This speech was presented by Stanley Hollander on Jan 30th, 2009 on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the founding of BPPS
January 30, 1919 – The Progressive Synagogue Constitution and by-laws were adopted, and their first officers were elected. exactly 90 years ago, TODAY. The preamble of that constitution provided for “the right to interpret the teachings of Israel of the past, in the light of the present; the inherent right of the Pulpit to freedom of thought and expression and granting absolutely equal rights to male and female members”. A little avant-garde, don’t you think?
Their first Charter was filed in the County Clerk’s office in April 1919, and their first Rabbi was installed. Interestingly, Rabbi Lyons was originally from the Garfield Place Temple, here in Brooklyn. In November of that same year, the leaders of that congregation had the courage and foresight to purchase the building and property of the Borough Park Presbyterian Church, on the corner of 46th Street and 15th Avenue for $24,000. Fifteen of the original members came up with over $19,000 to lend the Synagogue for that purchase. So that the Synagogue could repay the loan as quickly as possible, they decided to move that church building – yes, physically move the building – to its present location here on 46th Street, and then they sold the 15th Avenue frontage for $15,000, thereby recouping a good portion of their initial investment.
The ladies, as ambitious as they were, baked cakes – and, of course, the men bought them (whether they wanted them or not), probably at inflated prices. They also had block parties, theatre parties and carnivals. These efforts, along with their untiring enthusiasm and ambition, allowed them to convert and occupy their new home during their first year.
An interesting note: In the early 1920’s, a fully staffed Religious School was instituted and, for the next 25 years was headed by Jennie Schlesinger. As you know, our last school director was Janet Schlesinger. Our school began with Jennie Schlesinger and culminated with Janet Schlesinger – interesting.
In 1943-44, the congregation purchased the property on the corner of Avenue I and Ocean Avenue in Flatbush, with plans to eventually build their new home – the cornerstone was ultimately laid in November, 1952. During the ensuing 2-3 years there was much discussion and contention about the existence and/or disposition of the original Temple in Borough Park. The first Friday night service was held in the new Flatbush home in Sept, 1953; however, services also continued here in Borough Park.
In June of 1954, new officers and committees were elected and appointed to govern the newly formed Borough Park congregation – now consisting of forty members, with 70 people attending the reform Friday night services. Subsequently, the old home of Progressive Synagogue was sold to the newly renamed Borough Park Progressive Synagogue. I must proudly add at this time that Alex Hollander – my father - was elected and installed as the first President of this new congregation, a tenure which continued until 1961. Their mission was declared: “To offer to the community a liberal Synagogue in which all who wish may participate, for spiritual counsel, prayer, study and social relationship”. As many of you know, I became a Bar Mitzvah right here on this very pulpit in 1953, by Rabbi Theodore N. Lewis, who eventually went on to the Flatbush location.
The Borough Park Progressive Synagogue continued to thrive and grow for many years, under the guidance of many able leaders, including our past president Adelay Liss, (the only woman president), until the neighborhood began to change and many members moved on – one way or the other. Our last co-presidents were George Burns and George Liss – affectionately known as “The Georges” - who, for many years, skillfully and competently guided our Temple through difficult and trying times, until our ultimate consolidation with Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom – a marriage made in Heaven, Baruch Hashem.
And, finally, it is you – the Congregation – that allows our beloved Temple to exist and survive. The Synagogue alone is only a building, but with all of you making up the Congregation, it is an entity that will continue to survive and, hopefully, to flourish. Therefore, I thank you ALL for allowing Progressive Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom to be a part of our lives, which my parents started. I know that they are proud of my continuing support, and also of YOURS.
My friends, we’ve got a good thing going here, let’s KEEP it going!
