Images(3)

Tablecloth

Object number2018.13.1

Date1943-1944

MediumFabric; Cotton(?); Thread

Credit LineGift of Temple B'nai Israel

DescriptionRectangular white cotton(?) fabric tablecloth. White flower pattern in fabric. Front center of tablecloth has blue embroidered six-pointed star with blue embroidered congregation name at center. Inside star points and radiating out from the star are blue embroidered signed names; the names inside the star also have officer titles. Embroidery is done in various shades of blue: most are baby blue, but some are navy blue and pale blue. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 61.5 x 210 x 0.125 in. (156.2 x 533.4 x 0.3 cm)
InscriptionsEmbroidered blue text at center of tablecloth, inside star "Temple / B'nai Israel".

Inside star points and radiating out from star are blue embroidered signatures - see 2018.13 object file for inventory of names.

Blue embroidered text inside bottom left star point "1943" and bottom right star point "1944".
Historical NotesThe Temple B’nai Israel Sisterhood created this tablecloth in 1943 as a fundraising project by Fanny Lichenstein. Each member could pay $1 for the right to autograph the fabric, which was later embroidered. The original campaign yielded 108 signatures. At present, the tablecloth has some 336 signatures, suggesting additional campaigns. The tablecloth was used for special occasions. Temple B’nai Israel was founded in McKeesport, Pa. in 1912. It was the first Reform congregation in the city. The congregation dedicated a synagogue on Shaw Avenue in 1923 and paid off its mortgage in 1945. Temple B’nai Israel moved to neighboring White Oak in 2000, buying the synagogue of Tree of Life-Sfard. Notable spiritual leaders include Cantor Egon Pesson (1924-1948), Rabbi Leonard Winograd (1969-1988) and Rabbi Danny Schiff (1993-2009). The leader at the time of donation (2018) is Rabbi Paul Tuchman.

Previous owner Temple B'nai Israel (founded 1912)

Related person Fanny Lichenstein

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