Tree of Life Synagogue
Sept 25, 1910 the local Jewish community built a synagogue on the South East corner of Wayne Avenue and Seventh Street. As the Jewish community continued to grow, expansion became necessary. Towards the end of the 1940′s plans were put into motion and on October 19, 1952 the Tree of Life Synagogue opened its new facility in Ewing Park at the end of the bridge.
A large addition was added during the 1950′s, as Tree of Life built a new recreational hall and hosted open dances for Jews, Protestants & Catholics.
During the 70′s and 80′s as Ellwood City’s population dwindled, the Jewish population also saw their numbers shrinking. In 1988 the remaining local Jewish population joined Synagogues in Chippewa Township or New Castle and it was decided to turn over their building to the Ellwood Hospital for civic use.
The Jewish community played an important part to the development of Ellwood City and we would enjoy hearing more information. Please share below or email me at info@ellwoodcitymemories.com
You may not realize that Ellwood City once had a large and active Jewish Community. They had big community dances, rummage sales, dinners and New Years Eve parties! There were MANY businesses in town that were owned by Jewish Families too. From Kellers Dept. Store to Mazer’s Childern’s Clothing, to Edelman’s Shoes, to the Army/Navy Store, Allied Auto, Greenberg’s Auto Parts, Miller’s Dry Goods, and Groden’s to name a few. Along with Dr’s Aaron and Milton Caplan, Atty’s Luxemberg, Keller, Feldman and many others.
I remember yearly piano recitals by the students of JoAnn Nelson Thurston (sp?) at the Tree of Life Synagogue. I can’t say that I enjoyed them because I was always so nervous, but I remember there was always a big audience.
Please don’t forget Dr. Lawrence Shapiro. He was a wonderful man and a good friend.