Temple Beth Shalom, Elma, New York Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-0200-0040

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes an array of documents relating to temple life including newsletters and service booklets. The Statement of Philosophy outlines committee roles and duties as well as term limits. An informal DVD was produced for the tenth anniversary of the Temple. Correspondence is mainly related to contracts with the Jewish Community Center.

Dates

1979-1997

Terms of Access

The papers of Temple Beth Shalom, Elma, New York Papers, 1979-1997 are open for research. There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this collection.

Copyright

Copyright of papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder(s) of copyright and the University Archives before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Historical Note

Temple Beth Shalom was founded in Fall 1976, beginning with its first High Holy Day services. The temple was initiated to serve the needs of Jewish families residing in the “Southtowns” of Buffalo and beyond, however it also attractive other families from around Western New York. Its style suited families interested in a participatory Congregation that was lay organized and lay led without officiating clergy. The Temple rented space at Camp Centerland on Bullis Road in Elma from the Jewish Center of Greater Buffalo. It conducted monthly Friday evening services led by members of the congregation, with a weekly Religious and Hebrew school for children that included a Shabbat service as part of the curriculum. An adult discussion met monthly at members’ homes, alongside other social activities. The Temple closed in the 2000s.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 half manuscript box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers documenting aspects of Temple Beth Shalom, Elma, NY based at Camp Centerland, Elma, NY.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series as follows:

Temple Beth Shalom, Elma, New York

Acquisition Information

The papers of Temple Beth Shalom, Elma, New York were donated by Lynn Hoffmann in October 2014. The papers were arranged in November 2015 and it was deposited at the University Archives, Special Collections by the Jewish Buffalo Archives Project in November 2015. The Jewish Buffalo Archives Project was founded in late 2007 under the auspices of the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Buffalo with a seed grant from the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies. The Archives Project collects mainly 20th century documentation relating to the diverse histories, religious traditions and cultures of Jewish communities within the Greater Buffalo area of Western New York, encompassing the geographic areas of Erie and Niagara Counties and partners with the University Archives at the University at Buffalo to make these records accessible. The arrangement and description of the Temple Beth Shalom, Elma, New York Collection was made possible by funding obtained through the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Accruals and Additions

No additional accruals are not expected to this collection.

Related Resources

Jewish Buffalo Archives Project collections

Processing Information

Collection was processed by Chana Revell Kotzin in November 2015. The Finding Aid was finalized by Chana Revell Kotzin in November 2015. EAD finding aid created by University Staff in January 2016.