Additional background regarding this content: Fort Worth's Congregation Ahavath Sholom was founded in 1892 by East European immigrants whose native tongue was Yiddish. During the congregation's first 27 years, the minutes were written in Yiddish. This page, dated Oct. 6. 1895, describes a legal dispute with a "chazzan" or prayer leader who sued the congregation, claiming he was not paid for conducting services on Succot, the fall harvest holiday. The minutes describe the purchase of a "lulav" and "esrog," ritual items for the holiday. The minutes also record that Mr. Jacob Samuels, a congregant, gave the synagogue a $3 spittoon.
The English translation of the document is as follows:
"R.
Meeting
Congregation Ahavath Sholom
Fort Worth, Tex.
October 6th 1895.
The meeting was called to order at 4 P.M. by B[en] Levenson, President.
The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and approved.
The committee regarding the auditing of the treasurer’s books of Brother Jacobs’ brought in a report that everything was in order and correct. The committee was discharged.
The bylaws were read at the meeting and it was moved and seconded that they should be adopted and henceforth the full power of the by-laws are in force. The bylaws committee was discharged with thanks.
Brother Jacobs and B[rother] President were appointed to settle with the lawyer about the chazzan, and they have the full power to settle.
Mr. Salsberg was accepted as a member in Ahavath Sholom. A bill was brought in for esrog and lulav for $2.50 and was accepted. And a voucher was allowed to be drawn on the treasury of Ahavath Sholom.
A receipt was brought in by J[acob] Samuels for spittoons for $3.00 and was applied as a $2.00 donation and a dollar for a seat.
The committee for providing the esrog is dismissed with thanks.
Collected in donations $3; dues 50-cents.
The meeting was closed.
B. Levenson."
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
