Box 1

The volume covers all aspects of the congregation, including building a new synagogue, new members, hiring a ritual butcher, disciplining members for infractions, mentioning weddings and funerals, recapitulating expenses, etc. With lists of those attending general meetings, details re ritual and observance and the tensions between Reform and Orthodox members.

The volume documents the board’s role in all aspects of the congregation; a great portion deals with replacing minister Gustavus Poznanski; maintaining the cemetery; and financial matters. With data on weddings, deaths, a conversion, bar mitzvah, Rev. Julius Eckmann’s resignation, and helping a Russian Jewish family.

Preliminary draft of minutes (1857-1862) in the volume details financial problems, members not paying dues or assessments, inability to pay (and keep) ministers, etc. Later minutes (1865-1866) document union of KKBE and Shearith Israel Congregations. With lists of members; some letters laid in.