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Rabbi Edward Klein papers

 Collection
Identifier: P-764

Scope and Content Note

The papers consist of biographical information on Rabbi Klein, including publications of his sermon excerpts and press releases issued for his 25th anniversary as leader of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. The collection also contains correspondence concerning the rabbi's activities and his testimony in 1964 against Bible reading in schools as Chairman of the Church and State Commission of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Other items of interest include a prayer for Rabbi Stephen S. Wise's funeral and Klein's article and a SWFS publication in memory of him, a report on the care of Jewish Tuberculosis patients (1923), information concerning Young Adventurers Club for mentally retarded children in SWFS, and a signature appeal for a 1967 candlelight vigil against the Vietnam War.

Dates

  • 1914, 1923, 1949-1985

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open to all researchers, except for four letters, restricted due to privacy.

Use Restrictions

No permission is required to quote, reproduce or otherwise publish manuscript materials found in this collection, as long as the usage is scholarly, educational, and non-commercial. For inquiries about other usage, please contact the Director of Collections and Engagement at mmeyers@ajhs.org.

For reference questions, please email: inquiries@cjh.org

Biographical Note

Rabbi Edward E. Klein was born in Newark, NJ on May 25, 1913. He became Assistant Rabbi of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (SWFS) upon his ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Institute of Religion in 1940. Chosen by Rabbi Stephen S. Wise as his successor, Klein served as Rabbi for SWFS from 1943-1981, and later as Rabbi Emeritus. During his career at SWFS, Klein was active in many civil, political, and social causes. SWFS was the first New York City institution to invite Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak and in 1972, installed the first woman Rabbi, Sally Preisand, as Assistant Rabbi. Rabbi Klein was active in several interfaith, Jewish, and community organizations; including the League of West Side Organizations, the Mayors Appeal Board for Fair Housing Practices, The Mayor's Advisory Committee on Higher Education, and the American Foundation on Nonviolence. He served as President of the Lincoln Square Community Council, President of the Hebrew Union College-Institute of Religion's Alumni Assoication, and Vice President for the New York Board of Rabbis. He acted as chairman for several committees: The Planned Parenthood Clergy Advisory Committee, the Lincoln Square Community Council, the Social Action Committee of the Union of Hebrew Congregations, the Church and State Commission of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and Co-Chairman of the League of West Side Organizations. Rabbi Klein died in New York City on July 13, 1985.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Abstract

The papers consist of biographical information on Rabbi Klein, including publications of his sermon excerpts and press releases issued for his 25th anniversary as leader of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (SWFS). The collection also contains correspondence concerning the rabbi's activities and his testimony in 1964 against Bible reading in schools as Chairman of the Church and State Commission of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Other items of interest include a prayer for Rabbi Stephen S. Wise's funeral and Klein's article and a SWFS publication in memory of him, a report on the care of Jewish Tuberculosis patients (1923), information concerning Young Adventurers Club for developmentally disabled children in SWFS, and a signature appeal for a 1967 candlelight vigil against the Vietnam War.

Acquisition Note

Ruth Klein 1986.027

Title
Guide to the Rabbi Edward Klein papers, 1914, 1923, 1949-1985 P-764
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid created by marc2ead_ajhs.xsl
Date
© 2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Revision Statements

  • December 2020: EHyman: post-ASpace migration cleanup.

Repository Details

Part of the American Jewish Historical Society Repository

Contact:
15 West 16th Street
New York NY 10011 United States