Lawrence’s early Jewish immigrants arrived in the 1880’s and founded synagogues such as Congregations Sons of Israel and Ansha Sfard on Concord Street in Lawrence and later Temple Emanuel on Tower Hill in 1920. In 1917, a small group of residents from the croz de Spika (across the Spicket River) neighborhood started to organize a synagogue and signed the act of incorporation on January 21, 1919. Thus Congregation Ansha Sholum, known as the “Little Shul” relative to the larger orthodox synagogues, was established. That year, the congregation also purchased the current location, then a two family home at 411 Hampshire Street, and converted it for religious services. Many members worked in or had businesses near the Arlington Mill. In the 1950s and 1960s, Lawrence’s extensive urban renewal led to synagogue mergers and the movement of Lawrence’s Jewish population to Tower Hill and the surrounding suburbs. Congregation Ansha Sholum remained and is now the only synagogue in the city of Lawrence.
In the 1920’s, the synagogue hired Rabbi Abraham Appleberg who remained the rabbi for almost thirty years. His wife Rebecca also was very active in the synagogue. Since his departure, the congregation has been led by the members themselves, except for the High Holidays.
Through the 1920s, the synagogue grew rapidly and there was a need for more space. In 1930, the congregation started a major building program as a result of a legacy gift from J. Sandler, a prominent member. The building committee included Louis Pearl, President, S. Albert, Treasurer, J. Ganz, M. Geller, H. Silverman, R. Needle, Secretary, Rev. Abraham Appleberg, H. Zack, Building Committee chair, L. Winer, Treasurer, H. Gilbert and B. Handler. The committee hired Joseph Morissette, a Lawrence architect, to develop the plans for the expansion. Joseph Torrisi was responsible for the outstanding woodworking. The Ladies Auxiliary raised the funds to purchase the new beautifully crafted Torah Ark. The remodeled synagogue was rededicated in March 1931; in 1973, the Allan Ash Estate supported the latest renovation of the historic synagogue.
Major celebrations held at Congregation Ansha Sholum include the Golden Anniversary held on April 1969, the 75th Anniversary held on November 13, 1994, and the 90th Anniversary held on November 8, 2009, when we also opened the first exhibit on the history of the synagogue. A new 100th anniversary exhibit opens on October 27, 2019 and it includes the history of the synagogue and the Jewish community.
Leaders of Ansha Sholum include Frayda Koffman, Melvin Zaft, Abraham Zaft, Judge Maurice Schwartz, Robert Goldberg, Jack Hershfield, Rose Cuscia, and Elizabeth Beraha.and many others. The late Melvin Zaft was the third generation of his family to be involved in leadership.
We welcome families and youth to our historic synagogue. In recent years, a number of bar and bat mitzvahs were held at the Little Shul. Our spiritual leader is Elizabeth Beraha; services are every Saturday at 9:30am.
Ansha Sholum is a vibrant congregation, welcoming the participation of all in our services. We are interested in learning more about the history of this and other Jewish communities in Lawrence.
Info: Congregation Ansha Sholum, PO Box 1045, Lawrence MA 01842;
anshasholumlawrence@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/CongregationAnshaSholum/
978-237-0241
