Early 20th Century American Synagogue Constitutions - A Window Into Synagogue Life and Regulations of the Period.

In the era of minyan-factories and a flourishing of small synagogues at the expense of many of the large and established ones, a collection of Synagogue Constitutions I recently acquired provided a fascinating insight in to how synagogues were run in the early 20th century in the United States.

The collection comprises 60 different constitutions, each with it's own laws, customs and often very strict rules, mostly from the early 1900s in the New World. Membership in the synagogues were generally a strictly guarded privilege and not a right, and deviating members can expect to be fined or expelled for any wrong-doings. Many of the synagogues imposed fines for members who talked during davening, removed their Tallith before the completion of prayers or were habitually late. Many of the laws attempted to curtail assimilation and deter members from moving towards the Reformers, in a time when an individual's affiliations between the different Jewish movements was luid and often changing. A look at a sample of the by-laws found in these Constitutions sheds light on to the challenges and threats to Judaism in this period.

From the Constitution and by-laws of the Congregation Shearith Israel in the city of New York: " That all umbrellas and canes, excepting canes carried by lame persons, shall be left at the door and that all garments taken off shall be deposited in the free seats near the door, unless the owners thereof put them in their own seats". " That any person or persons leaving the synagogue shall retire in a quiet and orderly manner, and avoid going out together, or in bodies, and more particularly during the reading of the Torah and Hapthtorah, and that if any person or persons shall act contrary to this law, they and each of them shall be considered as having committed an offense and punished accordingly".

From the Constitution of the Congregation Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol of Washington Heights: "A member may be expelled for creating a disturbance in the synagogue or if convicted of a criminal offense." "No alterations that are conflicting with the laws as laid down in the Shulchan Orach shall be made in the daily prayers, ceremonies or customs as long as one member of this congregation shall oppose it".

From the Constitution and by-laws of Congregation Agudas Israel of Ridgewood, Brooklyn: "The Congregation is forever to be an Orthodox Congregation". "All books and business shall be conducted in the English Language although a member has the privilege of employing the Yiddish language when addressing members of the congregation". "In the case of the death of a member, the Congregation will provide a plot in our cemetery, a hearse with two carriages..".

From the Constitution of the New Kosintiner Young and Old Mens Benevolent and Aid Society : "A brother who does not attend a funeral and does not show just cause shall be fined $2.00" " A brother who falsely claims sick shall be subject to expulsion at the discretion of the members".

From the Constitution of Washington Heights Congregation adopted in 1914: ""None but Hebrews will be permitted to participate at services in the Choir of the Congregation". "Any member conducting himself at a meeting or during services in the synagogue in a disorderly manner, or who shall depart from the strict Orthodox Faith, may be expelled or suspended".

From the Constitution of the First Zablotower Cong. Beth Israel, the Oath for Newly Installed Officers reads: " I (first and family name), in the presence of all sisters and brethren of the First Zablotower Cong. Beth Israel fathered in this place, herewith promise to fulfill my duties as officer honestly and faithfully, whereupon I pledge my word of honor. Amen."

From the Constitution and By-Laws of the Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Boston, in 1913 : "Marriage contrary to the laws of the Jewish religion, renunciation of Judaism, or conduct injurious to the cause and welfare of our ancient faith and race shall be deemed ample grounds for expulsion from membership".

From the Constitution and By-Laws of the Sephardic Brotherhood of America organized 1915 "The President, the Vice President and the Secretary of the Brotherhood shall read, write and speak English and Spanish-Jewish". "English shall be the official language of the Central Council, but discussions in Spanish-Jewish shall be permitted to delegates. Official minutes shall be kept in English and Spanish Jewish".