Images(2)

Plaque

Object number2023.114.1

MediumGlass; Applied decoration

Credit LineGift of Adat Shalom

DescriptionMilk glass plaque with applied decoration. The white plaque is thin, flat, and has three straight sides and a top that curves outward. Front of plaque has black applied text in Hebrew.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 8.188 x 11.625 x 0.125 in. (20.8 x 29.5 x 0.3 cm)
InscriptionsBlack applied text in Hebrew on front of plaque, translation reads: "The soul of man is the candle of God. The names and death dates of the dead of Congregation Ohev Sholom, Tarentum, Pa."
Historical NotesCongregation Ohev Sholom (Tarentum) memorial plaque. Early Jewish settlers in Tarentum and neighboring Natrona, Pa. originally rode by horse and buggy to nearby New Kensington for religious services and stayed with local families. By 1908, Tarentum had a large enough Jewish population to support an independent congregation, which was initially called the Tarentum Hebrew Congregation. A group chartered Ohev Sholom Congregation about 1919 and dedicated a new synagogue at 516 E. 6th Ave. in 1923. Ohev Sholom Congregation grew from 25 families to 60 families over its first few decades, but membership started to decline between the wars, “as the young people relocated in search of careers,” according to a community history. In 1973, Ohev Sholom Congregation donated its Torah scrolls to synagogues in Israel and sold its synagogue. The proceeds were given to Beth Jacob Congregation in New Kensington, where many former Tarentum members had relocated. As of 2013, the former synagogue building was being used as apartments. These plaques originally topped the memorial boards of the congregation, which have since gone missing.

Related institution Tarentum Hebrew Congregation

Related institution Ohev Sholom Congregation

Related institution Beth Jacob Congregation

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