We are so used to the comforting view of our Friday evening Shabbat Service being nearly full to capacity weekly, it is hard to think of this service as an innovation at Central Synagogue. Nearly 100 years ago, the idea of celebrating Shabbat’s arrival with a synagogue service on Friday evening was just a thought, duly noted in the October 6, 1915 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. As most people would go home on Friday evening to Shabbat dinner with family and friends, then come to synagogue on Saturday morning for a formal Shabbat service, the change was something to be further considered.

The ability to adapt our schedule of services to the changing times to best serve the needs of our congregants has long been a hallmark of Central Synagogue.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist. To submit a photo or historical document to our Archives, contact us.