Pioneering Stressed in Dedicating
New Larchmont Temple

The dedication of a Temple demands the dedication of its congregation to the principles of Judaism and to the pioneering spirit of Jews throughout the ages, it was emphasized Friday night by Dr. Salo W. Baron, chief speaker at the consecration rites of the new Larchmont Temple at 75 Larchmont Avenue.

About 800 persons attended the ceremony which included reading of a letter of congratulations from President Eisenhower and the lighting of the eternal light over the Ark by an impulse delivered exactly at 9:30 PM from Temple Beth Elohim of Charleston South Carolina, founded in 1749 and the first Reform Congregation in the United States.

Dr. Baron, in his dedicatory address, stressed the dedication of the Jewish people in past centuries stating that “the dedication of this temple is a symbol of the dedication of Jews and the dynamism within them.”

“That dynamism and dedication is evident in the growth of Jewish communities throughout this nation,” he said, citing the growth of Jewish centers of religion and culture not only in the large cities of America but also in the suburban areas.

Still In Early Stages

“This growth,” he continued, “is still in its early stages and this dedication is symbolic of the vitality of the Jewish Spirit. It is a compliment to the pioneering spirit, energy and devotion of local Jewry, and a testimony of the inherent viability of this community.

“Pioneering days,” he continued, “are not over. Perhaps they have only begun,” he said, recalling that 1954 is that tercentenary of the organization of the first Jewish congregation in America.

He recalled the difficulties in founding that first congregation, and the pioneering spirit necessary to make its formation a reality.

“The building of this synagogue,” he said, “ is in the best sence a continuation of that pioneering spirit.

“We are ever finding answers to new challenges and we Jews who helped in 1954 to pave the way to religious freedom have a heritage which must be to us a challenge, a challenge to dedicate ourselves anew in a sustaining effort in behalf of our faith, and in behalf of our community, and in behalf of our country.

“This Temple will be significant only as its congregation is vital in that dedication.

President’s Letter

The letter from President Eisenhower, read by Laurence J. Sobol, President of the Temple stated:

“I am most happy to learn of the ceremonies dedicating the new Larchmont Temple.

“In 300 years of existence on our shores, America’s Jews have contributed solidly to the spiritual strength of the nation. Is my hope that this new Temple in Larchmont will continue that fine tradition, and that all who worship within its walls will thereby become happier and more useful citizens of the community and of the nation.”

In a solemn moment of prayer the eternal light which will continually shine over the Ark was lit by Thomas Tobias from the Charleston Temple.

The new huge auditorium was darkened a moment before 9:30 for the lighting of the eternal light and Maury P. Medwick, Chairman of the new building committee, stated that “the lighting of this light is the fulfillment of a dream and the culmination of six years of endeavor. We light it with gratitude to God in a moment which will be ever memorable for us.”

As the light appeared over the Ark, the choir sang the jubilant in “Hallelujah” by Kosakoff.

The services started with a solemn processional during which Jerome Kaufman, honorary trustee, paid tribute to those who had been instrumental in the organization and development of the Temple.

The processional, with a background of music on the organ theme, “I Will Offer in His Temple Sacrifices of Joy,” included first the founders and original officers of the Temple, past officers and trustees, past presidents, and finally the present officers and trustees who carried the ceremonial accoutrements of the Temple, and the Torahs which were placed in the Ark.

The “MA Tovu” was then sung by Cantor Edward Graham and the Adult Choir, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Eagle Scout Martin Carnoy, who represented the Temple Youth Group. Cantor Graham and the choir led in singing the national anthem.

Mr. Sobel weldomed the audience and he traced the history of the temple through the past six the last six years. He paid particular tribute to the American Legion in whose clubhouse the first services were held into the Town of Mamaroneck, which permitted its services to be held in the Weaver Street Firehouse before acquisition of the Temple building.

“I believe,” he stated, “that we have found ourselves in our work and dedication.”

“I am sure that even as I have learned more of the inner strength of faith through the organization and building of the Temple, so too have many of our congregants.

“In that respect, we have dedicated ourselves as we have dedicated this building.”

Greetings

Mr. Sobol introduced Rabbi Daniel Davis of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, an organization representing 500 Reformed congregations, who stressed that the new Temple was dedicated to the service of God, the service of souls, to the community and to liberal Judaism.

He congratulated the Larchmont congregation on its growth and achievements for the six years since its organization.

Rabbi Leonard Schuler, under whose leadership the Temple has been built, led the services and prayed that the Temple be “a center of honest friendship and service. Our joy,” he said, “bin in our fellow spirit, the spirit of brotherhood and faith. May we bring the Torah to fuller fruition among us.”

The services were followed by Oneg Shabbat arranged by the Temple sisterhood and by a tour of the building arranged by the brotherhood whose members also served as ushers. Floral arrangements were by the Garden Guild and food and included an arrangement of living growing trees in the rear of the auditorium