Dedicated on September 30, 1942, Temple B'nai Israel was
the dream of the small Jewish community in Kokomo, Indiana.
The leader of the movement to construct the temple was
Max Gerber, founder of
Gerber Plumbing Products. Their family, along
with the Gevirtz family, still graciously provides the temple with
fianacial support, allowing us the freedom to participate in
Adult Education and other endeavors.
In 1941, Max Gerber met with leaders of the Jewish community in
Kokomo and was the driving force behind the building of
Temple B'nai Israel. Even though the temple was not constructed
until 1942, there are records of Jewish residents in Kokomo
for a century prior to that. The earliest recorded Jewish resident
was Samuel Rosenthal, a merchant in 1845, well known for his
contributions to the community.
The members of the Board of Trustees of 1942 were:
- Max Gerber, chairman
- Irving Andich, co-chairman
- Isaac Hurwick, President
- Sam Kopelov
- Sidney Gevirtz
- Fanny Baum
- Abe Zaltsberg
Other associations connected with the temple included the
Jewish Ladies
Aid Society affiliated with the National Federation of Temple
Sisterhoods since 1931. The Sisterhood is still active within the
Temple to this day. The Men's association, the B'nai B'rith was
active within Kokomo until the 1970s.
After over 50 years of service to the Jewish population of Kokomo,
the Temple B'nai Israel has remained the center of activity for our
small, yet vibrant community.
