Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities - Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke: Historical Overview
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Roanoke, Virginia, located in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was officially chartered as an independent city in 1884. Previously known as “Big Lick,” Roanoke—like many towns across the South—witnessed major growth with the arrival of the railroad. Beginning in 1870, the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad, later renamed the Norfolk & Western, brought visitors, railroad workers, and manufacturers to Roanoke, along with the city’s first major hotels, banks, and newspaper. In fact, Roanoke grew so rapidly in the 1880s that it was known as “Magic City.” Between 1881 and 1883 alone, the town’s population increased from 669 people to 5,000, and by the turn of the century, Roanoke had become the third largest city in Virginia.
Roanoke has been home to a Jewish community since the late 19th century. |
Stories of the Jewish Community in Roanoke
Isaac Bachrach
Early Settlers
The first Jews arrived in Roanoke during this period of rapid growth. Primarily merchants of German and Russian descent, these Jews established their businesses in the commercial district next to the downtown train depot. In 1884, the city directory listed four Jewish stores selling clothing, shoes, and dry goods. Just five years later, there were at least 16 Jewish-owned businesses in Roanoke, including stores selling dry goods, clothing, and jewelry, in addition to several saloons.
Not long after their arrival in Roanoke, Jews organized to worship as a community. In 1889, 18 Jewish families gathered to hold services in an upstairs room on Henry Street, using a Torah scroll donated by Morris Rosenberg, a Polish clothing merchant in Roanoke. Deciding on the name Beth Jacob, the congregation moved services to an old building on the corner of Kirk Avenue and Henry Street. In 1893, the lay-led community elected William Charles Enoch as its first president, and in 1898, they hired Theodore Joseph, a student at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, to officiate at High Holiday services.
By 1900, the Jewish community had grown to 40 families, most of whom were involved in retail trade. One such prominent merchant was Isaac Bachrach, who emigrated from Germany to the US in the 1870s. Along with his wife Flora, Isaac moved to Roanoke in 1880, where they were among the first Jews. Initially, Isaac opened a dry goods store downtown, and later launched a second store that specialized in shoes and boots. In 1885, Isaac tragically lost both of his legs while trying to jump onto a moving passenger train, but the accident did not keep him from working. Six years later, Isaac ventured into business with his father-in-law Godfrey May, co-founding the successful real estate development firm Phoenix Land Company. A local newspaper later described Bachrach as “perhaps one of the best known residents of the city.” Within the budding Jewish community of Roanoke, Bachrach also proved to be an essential leader, serving on the board of trustees and later as president of the congregation. Most significantly, when two of his young children tragically died from the 1883 smallpox epidemic, Isaac purchased land for Roanoke’s Jewish cemetery, in which his children were the first burials. He later deeded the land to Beth Jacob.
The first Jews arrived in Roanoke during this period of rapid growth. Primarily merchants of German and Russian descent, these Jews established their businesses in the commercial district next to the downtown train depot. In 1884, the city directory listed four Jewish stores selling clothing, shoes, and dry goods. Just five years later, there were at least 16 Jewish-owned businesses in Roanoke, including stores selling dry goods, clothing, and jewelry, in addition to several saloons.
Not long after their arrival in Roanoke, Jews organized to worship as a community. In 1889, 18 Jewish families gathered to hold services in an upstairs room on Henry Street, using a Torah scroll donated by Morris Rosenberg, a Polish clothing merchant in Roanoke. Deciding on the name Beth Jacob, the congregation moved services to an old building on the corner of Kirk Avenue and Henry Street. In 1893, the lay-led community elected William Charles Enoch as its first president, and in 1898, they hired Theodore Joseph, a student at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, to officiate at High Holiday services.
By 1900, the Jewish community had grown to 40 families, most of whom were involved in retail trade. One such prominent merchant was Isaac Bachrach, who emigrated from Germany to the US in the 1870s. Along with his wife Flora, Isaac moved to Roanoke in 1880, where they were among the first Jews. Initially, Isaac opened a dry goods store downtown, and later launched a second store that specialized in shoes and boots. In 1885, Isaac tragically lost both of his legs while trying to jump onto a moving passenger train, but the accident did not keep him from working. Six years later, Isaac ventured into business with his father-in-law Godfrey May, co-founding the successful real estate development firm Phoenix Land Company. A local newspaper later described Bachrach as “perhaps one of the best known residents of the city.” Within the budding Jewish community of Roanoke, Bachrach also proved to be an essential leader, serving on the board of trustees and later as president of the congregation. Most significantly, when two of his young children tragically died from the 1883 smallpox epidemic, Isaac purchased land for Roanoke’s Jewish cemetery, in which his children were the first burials. He later deeded the land to Beth Jacob.
Temple Emanuel's first building
Organized Jewish Life in Roanoke
By the turn of the century, as both German and Russian Jewish immigrants continued to settle in Roanoke, two different factions emerged within the congregation: those who sought a more Reform worship style (tending to be of German descent) and those who preferred to retain traditional Jewish customs (generally from Eastern Europe). Starting in 1898, the congregation had bought in student rabbis from the Reform seminary in Cincinnati to lead High Holiday services. These differences came to a head in 1902 when Beth Jacob’s board formally drafted a new constitution, which allowed the use of English prayer books and deemed optional the wearing of yarmulkes—both of which outraged the congregation’s more Orthodox members. As a result, in 1906, the more traditional members left to start a new congregation, soon known as Beth Israel, while the Reform-minded members officially adopted the name Temple Emanuel.
In the years that followed, both congregations worked hard to raise money for their own houses of worship. In 1910, with about 25 members, Beth Israel bought the old Primitive Baptist Church on the corner of Roanoke St. and Franklin Rd. In 1912, Beth Israel purchased half of Temple Emanuel’s cemetery land to establish its own burial ground. Lay-leaders conducted traditional-style services—most often by the Latvian junk dealer Jacob Brenner—until 1917, when the congregation hired its first full-time rabbi, David Stern. Members secured kosher meat through the local grocer and congregation member, E. Masinter, who sold it through the synagogue. By 1922, Beth Israel had grown to 60 families.
Temple Emanuel made similar progress in the early 1900s. By April, 1905, with the help of Christian friends, the congregation raised enough money to purchase the former United Brethren Church on Franklin Road, just a few blocks down from Beth Israel’s new building. Rabbi Benjamin Bonheim of Las Vegas, New Mexico, presided over the dedication for their new building, held on September 26, 1905. According to an account in the local newspaper, the dedication service was almost entirely in English: “But for the elaborate altar and ark, and an occasional reference to Hebrew, one would never have seen any difference between this service than those of any other church.” Two years after the dedication of their first building, Temple Emanuel hired its first full-time rabbi, Meyer Noot, who stayed for two years. In the following decade, the congregation hired a number of different short-term rabbis, all of whom used the Union Prayer Book during services. When the congregation was without a permanent rabbi, the Temple’s secretary Dr. Samuel Simon, conducted services.
In 1906, Mrs. Augusta Schaul organized the Temple Guild—a forerunner of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood—which performed not only social functions for women, but also became a major fundraiser for the congregation. In 1908 the guild donated a new Torah to the congregation, and in 1913 undertook all expenses of the Temple except for the rabbi’s salary. The Sisterhood also provided teachers for the congregation’s newly established Sunday school, which had 30 pupils in 1907.
By the turn of the century, as both German and Russian Jewish immigrants continued to settle in Roanoke, two different factions emerged within the congregation: those who sought a more Reform worship style (tending to be of German descent) and those who preferred to retain traditional Jewish customs (generally from Eastern Europe). Starting in 1898, the congregation had bought in student rabbis from the Reform seminary in Cincinnati to lead High Holiday services. These differences came to a head in 1902 when Beth Jacob’s board formally drafted a new constitution, which allowed the use of English prayer books and deemed optional the wearing of yarmulkes—both of which outraged the congregation’s more Orthodox members. As a result, in 1906, the more traditional members left to start a new congregation, soon known as Beth Israel, while the Reform-minded members officially adopted the name Temple Emanuel.
In the years that followed, both congregations worked hard to raise money for their own houses of worship. In 1910, with about 25 members, Beth Israel bought the old Primitive Baptist Church on the corner of Roanoke St. and Franklin Rd. In 1912, Beth Israel purchased half of Temple Emanuel’s cemetery land to establish its own burial ground. Lay-leaders conducted traditional-style services—most often by the Latvian junk dealer Jacob Brenner—until 1917, when the congregation hired its first full-time rabbi, David Stern. Members secured kosher meat through the local grocer and congregation member, E. Masinter, who sold it through the synagogue. By 1922, Beth Israel had grown to 60 families.
Temple Emanuel made similar progress in the early 1900s. By April, 1905, with the help of Christian friends, the congregation raised enough money to purchase the former United Brethren Church on Franklin Road, just a few blocks down from Beth Israel’s new building. Rabbi Benjamin Bonheim of Las Vegas, New Mexico, presided over the dedication for their new building, held on September 26, 1905. According to an account in the local newspaper, the dedication service was almost entirely in English: “But for the elaborate altar and ark, and an occasional reference to Hebrew, one would never have seen any difference between this service than those of any other church.” Two years after the dedication of their first building, Temple Emanuel hired its first full-time rabbi, Meyer Noot, who stayed for two years. In the following decade, the congregation hired a number of different short-term rabbis, all of whom used the Union Prayer Book during services. When the congregation was without a permanent rabbi, the Temple’s secretary Dr. Samuel Simon, conducted services.
In 1906, Mrs. Augusta Schaul organized the Temple Guild—a forerunner of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood—which performed not only social functions for women, but also became a major fundraiser for the congregation. In 1908 the guild donated a new Torah to the congregation, and in 1913 undertook all expenses of the Temple except for the rabbi’s salary. The Sisterhood also provided teachers for the congregation’s newly established Sunday school, which had 30 pupils in 1907.
Groundbreaking for Temple Emanuel's new synagogue, 1958.
Early 20th Century Life
Between 1907 and 1919, as the city of Roanoke continued to develop as an industrial center, the city’s Jewish population increased from 175 to 300 people. For the most part, Jews continued to work as merchants, owning downtown stores that catered to the young men and women who flocked to Roanoke to work in the city’s two new industries: Roanoke Steel Company, started in 1916, and American Viscose’s rayon plant, launched the following year. Jewish merchant Issie Fox, for instance, opened Fox Bargain Store in 1919, selling overalls and uniforms to the working men of Roanoke. In 1922, Jacob Weinstein opened Sidney’s, a clothing store that appealed to the large number of women newly employed by American Viscose. Weinstein’s store, named after his then one-year-old son Sidney, grew to become a major company with over 80 locations at its peak in 1989. While most Jewish stores remained small family operations, a few—like Sidney’s—grew into national chains. In 1910, Lithuanian Jewish immigrant Joseph Davidson founded Davidson’s, a men’s clothing store that continues to prosper across Virginia today. An active member of Beth Israel Synagogue, Joseph was well known both among the Jewish community as well as the greater Roanoke population. Joseph’s son Sigmund built on this legacy; during the 43 years he worked in his father’s store, Sigmund received awards including Virginia Retailer of the Year, National Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Today, Sigmund’s son Larry is president of the business, overseeing two stores in Roanoke.
While most Jews worked in retail in the early 1900s, a few tried their hand in Roanoke’s leisure industry. In 1907, brothers Isadore and Joseph Foreman converted a storeroom on Campbell Avenue into a moving picture theater called the Lyric, which lasted for four years until larger companies such as American Theater took over. In 1915—the year that prohibition went into effect in Roanoke, forcing many Jewish-owned saloons to close—Morris and Esther Diamond opened The Palace Bowling Alley and later the Billiard Academy and Confectionary.
Between 1907 and 1919, as the city of Roanoke continued to develop as an industrial center, the city’s Jewish population increased from 175 to 300 people. For the most part, Jews continued to work as merchants, owning downtown stores that catered to the young men and women who flocked to Roanoke to work in the city’s two new industries: Roanoke Steel Company, started in 1916, and American Viscose’s rayon plant, launched the following year. Jewish merchant Issie Fox, for instance, opened Fox Bargain Store in 1919, selling overalls and uniforms to the working men of Roanoke. In 1922, Jacob Weinstein opened Sidney’s, a clothing store that appealed to the large number of women newly employed by American Viscose. Weinstein’s store, named after his then one-year-old son Sidney, grew to become a major company with over 80 locations at its peak in 1989. While most Jewish stores remained small family operations, a few—like Sidney’s—grew into national chains. In 1910, Lithuanian Jewish immigrant Joseph Davidson founded Davidson’s, a men’s clothing store that continues to prosper across Virginia today. An active member of Beth Israel Synagogue, Joseph was well known both among the Jewish community as well as the greater Roanoke population. Joseph’s son Sigmund built on this legacy; during the 43 years he worked in his father’s store, Sigmund received awards including Virginia Retailer of the Year, National Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Today, Sigmund’s son Larry is president of the business, overseeing two stores in Roanoke.
While most Jews worked in retail in the early 1900s, a few tried their hand in Roanoke’s leisure industry. In 1907, brothers Isadore and Joseph Foreman converted a storeroom on Campbell Avenue into a moving picture theater called the Lyric, which lasted for four years until larger companies such as American Theater took over. In 1915—the year that prohibition went into effect in Roanoke, forcing many Jewish-owned saloons to close—Morris and Esther Diamond opened The Palace Bowling Alley and later the Billiard Academy and Confectionary.
Beth Israel
Jewish Social Life
Despite their overall economic success in the early 20th century, Jews still found themselves barred from most social clubs in Roanoke, including the elite Shenandoah Club. In response, they formed their own organizations. In 1920, Temple Emanuel sponsored the Pan Philian Club, a philanthropic group for young Jewish women, led by Miss Jeanette Forman. The following year, Israel Levin and Julius Fisher organized the Roanoke chapter of B’nai B’rith, which helped Jews travelling through the city look for jobs and find a place to stay, as many landlords would not rent to Jews. In 1923, Joseph Goldstein helped to organize Roanoke’s first Jewish Boy Scout Troop, open to members of both congregations. Later, in 1932 the congregations jointly established a Roanoke chapter of AZA, a youth group for Jewish teenage boys. Active until its members left to fight in World War II, the boys of AZA conducted Shabbat services at both congregations and competed in the local church basketball league. Temple Emanuel formed its first men’s club, later known as the Brotherhood in December 1928.
Despite their overall economic success in the early 20th century, Jews still found themselves barred from most social clubs in Roanoke, including the elite Shenandoah Club. In response, they formed their own organizations. In 1920, Temple Emanuel sponsored the Pan Philian Club, a philanthropic group for young Jewish women, led by Miss Jeanette Forman. The following year, Israel Levin and Julius Fisher organized the Roanoke chapter of B’nai B’rith, which helped Jews travelling through the city look for jobs and find a place to stay, as many landlords would not rent to Jews. In 1923, Joseph Goldstein helped to organize Roanoke’s first Jewish Boy Scout Troop, open to members of both congregations. Later, in 1932 the congregations jointly established a Roanoke chapter of AZA, a youth group for Jewish teenage boys. Active until its members left to fight in World War II, the boys of AZA conducted Shabbat services at both congregations and competed in the local church basketball league. Temple Emanuel formed its first men’s club, later known as the Brotherhood in December 1928.
The 1930s and 1940s
The Great Depression hit Roanoke hard. The N&W Railroad—the city’s major employer—saw a decrease in annual sales from $42 million in 1929 to $16 million in 1931. The American Viscose plant cut its work force in half, and bankruptcies throughout Roanoke reached record levels. Jewish businesses were not immune to the Depression, and several Jewish-owned stores closed as a result. However, others—such as Nathan Fink’s jewelry store—survived the Depression by being among the first to offer credit and installment payments to customers. Today, Fink’s Jewelry has expanded to 13 stores across Virginia and North Carolina, run by Nathan’s grandsons.
With the outbreak of World War II, Roanoke sent 101 Jewish men into the military service. Roanoke’s highest ranking Jewish officer was Major Milton Fox, an active member of Beth Israel, who was awarded two purple hearts for his service. On the home front, both Temple Emanuel and Beth Israel’s Sisterhoods mobilized to sell war bonds, knit sweaters and socks for soldiers, and serve shifts at the rationing board office.
Roanoke Jews also organized to aid Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. Arthur Taubman, who owned Advance Auto Parts in Roanoke, saved over 200 Jews by claiming them all as cousins. When asked by U.S. government officials, “Are you sure these people are all your relatives?” Arthur responded resolutely, “Anyone in trouble is a relative.” In the following decades, Taubman and his wife Grace continued their efforts to aid Jews across the world, and especially in the newly established state of Israel. In 1952, along with his friend A.L. Friedlander, Arthur formed a joint venture with an Israeli worker co-op to build a tire manufacturing plant in Israel. Meanwhile, as an active member of Hadassah’s Roanoke chapter, Grace spearheaded a project collecting recipes for a cookbook, Tastefully Yours, which sold over 10,000 copies when published in 1969. All of the proceeds went to Jewish charities. Both Taubmans also led and supported Roanoke’s chapter of the United Jewish Appeal, which raised money for Jews in Europe and Israel.
The Great Depression hit Roanoke hard. The N&W Railroad—the city’s major employer—saw a decrease in annual sales from $42 million in 1929 to $16 million in 1931. The American Viscose plant cut its work force in half, and bankruptcies throughout Roanoke reached record levels. Jewish businesses were not immune to the Depression, and several Jewish-owned stores closed as a result. However, others—such as Nathan Fink’s jewelry store—survived the Depression by being among the first to offer credit and installment payments to customers. Today, Fink’s Jewelry has expanded to 13 stores across Virginia and North Carolina, run by Nathan’s grandsons.
With the outbreak of World War II, Roanoke sent 101 Jewish men into the military service. Roanoke’s highest ranking Jewish officer was Major Milton Fox, an active member of Beth Israel, who was awarded two purple hearts for his service. On the home front, both Temple Emanuel and Beth Israel’s Sisterhoods mobilized to sell war bonds, knit sweaters and socks for soldiers, and serve shifts at the rationing board office.
Roanoke Jews also organized to aid Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. Arthur Taubman, who owned Advance Auto Parts in Roanoke, saved over 200 Jews by claiming them all as cousins. When asked by U.S. government officials, “Are you sure these people are all your relatives?” Arthur responded resolutely, “Anyone in trouble is a relative.” In the following decades, Taubman and his wife Grace continued their efforts to aid Jews across the world, and especially in the newly established state of Israel. In 1952, along with his friend A.L. Friedlander, Arthur formed a joint venture with an Israeli worker co-op to build a tire manufacturing plant in Israel. Meanwhile, as an active member of Hadassah’s Roanoke chapter, Grace spearheaded a project collecting recipes for a cookbook, Tastefully Yours, which sold over 10,000 copies when published in 1969. All of the proceeds went to Jewish charities. Both Taubmans also led and supported Roanoke’s chapter of the United Jewish Appeal, which raised money for Jews in Europe and Israel.
The Post-War Years
During the boom years following the war, Jews continued to settle in Roanoke—this time, however, they were more likely to be professionals than merchants. While Jews continued to run over 45 businesses in downtown Roanoke in the late 1940s, many had to subsequently close due to the rise of suburban shopping centers. The few that survived—notably, Julien Sacks’ Shoe Store, Nathan Fink’s Jewelry, and Arthur Taubman’s Advance Auto Parts—often opened additional stores in the new shopping centers. Roanoke also expanded as a regional medical center with the addition of Community Hospital, the Psychiatric Center of Roanoke, and Lewis Gale Hospital and Clinic, bringing many Jewish medical professionals to the city. The establishment of a General Electric plant in the neighboring town of Salem in 1958 further brought many Jewish engineers to the area. Between 1937 and 1960, Roanoke’s Jewish population increased from 470 to 800 people.
But once again, Jewish economic success did not translate into social acceptance. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, no country clubs in Roanoke allowed Jews as members, so the community started its own. In 1944, in an effort led by attorney Ned Schlossberg and businessman Arthur Taubman, the Jewish community began to raise money to establish Green Hills Country Club, 34 acres of land south of the Roanoke River, for Jewish members only. When the board officially opened the club in 1948, the bylaws stated that members must belong to either Temple Emanuel or Beth Israel. Green Hills, with its tennis court, clubhouse, and swimming pool, quickly became the center of Jewish social life in Roanoke. The club remained open until 1967, when Roanoke’s Hunting Hills Club finally started accepting Jews.
Such exclusion sometimes sparked Jews to become active in Roanoke’s local civil rights movement. When Beth Israel’s Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg arrived in Roanoke in 1946, the local clergy group did not allow Jews, Catholics, African Americans, and Greeks to join, so Rabbi Rothenberg helped organize an alternative, more inclusive clergy group. In 1960, Arthur Taubman joined Roanoke’s “Committee of 12,” an informal group that worked for nonviolent integration of the city’s public facilities. Taubman also served as chairman of the Roanoke Valley United Negro College Fund. Burt and Muriel Levine—known today for introducing rock and roll to Roanoke’s radio listeners as station owners in 1955—also helped develop “Roanoke Together,” a forum for interracial dialogue.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, both Jewish congregations thrived. In 1959, Temple Emanuel, which had 100 households at the time, moved to its current, larger site on Persinger Road. Rabbi Samuel Shillman, who led the congregation from 1953 to 1960, presided over the three-day dedication. In 1968, the congregation hired its first full-time cantor, Allen Levin, who ushered in a change Temple Emanuel’s worship style by adding more Hebrew melodies to the service. This change reflected a larger trend in the American Reform movement, which transitioned away from classical Reform in favor of more traditional practices. In 1975, the congregation replaced the Union Prayer Book with Gates of Prayer, which contained much more Hebrew. In 1982, Temple Emanuel reached another milestone when Rabbi Sally Finestone became its first female spiritual leader.
Beth Israel, which was now affiliated with the Conservative movement, expanded their building to accommodate its growing membership, which reached 140 families by the 1960s. In 1967, under the leadership of board member Michael Cohen, the existing building on Franklin Road underwent major renovations, including the addition of a new kitchen, social hall, education building, and conference rooms. The congregation also boasted a thriving social body called the Fiesta Club, organized by Sonya Goldstein and Sol Katch in 1953. The club held events from spaghetti dinners to whimsical musical shows like “Shanderella, A Yiddish Fairy Tale,” written by Sonya Goldstein herself (and featuring an all-male cast). In 1970, Burt and Muriel Levine, along with Dr. Andrew Shapiro, revived Yeled Nursury School at Beth Israel, which had a Jewish curriculum while remaining open to all children in Roanoke.
During the boom years following the war, Jews continued to settle in Roanoke—this time, however, they were more likely to be professionals than merchants. While Jews continued to run over 45 businesses in downtown Roanoke in the late 1940s, many had to subsequently close due to the rise of suburban shopping centers. The few that survived—notably, Julien Sacks’ Shoe Store, Nathan Fink’s Jewelry, and Arthur Taubman’s Advance Auto Parts—often opened additional stores in the new shopping centers. Roanoke also expanded as a regional medical center with the addition of Community Hospital, the Psychiatric Center of Roanoke, and Lewis Gale Hospital and Clinic, bringing many Jewish medical professionals to the city. The establishment of a General Electric plant in the neighboring town of Salem in 1958 further brought many Jewish engineers to the area. Between 1937 and 1960, Roanoke’s Jewish population increased from 470 to 800 people.
But once again, Jewish economic success did not translate into social acceptance. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, no country clubs in Roanoke allowed Jews as members, so the community started its own. In 1944, in an effort led by attorney Ned Schlossberg and businessman Arthur Taubman, the Jewish community began to raise money to establish Green Hills Country Club, 34 acres of land south of the Roanoke River, for Jewish members only. When the board officially opened the club in 1948, the bylaws stated that members must belong to either Temple Emanuel or Beth Israel. Green Hills, with its tennis court, clubhouse, and swimming pool, quickly became the center of Jewish social life in Roanoke. The club remained open until 1967, when Roanoke’s Hunting Hills Club finally started accepting Jews.
Such exclusion sometimes sparked Jews to become active in Roanoke’s local civil rights movement. When Beth Israel’s Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg arrived in Roanoke in 1946, the local clergy group did not allow Jews, Catholics, African Americans, and Greeks to join, so Rabbi Rothenberg helped organize an alternative, more inclusive clergy group. In 1960, Arthur Taubman joined Roanoke’s “Committee of 12,” an informal group that worked for nonviolent integration of the city’s public facilities. Taubman also served as chairman of the Roanoke Valley United Negro College Fund. Burt and Muriel Levine—known today for introducing rock and roll to Roanoke’s radio listeners as station owners in 1955—also helped develop “Roanoke Together,” a forum for interracial dialogue.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, both Jewish congregations thrived. In 1959, Temple Emanuel, which had 100 households at the time, moved to its current, larger site on Persinger Road. Rabbi Samuel Shillman, who led the congregation from 1953 to 1960, presided over the three-day dedication. In 1968, the congregation hired its first full-time cantor, Allen Levin, who ushered in a change Temple Emanuel’s worship style by adding more Hebrew melodies to the service. This change reflected a larger trend in the American Reform movement, which transitioned away from classical Reform in favor of more traditional practices. In 1975, the congregation replaced the Union Prayer Book with Gates of Prayer, which contained much more Hebrew. In 1982, Temple Emanuel reached another milestone when Rabbi Sally Finestone became its first female spiritual leader.
Beth Israel, which was now affiliated with the Conservative movement, expanded their building to accommodate its growing membership, which reached 140 families by the 1960s. In 1967, under the leadership of board member Michael Cohen, the existing building on Franklin Road underwent major renovations, including the addition of a new kitchen, social hall, education building, and conference rooms. The congregation also boasted a thriving social body called the Fiesta Club, organized by Sonya Goldstein and Sol Katch in 1953. The club held events from spaghetti dinners to whimsical musical shows like “Shanderella, A Yiddish Fairy Tale,” written by Sonya Goldstein herself (and featuring an all-male cast). In 1970, Burt and Muriel Levine, along with Dr. Andrew Shapiro, revived Yeled Nursury School at Beth Israel, which had a Jewish curriculum while remaining open to all children in Roanoke.
The Late 20th Century
The congregations of Roanoke often teamed up to organize Jewish cultural and social activities. In 1981, Temple Emanuel and Beth Israel established the Roanoke Jewish Community Council to collaborate in philanthropic, cultural, educational, and religious advancement. As a result, organizations such as B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, and the United Jewish Appeal thrived under joint leadership. The congregations also established the Jewish Community Joint Religious School in 1981, which continues to flourish today with over 140 students.
By the later decades of the 20th century, Jews had become generally well-accepted—and quite active—in Roanoke’s larger social and civic community. In 1979, Temple Emanuel’s Gerry Walter became the first rabbi elected president of the Roanoke Valley Ministerial Conference, which had previously prohibited Jewish leadership. Jews also served as board members of the Roanoke City Council, Roanoke College, and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Given the widespread acceptance of Jews in Roanoke by the late 1980s, the entire community was shocked in November 1988 when a 19-year-old man spray-painted a red swastika on the side of Temple Emanuel’s building. Religious leaders across the city spoke out against the perpetrator. There has been no evidence of anti-Semitism in Roanoke since this isolated act of bigotry.
The congregations of Roanoke often teamed up to organize Jewish cultural and social activities. In 1981, Temple Emanuel and Beth Israel established the Roanoke Jewish Community Council to collaborate in philanthropic, cultural, educational, and religious advancement. As a result, organizations such as B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, and the United Jewish Appeal thrived under joint leadership. The congregations also established the Jewish Community Joint Religious School in 1981, which continues to flourish today with over 140 students.
By the later decades of the 20th century, Jews had become generally well-accepted—and quite active—in Roanoke’s larger social and civic community. In 1979, Temple Emanuel’s Gerry Walter became the first rabbi elected president of the Roanoke Valley Ministerial Conference, which had previously prohibited Jewish leadership. Jews also served as board members of the Roanoke City Council, Roanoke College, and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Given the widespread acceptance of Jews in Roanoke by the late 1980s, the entire community was shocked in November 1988 when a 19-year-old man spray-painted a red swastika on the side of Temple Emanuel’s building. Religious leaders across the city spoke out against the perpetrator. There has been no evidence of anti-Semitism in Roanoke since this isolated act of bigotry.
The Jewish Community in Roanoke Today
Nick Taubman
Today, the Jewish population of Roanoke is just over 1,000 people, largely consisting of veteran merchants, engineers, physicians, managers, and lawyers. There remain a handful of successful retail businesses from the early 20th century that have spread throughout the region, such as Davidson’s clothing store. In addition, Advance Auto Parts—initially started by Arthur Taubman in 1932—has grown to become the only Fortune 500 Company based in Roanoke. The company, later run by Arthur’s son Nick, owns 2,400 stores across the region, employing over 35,000 people. In 1992, Arthur was inducted into the Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame, and in 2001, Nick was named one of the Roanoker’s “50 Most Influential People.” From 2005 to 2008, Nick Taubman served as U.S. Ambassador to Romania. The Taubman family has also contributed to the city’s art scene. In the 1950s, Grace Taubman served on the board of Roanoke Fine Arts and helped develop the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. More recently, in 2008, the family made a generous donation to what is now known as the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke.
Both Jewish congregations remain vibrant and active. Temple Emanuel is home to about 175 families. In 2001, the building underwent another major renovation, during which Beth Israel generously allowed the congregation to use its space for services. The Temple maintains an active Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and youth group. In 2013, Beth Israel had about 160 families. The synagogue’s Sisterhood, men’s club, and youth group host a number of different social and charitable events throughout the city. In 2005, the two congregations established the Jewish Community Preschool, which is open to all children in Roanoke. This communal effort is the latest in a long history of joint activities between the two congregations. Such cooperation has helped ensure the strength and vitality of Roanoke’s Jewish community.
Both Jewish congregations remain vibrant and active. Temple Emanuel is home to about 175 families. In 2001, the building underwent another major renovation, during which Beth Israel generously allowed the congregation to use its space for services. The Temple maintains an active Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and youth group. In 2013, Beth Israel had about 160 families. The synagogue’s Sisterhood, men’s club, and youth group host a number of different social and charitable events throughout the city. In 2005, the two congregations established the Jewish Community Preschool, which is open to all children in Roanoke. This communal effort is the latest in a long history of joint activities between the two congregations. Such cooperation has helped ensure the strength and vitality of Roanoke’s Jewish community.