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Guide to the Records of Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, undated, 1970-1980 (bulk 1970-1974)
 
*I-56 and *I-56A

Reprocessed by Stephanie Call

Processed by Stephanie Call, Schilder Assistant Archivist, made possible by a grant from the Schilder Family Fund. This collection has been digitized, made possible by a grant from the Trustees u/w of Herman Dana.

American Jewish Historical Society

Center for Jewish History

15 West 16th Street

New York, N.Y. 10011

Phone: (212) 294-6160

Fax: (212) 294-6161

Email: reference@ajhs.org

URL: http://www.ajhs.org

© 2013, American Jewish Historical Society, Boston, MA and New York, NY. All Rights Reserved.
Machine-readable finding aid created by Stephanie Call as MS Word document, October 27, 2008. Finding aid was encoded by Marvin Rusinek on November 14, 2008. Description is in English.

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Massachusetts Board of Rabbis
Title: Massachusetts Board of Rabbis
Dates: undated, 1970-1980 (bulk 1970-1974)
Abstract: The Massachusetts Board of Rabbis was founded in 1938 as the Rabbinical Association of Greater Boston by Rabbis Herman Rubenovitz, Louis Epstein, Joshua Loth Lieberman, Beryl D. Cohen, and Sam Abrams. During the 1970s the Board focused on its chaplaincy work in hospitals as well as timely topics, such as social action, chevruta, and health insurance for Rabbis. This collection contains minutes, correspondence and statements regarding the Board's work around hospital chaplaincy, kashruth, Israel, intermarriage, and the Vietnam War.
Languages: The collection is in English.
Quantity: 7 linear ft. (14 manuscript box)
Identification: I-56, I-56A
Repository: American Jewish Historical Society
Location: Located at AJHS, Boston, MA.
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Historical Note1

The Massachusetts Board of Rabbis was founded in 1938 as the Rabbinical Association of Greater Boston by Rabbi Herman Rubenovitz of Mishkan Tefila, who also served as the President for several years. Rabbis Louis Epstein of Kehillath Israel, Joshua Loth Liebman of Temple Israel, Beryl D. Cohen of Temple Sinai, and Sam Abrams of Ohabei Shalom were co-founders of the organization.

In the 1970s, the organization focused on topics concurrent with the time, including chevruta, social action, and an insurance program for Rabbis. It also continued to maintain its chaplaincy services, which sent Rabbis to hospitals to provide spiritual care to patients.

1 Historical Note based on documents in the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis Collection and the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis website, http://massrabbis.org/, accessed 27 October 2008.

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Scope and Content Note

Scope and Content Note for I-56

This collection includes correspondence between officers and other members regarding various activities of the Board, as well as minutes to meetings and committee documents. Numerous statements and resolutions regarding Kashruth, intermarriage, Israel and the Vietnam War are also included. The collection also contains information relating to the media.

Scope and Content Note for I-56A

This addendum contains materials collectively donated by the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis (MBR) and the Associated Synagogues of Massachusetts (ASM). The two organizations worked closely together on a variety of issues, as the MBR was located in the same building as the ASM. However, since the bulk of the records indicate closer ties to the work of the MBR and provenance is not clear, the records have been organized as an addendum to the original MBR collection in the AJHS-New England archives.

Records in this collection include correspondence of several Boston Rabbis, including Rabbis David Weiss, Ephraim Bennett, Leo Shubow and Albert Gordon. There is also information pertaining to Kashruth and the role of the Rabbinical Council of New England during the Queen Elizabeth II cruise to Israel in the mid-1970s, as well as newsletters and bulletins from both ASM and MRB. In addition to administrative records and correspondence, the bulk of the collection contains miscellaneous subject files relating to topics of interest to the Boston Jewish community.

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Arrangement

Part One of the collection (I-56) is arranged in four series as follows:

Part Two of the collection (I-56A) is arranged in five series as follows:

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

The collection is open to all researchers by permission of the Director of Library and Archives of the American Jewish Historical Society, except items that are restricted due to their fragility.

Use Restrictions

Information concerning the literary rights may be obtained from the Executive Director of the American Jewish Historical Society. Users must apply in writing for permission to quote, reproduce or otherwise publish manuscript materials found in this collection. For more information contact:
American Jewish Historical Society, Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY, 10011
email: info@ajhs.org

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Related Material

Rabbi David Alpert Papers, P-82

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Preferred Citation

Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, date (if known); Massachusetts Board of Rabbis; I-56, I-56A; box number; folder number; American Jewish Historical Society, Boston, MA and New York, NY.

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Acquisition Information

Donated to AJHS by Rabbi Harry Roth.

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Access Points

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Container List

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

 

Part I, Series I: Correspondence, undated, 1969-1974.
The Series is in English.
2 folders. Box 1.
Arrangement:

Chronological.
Scope and Content:

This series contains correspondence between officers and Rabbis in the community regarding various issues affecting the organization. Reminder letters to meetings, informational memorandums, and membership information is included.
Box Folder Title Date
1 1 General undated, 1969-1971
1 2 General 1972-1974
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Part I, Series II: Governance, undated, 1969-1980.
The Series is in English.
3 folders. Box 1.
Arrangement:

Alphabetical by sub-series.
Scope and Content:

This series provides information on the activities of the Advisory Council, which focused on hospital chaplaincy, and the Sabbath Programming Committee. Minutes to meetings are also included.
Box Folder Title Date
1 3 Committees/Advisory Council 1970-1980
1 4 Committees/Sabbath Programming Committee 1969-1970
1 5 Minutes undated, 1970-1972
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Part I, Series III: Media and Broadcasting, 1970-1972.
The Series is in English.
1 folder. Box 1.
Arrangement:

Chronological.
Scope and Content:

This series contains information on the Media & Broadcasting conference of 1971 as well as other activities of the media and its relationship with the Jewish community.
Box Folder Title Date
1 6 General 1970-1972
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Part I, Series IV: Statements and Resolutions, undated, 1970-1972.
The Series is in English.
5 folders. Box 1.
Arrangement:

Alphabetical by sub-series.
Scope and Content:

This series contains information relating to the numerous statements issued by the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis in the early 1970s, including statements on the Jewish community's position on Israel, the Vietnam War and former President Richard Nixon, kashruth policies, funeral services, and intermarriage (mixed marriage.) Of particular interest is a strongly worded letter revoking the kosher license of a Framingham, Massachusetts restaurant.
Box Folder Title Date
1 7 Funeral Services undated, 1971
1 8 Israel 1970-1971
1 9 Kashruth 1970-1971
1 10 Mixed Marriages 1971-1972
1 11 Vietnam War undated
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Part II, Series I: Activities and Events, undated, 1958-1974.
The Series is in English.
Box 1 -- Box 2, Folder 7.
Scope and Content:

This series contains information pertaining to activities conducted by the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, including their collaborations with Congregation Kehillath Jacob in Newton, Massachusetts, Jewish Family and Children's Services, and the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. Published bulletins and information on the renovations of their headquarters on Tremont Street in Boston are also included in this series.
Box Folder Title Date
1 1 Association of Mental Hospital Chaplains undated, 1960-1968
1 2 Building Development undated, 1967-1968
1 3 Bulletins undated, 1957-1970
1 4 Combined Jewish Philanthropies undated, 1967-1970
1 5-6 Congregation Kehillath Jacob (Newton, Massachusetts) undated, 1970-1974
Box Folder Title Date
2 1 Congregation Kehillath Jacob (Newton, Massachusetts) undated, 1972-1974
2 2 Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, Inc. undated, 1968-1969
2 3 Jewish Family and Children’s Services undated, 1961-1969
2 4 Kashruth undated, 1958-1964
2 5 Massachusetts Association for Mental Health 1968-1969
2 6 Massachusetts Board of Rabbis Installation 1965
2 7 Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ 1969
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Part II, Series II: Associated Synagogues, undated, 1956-1976.
The Series is in English.
Box 2, Folder 8 -- Box 5, Folder 6.
Scope and Content:

This series contains the records likely donated by the Associated Synagogues of Massachusetts, and includes materials pertaining to collaborations with other agencies, finances, meetings and events, and correspondence. Also included in this series are materials related to the Queen Elizabeth II cruise to Israel, which was sponsored in part by the Associated Synagogues. Information about the Rabbinical Council of New England, which served as the Kashruth governance of the Associated Synagogues, is also included in this series. The Rabbinical Council was responsible for ensuring kosher food preparation and services were provided to passengers aboard the ship.
Box Folder Title Date
2 8 27th Annual Meeting undated, 1968
2 9-10 28th Annual Meeting undated, 1968-1969
Box Folder Title Date
3 1 29th Annual Meeting undated, 1970
3 2 Boston School Committee 1969
3 3 Boston Students Guide 1969-1970
3 4 Brotherhoods undated, 1956-1970
3 5 Bulletins 1969
3 6 Cathedral in the Pines 1956-1957
3 7 Center Club-Center House Foundation 1969-1970
3 8 Certificate and Notices undated, 1963-1969
3 9 Correspondence, Minutes and Reports undated, 1958-1965
3 10 Correspondence/Rabbi Weiss 1969
3 11 Correspondence/Record American Sunday Advertiser 1969
3 12 Dr. Max Ritvo Memorial Fund undated, 1964-1970
3 13 Financial Statements 1965-1969
3 14 Jewish Family and Children’s Services/Adoption (restricted) 1956-1958
3 15 Luncheon-Study Group undated, 1968-1969
3 16 Memos/Rabbi Weiss undated
3 17 Mirimar Film Library 1969-1970
3 18 Mortgage undated, 1969
3 19 National Association of Jewish Chaplains 1969
3 20 Northeastern University 1967-1968
3 21 Program Committee 1969-1970
Box Folder Title Date
4 1 Project Place undated, 1968
4 2-6 Queen Elizabeth II Cruise undated, 1971-1975
4 7 Rabbi Weiss/Counseling Correspondence (restricted) 1968-1969
Box Folder Title Date
5 1-5 Rabbinical Council of New England/Queen Elizabeth II Cruise undated, 1972-1976
5 6 Statements undated
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Part II, Series III: Correspondence, undated, 1935-1970.
The Series is in English.
Boxes 6-7.
Scope and Content:

This series contains correspondence to and from members of the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis. This primarily includes correspondence regarding the daily activities of the MBR, but also a folder of correspondence between the MBR, Rabbi Leo Shubow, and Rabbi Albert Gordon of Temple Emanuel in Newton. During much of this career Rabbi Shubow sought to be recognized and compensated by Temple Emanuel for his role in the development of the Temple as their first Rabbi. Also, please note that folders 3-5 and 7 have been restricted due to sensitive health insurance and financial information.
Box Folder Title Date
6 1 Beth Israel Hospital 1963-1964
6 2 Big Brother Association 1962
6 3-5 Blue Cross-Blue Shield (restricted) undated, 1963-1969
6 6 Brooks, Senator Edward 1969
6 7 Chaplaincy 1955-1961
6 8 Dorchester-Mattapan-Roxbury undated, 1969-1970
6 9-11 General 1963-1966
Box Folder Title Date
7 1 General, A-K undated, 1962-1963
7 2 General, L-Z undated, 1962-1963
7 3 Jewish Chaplaincy Council 1962-1963
7 4 Letter from Rabbi Gittelsohn regarding Cantors 1963
7 5 Mayor’s Office on Human Rights 1969
7 6 Rabbi Leo Shubow vs. Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA 1935-1969
7 7 Solomon Schechter Day School Scholarships (restricted) 1967-1970
7 8 United Rabbinic Chaplaincy Commission 1962-1963
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Part II, Series IV: Governance and Finance, undated, 1964-1971.
The Series is in English.
Box 8, Folders 1-4.
Scope and Content:

This series contains budgetary and other financial information for the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, including correspondence related to their finances.
Box Folder Title Date
8 1 Budget undated, 1969-1970
8 2 City Bank Loan 1968-1969
8 3 Financial Correspondence, Memos, Payment Lists undated, 1967-1969
8 4 Insurance 1964-1971
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Part II, Series V: Subject Files, undated, 1936-1970.
The Series is in English.
Box 8, Folder 5 -- Box 13, Folder 16.
Scope and Content:

This series contains information on a variety of issues that concerned the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, including abortion, alcoholism and addiction, families and children, and anti-Semitism, as well as materials on various organizations. Included in this series is the correspondence between the American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS), the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, and the Associated Synagogues of Massachusetts about donating records to AJHS. Some folders include relevant actions taken by the MBR, but many are focused on information that might impact or affect the work of the MBR.
Box Folder Title Date
8 5 Abortion undated, 1965-1969
8 6 Achiezer undated
8 7 Adult Education 1968
8 8 AHAD HA’AM undated, 1951, 1957
8 9 Alcoholism undated, 1956-1970
8 10 American Council for Judaism 1956
8 11 American Jewish Community undated, 1955-1959
8 12 American Jewish Historical Society undated, 1969-1970
8 13 Artificial Insemination 1958
8 14 Asch, Sholom 1951-1957
8 15 ATOM undated
8 16 Bar-Ilan University undated, 1955
Box Folder Title Date
9 1 Bar Mitzvah undated, 1955-1967
9 2 Borochou, Ber undated, 1950
9 3 Bible undated, 1956-1957
9 4 Birth Control 1959
9 5 Black Anti-Semitism undated, 1968-1969
9 6 Brandeis, Louis D. 1956
9 7 Capital Punishment 1956-1969
9 8 Chaplains undated, 1968-1970
9 9 Childbirth Education undated, 1960-1968
9 10 Christianity and Judaism undated, 1954-1968
9 11 Christian Science 1940
9 12 Christmas undated, 1959-1968
9 13 Churchill undated
9 14 Committee of Responsibility/Vietnam undated, 1967-1968
9 15 Counseling undated, 1954-1958
Box Folder Title Date
10 1 Drugs 1968-1970
10 2 Education undated, 1958-1970
10 3 Ethics undated, 1958
10 4 Faith undated, 1954
10 5 Family undated, 1947-1952
10 6 Freedom 1954-1956
10 7 Gluckel of Hameln 1951
10 8 God 1954-1958
10 9 Gordon, Aaron David undated
10 10 Havurat Shalom Seminary undated, 1968-1969
10 11 Hebrew Language undated
10 12 Hebrew University undated, 1947-1956
10 13 High Holy Days Services 1969
10 14 Hillel Foundation undated, 1956-1970
10 15 Hippies undated, 1968
10 16 Histadrut 1958
Box Folder Title Date
11 1 Interfaith Bible Readings undated, 1964-1970
11 2 Israel undated, 1950-1970
11 3 Jerusalem 1953-1955
11 4 Jesus undated
11 5-6 Jewish Community Relations Council undated, 1967-1970
11 7 (The) Jewish Defense League undated, 1969-1970
11 8 John Birch Society undated
11 9 Judaism Quarterly undated, 1961
11 10 Juvenile Delinquency undated, 1958
11 11 Kaplan, Mordecai 1953
11 12 Ketubah undated, 1936-1955
11 13 Lilien, E.M. 1953
11 14 Lincoln, Abraham undated
11 15 Maimonides School undated, 1969-1970
11 16 Missionary Material undated, 1958
11 17 Moral Standards 1953
11 18 Mormonism undated
11 19 Mourning 1949-1954
11 20 N.A.A.C.P. undated, 1962-1963
11 21 Neturei Karta 1956
11 22 Nobel-Agnon-Sachs undated, 1966
11 23 Opportunities Industrialization Centers of Greater Boston 1969
Box Folder Title Date
12 1 (President) John F. Kennedy 1960-1962
12 2 Project Equality- JCRC undated, 1968-1969
12 3 Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Marriage and Family undated, 1954-1960
12 4 Radio and Television undated, 1948-1950
12 5 Reform Judaism undated
12 6 Religion and Schools undated, 1960-1970
12 7 Religion Today undated, 1950
12 8 Religion and Mental Health undated, 1969
12 9 Richardson, Elliot 1969
12 10 Samaritans undated, 1955
12 11 Schechter, Solomon undated, 1945-1952
12 12 Science undated, 1957
12 13 Scouting 1950-1967
12 14 Secularism 1952
Box Folder Title Date
13 1 Shabbat undated
13 2 Shehita 1958-1969
13 3 Soviet Jewry undated, 1964-1970
13 4 Syrkin, Nachman undated
13 5 Teaching undated
13 6 Teenagers 1954
13 7 Toynbee, Arnold 1955
13 8 United Community Services 1968
13 9-10 United Synagogue of America undated, 1952-1978
13 11 U.S. Government undated
13 12 Warsaw Ghetto undated, 1969
13 13 Weizmann, Chaim 1952-1953
13 14 Welfare, undated 1968-1969
13 15 Werner, Alfred 1946-1953
13 16 Yiddish 1946
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