mrs. Morris Novack — Mrs. Mary Plasky — Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Price — Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Price — Mr. and Mrs. George Rhodeside — Mr. and Mrs. David Rosoff — Mr. and Mrs. Milton Rothbaum — Dr. and Mrs. Norman Shaen — Mr. and Mrs. Leon Snyder — Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sobel — Mr. and Mrs. Edward Spector — Mr. Mitchell Stern — Mr. and Mrs. Albert Taylor — Mr. and Mrs. Harry Taylor — Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Taylor — Mr. and Mrs. Victor Taylor — Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Vilkomerson — Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Werner — Mr. Jacob Wiener — Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wolinsky — Dr. and Mrs. Paul Zackon — Dr. and Mrs. Martin Zelnick — Dr. and Mrs. Paul Zonies. *List Incomplete

Committee: Chairman Dr. Harold Berlin — Co-chairman Mr. Bernard Bellitz — Dr. N. Harry Gartzman, Program Chairman — Mrs. Milton Rothbaum, Community Liaison — Hon. Albert J. Klein, Program Book — Mrs. N. Harry Gartzman — Mrs. Paul Gould — Arrangements Chairman Dr. Paul Zonies — Invitations Chairman Mrs. Paul Zonies — Publicity Mrs. Bernard Bellitz — Souvenir Book Mrs. Irwin Taylor.

Committee Members: Mr. James Artz — Mrs. Henry Becker — Mr. Henry Becker — Dr. Stephen Davis — Mrs. Max Elkins — Mr. Aaron Fleigelman — Mrs. Gerald Gartzman — Mr. Martin Gitomer — Mr. Leon Goldberg — Mr. Paul Gould — Mr. Al Haiken — Mr. Robert Josselson — Mr. David Novack — Mr. Louis Paul — Mrs. Louis Paul — Mr. Sam Reichman — Mr. Leon Roseman — Mrs. Leon Roseman — Mr. Ted Roseman — Mrs. Ted Roseman — Mr. David Rosoff — Mr. Manuel Ross — Mr. Milton Rothbaum — Mr. Louis Shefsky — Dr. Leonard Rosen — Mr. Samuel Weiss — Mrs. Martin Zelnick.

Additional Guests: Mr. & Mrs. David B. Berschler — Mr. & Mrs. Harold Frankel — Mr. & Mrs. Morton Jacobs — Mr. & Mrs. Maurice J. Lichtman — Judge Norman Heine — Mr. Max Rosenfeld — Rabbi Bernard E. Rothman.

Additional Tributes: Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bloom — Mr. & Mrs. Tom Borman — Mrs. Mildred Gelfand — Mr. & Mrs. Leon Goldberg — Dr. & Mrs. Milton Gordon — Mr. & Mrs. William Greenberg — Mr. & Mrs. Milton Herman — Mr. & Mrs. Morton Jacobs — Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Kirschner — Mr. & Mrs. William Remer — Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Rosner — Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Segan — Mr. Joseph Smith — Mr. Mitchell Stern — Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Silverstein — Mr. & Mrs. Albert Weine — Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Zelnick.

Jewish War Heroes of Camden County — World War II

This section grew out of the larger “Interesting People” web page. — Phil Cohen

Mair Auerbach — Alter Barbel — Henry Bellitz — Louis Berkowitz — Corporal Benjamin Borstein — Isaac Boudov — Issie Brody — Private Jack Brody — Mitchell Cohen — Bernard Z. Cooper — Dr. David E. Cooper — Herman Z. Cutler — Benjamin Dzick Jr. — Dr. Alexander Ellis — Zellie Ellis — Clarence Fuhrman — Lt. Jacob Feldman — Jacob L. Furer — Dr. Henry Goldstein — Dr. Hyman Goldstein — Dr. Leopold Goldstein — Dr. Louis Marshall Goldstein — Solomon J. & Rose Goldstein — Ellis Goodman — Dr. Milton H. Gordon — Daniel A. Gottlieb — Joe & Mike Greenetz — Lewis Katz — Carl Kisselman — David Kisselman — Dr. William M. Lashman — Jacob Leon — Ezekiel Jacob Levin — Simon Levy — Lewis Liberman — Max F. Moritz — Jacob Naden — Harry Obus — Martin Odlen — Martin Portnoy — Morris Puro — Rabbi Naftali Riff — Robert Rosengarten — Benjamin P. Rosensweig — Sol Rubin — David M. Rubinstein — George Schatz — Sig Schoenagle — William Schoenagle — Dr. Edward Schiff — Dr. Stanton Segal — Benjamin Simon — Marie E. Simon — Jacob Silver — Max M. Singer — Dr. Isadore Samuel Siris — Leo Spector — Sidney Steinberg — Samuel Varbalow — Joseph A. Varbalow — Herbert T. Vederman — “Broadway Eddie” Warhoftig — Jack Weinberg — Rabbi Max Weine — Bruce Weiner — Jack Weisfeld — Max Weisfeld — Israel Weitzman — Meyer Wessel — William Woldman — Sam Yellin — Arthur A. Zimmerman — Philip Zinman

• S. Levy Co. — Building Contractor
• Auerbach's Walkover Shop
• Boudov Coal & Ice Co. Inc.
• Kotlikoff's
• D.A. Gottlieb & Sons, Abbatoir
• Borstein Electric Company — National Electric Supply — Adele's Apparel Shop
• Novelty Hair Goods Company
• Greenetz & Greenetz
• Leo's Jewelry
• Rosedale Inn
• Wall Street Club (also known as Mindy's Restaurant & Bar)
• Weisfeld's Cafe
• William Plevinsky Saloon

Furniture Stores:

• The Naden Store & Jacob Naden
• N. Fuhrman Co. Furniture Store
• H. Pinsky & Son Furniture Store

Auto Services:

• Brody's ESSO Service
• George's Auto Service