Welcome everyone. Thank you for coming out tonight. My name is Matt Stern. I'm a city council member from Newer Shell and I really want to thank everybody for coming out tonight. This is year two of having Jewish-American Heritage Month celebrated at City Hall. Thank you. Applause. And this is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Jews in America starting way back over 370 years ago when the first Sephardic Jews left Brazil, fleeing persecution and found a new home in America. And while fleeing persecution and fighting anti-Semitism have unfortunately remained a stubborn thread line throughout the Jewish people's existence. It's not what defines us. Anybody who's on the panel, can I have your own? I can't think of a major field, whether musical theater or science or literature or sports where height isn't a big factor where Jewish people have not had an outsized impact. And while we've always punched above our weight, I'm most proud of the times that we've stood alongside of our allies, whether it's for civil rights or LGBTQ rights, and risking our own tenuous progress to secure it for others. We're fortunate to see this locally as well. In recent months we've had, I think two separate films kind of documenting the history of the Jewish people working alongside the African-American community in civil rights and it's something that I'm proud that we celebrate here in New Rochelle. When it came time to recognize here in New Rochelle who we should recognize and celebrate at this event we're fortunate to have names flowing like milk and honey. We are we have an abundance of worthy recipients from every part of our great city. But Paul Warhit is an obvious choice. I'm really honored that we can have him join us. And I'm sure many of you are here to celebrate him. And he's just a real match. There are so many organizations that can attest to the impact that he has had on their history and their growth. And it's not just a Jewish organizations, it's everything from school board and library, foundation board to the giving of lower west chester, two temples as well, the west chester at Jewish council. I could keep going. I mean, there are so many organizations that Paul has been an instrumental leader of and I think that's a testament to his character. We're also very fortunate tonight to have Barbara Davis to share the remarkable history of the Jewish people in New Hershaw. I think we all always enjoy a Barbara Davis presentation, so we're special to get one just for us tonight. And then I also want to thank our committee who made sure that this event came off without a hitch tonight. So thank you especially Mark Cley, Heidi Csifield, Lynette Goldberg, and our wonderful city staff, Todd Castaldo, Michelle Oliveros, Sam Vargas, Sammy Gomez, and my fellow council members are okay. Next up, it's my honor introduce our mayor, Yadira Ramos Herbert. Yadira has been such a good ally and frankly just a strong presence at so many events at Temple. You know so much so I even noticed that she's been slipping some yudish into our conversations. So please welcome Mary Adir on the story. Matt, I'm so for Clemnt. He coached me on that. I'm not going to lie. It's a good teammate. And I want to also acknowledge that Council Member David Peters is here as well. I'm just really happy to be a part of these programs with my colleagues and teammates. Oh, I see Judith Holstein as well, our county legislator in the room. And I'm sure our deputy city manager will acknowledge all of this staff. So it really brings me great joy to be here and really be among friends and see so many faces of friends and neighbors who do so much for our community. And I'm so proud to be the mayor of a city with seven synagogues, which is a stat that when I talk to other mayors, they're like, what? I'm like, yeah, right in our mighty little 11 square mile, seven synagogues, just a real tapestry adding to our diversity that makes New York style so special. And while we've all chosen to live here and raise our families here and be a part of the community together. I will not like deen to touch into history with Ms. Barbara Davis here, but as I understand it, our first Jewish member of the community has been here as long as New Richelle has been here. It means we've always done it. We've always worked together. We've always been diverse and we've always grown our community as friends, as neighbors, who believe in the value of diversity and believe in the value of learning and growing together. So this is really just a really special evening. And so tonight, and I know that Samantha and Sam Gomez are working on a way to put up the proclamations more formally. We're trying to find this space in the right frames, but we do have a proclamation proclaiming the month is of May in New Rochelle as Jewish American Heritage Month. In an effort to honor the profound resilience of Jewish Americans throughout history, those who have overcome adversity and discrimination, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to combating anti-Semitism, hatred, and all forms of bigotry. But while also celebrating the heritage, achievements, and contributions of Jewish Americans in your shell and in our country. So you'll have an opportunity to come back to City Hall and see this probably right outside this room for all to see for the month of May. So thank you all for coming out tonight. Good evening, everyone. My name is Takashtaldo. I'm the deputy city manager. I want to welcome everyone to City Hall. Yam Hatsumao. Hatsumao. Yes, there you go. How's the member staring? Thank you. Or happy Israel Independence Day. On behalf of City Manager, Wilfredo Malendez, Thank you for joining us today as we come together to celebrate Jewish-American heritage month. A time to reflect on the incredible contributions Jewish-Americans have made to our nation and to our very own New Rochelle community. This month is not just about history. There's plenty to honor. It's about recognizing the everyday people, the leaders, the artists, the teachers, the neighbors, Mr. Paul Warhe, who have helped shape our city, our values, and our shared American identity. Thank you again for being here. By showing up, you're helping to create a more inclusive, educated, and united community. Let's keep learning from each other, supporting each other, and honoring the richness of our shared history. Before I turn the mic over to our city historian, Mrs. Barbara Davis, I would be remiss if I did not thank our city staff. Sam, Samantha Vargas, Sammy Gomez, Nia, Kevin, and thank you for all the commissioners who are here tonight and all the other city staff who are here They're really the driving force behind our cultural celebration. So thank you very much And I'm my pleasure to introduce Miss Barbara Davis. Thank you. It's I'm gonna echo our mayor's sentiments It's so great to see so many friends here particularly the warheads and it's a real pleasure to be speaking at a night in which Paul is being honored. And this is a good opportunity to take a look at the history of Norselle's Jewish community. And it does in many ways follow the patterns and trends of other suburban communities across the country. But in this queen city of the sound, we have some unique aspects as well that we'll hear tonight. But I'm always looking for good opportunities to step back. And I do have to tell you that next, I have been studying Norse House Jewish community for over 20 years. Next. This isn't the greatest picture, but I had the great honor and privilege of working with Mr. Stanley Bakken and Mr. Harold Dremmer, who was co-author of Jews of Westchester. So back, actually, I'm not going to tell you how many years ago. I began working with them and gathering the information. And then I had 16 years at the Nourishow Public Library with my fingertips on all of the resources of the library. And since 2021, I've been the Executive Director of the Westchester County Historical Society, the 11th oldest county historical society in the country, with huge vast library and vaults filled with different collections, including the collection of the Hayes family, the oldest Jewish family in Westchester County, and the ancestors of the Salisburgers. So next, now we're going to start with the early settlement and we're going to move quickly through 300 plus years so hold on to your hats. If you don't recognize that this is the mural at the post office downtown not incredibly historically historically accurate, but we won't go there now. But it does give us a daily reminder that this community was founded. The white settlers were French Huguenots escaping religious persecution in France, settling here in the late 1680s next. And they started their community and what is now our downtown. We... settling here in the late 1680s. And they started their community in what is now our downtown. We have one of the oldest in the country because it was here that they built their temple. It was that little building you see right there. It was called the Huguenot Temple, patterned after one in France. Actually La Rochelle, which was the last Eugannot stronghold. And they built their houses around. That is the Boston Post Road. They were very smart. They chose to be on the major thoroughfare between the two Mercantile centers. And they chose an area with very fertile soil. Next. Down it had some park we have this monument that marks the original Huguenot settlers. Some of the names will be familiar. Many are street names today and on this you won't see these are where the early settlers up until about 1730 you won't see all of the names. These were just the Huguenot settlers. What could be on this next would be also there were in addition to the 42 French families, three Dutch families, two English families and two German. This This is the original census, the earliest census, and I believe that the three Dutch reflect the first Jewish family in Westchester County. That was the Hayes family. Next. We have a bituary in the Hayes family collection documenting the arrival of the Hayes family. It was in a bituary for Benjamin Edding Hayes and it says his forefathers emigrated from Holland with the first settlers. They came to America on their own vessels, their own cattle and agricultural implements to till the soil as had been their occupation at home. Settling in New Rochelle, they remained plain, unassuming fathers, adhering rigorously to the Jewish laws highly esteemed for their wealth, industry, and integrity, as well as for their assistance giving their adopted country, even when cold upon. Far removed from every religious influence, they never forgot the God of Israel, nor seized to obey the law of Moses. Next. Eventually, this is not necessarily a picture of the Hayes family, but this is a painting that was done of Nourishel in the 1700s. And this took place, this painting was made on Davenport Neck, which the Huguenots first started farming taking over the encampments that had been the Munse Lenape Native Americans site for encampments. Well, the Hayes family spread throughout Westchester. Many of them going to Mount Pleasant, Bedford and Tyri. Some also stayed in New Rochelle, the first Jewish child. Born in Westchester County was born here in Newer Show. We have in this collection from the Hayes family, a document that is certifying Benjamin Hayes in 1813 to be qualified under Jewish law to clean beasts or fows. It's a diagram how to kosher butcher. And he lived in Bedford. It's often very surprising to people. And I will tell you the Hayes fought very, very well for the patriots during the Revolutionary War. But then for 200 years, there's almost no real Jewish community in the county. And we remained largely agricultural well into the 1800s. But thanks to our 9 miles of waterfront, Newer Shell started attracting people to get out of the city, to come and experience the wonderful recreational activities afforded by the water, the clean air, the open space, the beauty. It became sort of a resort town. Yeah, there were these mansions and these big hotels along the shore and tens of thousands of people came by steamboat beginning in the mid 1800s. Many of them liking the place so much they stayed for good. And Neuroshal gradually became one of America's premiere suburbs. Also thanks to the railroad. This was the first railroad station, this adorable gingerbreadie kind of building. It would be replaced by the one we see today, fortunately still there. And it came in with passenger travel in 1848 and that would forever change, Neuroshel, the combination of the steamboat and the trains. And this of course would be replacing in that charming little building in the 1880s. So the first stop on the New Haven Rail was Neuroshell. Mum Vernon came later. So if they came in, if people leaving their homeland due to political strife, to financial hardships, came to New York, went through Ellis Island, made their way to Grand Central, got on a train, the first stop was Neuroshell. And Neuroshell was growing and was able to accept new comers all the time. By 1865, 30% of the 4,000 residents were foreign-born. Interestingly, that's a similar figure today. One of the people, one of the families who founded so nice they stayed for good were the Islens and they owned 80% of Davenport Neck. This is Mr. Islens, Adrian Islens Sr. on the left and his wife Eleanor, the painting done by John Sargent, and she He was devout Catholic. He had become a Piscopal, but he had Jewish roots, and he didn't forget them, which we'll hear. The Islan family had a number of big mansions. These were indicative of the guild at age here in Newer Shell, and there were a number of these grand mansions. This was also an Islan house.. You're going to hear more about it. At the end of premium point, this was see Oliver Islund and the great Godsmann five-time defender of the America Cup. Sometimes I just can't help myself. Okay, next. Now, meanwhile, the downtown, thanks to the railroad station and the population that had settled around that first little church, that was actually the second church of the earliest congregation that today is Trinity Church in downtown. That's the fourth edifice. And so the downtown was steadily growing and a number of Jews started coming in from Central Europe. The Ashkenazi, often were merchants starting out as peddlers, then earning enough money to get a storefront, buying the building, then living over the store, and they would become the core of New Rishals downtown. So between 1815, 1860, the number of Jews in America tripled, and we would also see a steady increase. This is all downtown. By the way, the red and white awning and the arched windows, formerly the curtain shop. Yeah, our favorite store still has the bowling alley and the basement. So the Newer Show Pioneer was one of the weekly newspapers. In 1873, they recorded the first services. It was Jean Kippur, and they were held in a tent in downtown Nourishow. We also have records of services, held in Burnett's Hall, then a dance hall, then over Wainman's furniture, then Lampton's Hall, you see a picture there, the building's still there on the corner of Main Street and Division, take note development department, important building, and Tiernees Hall, which was across the street. And in 1896, Anche Shalom would be incorporated, and you see the signatures of the name, of course it meant men of peace in Hebrew. The earliest members had names that are still familiar to many of us today. I know I keep dating myself over and over but names such as Benjamin Cohen, Glazer, Glick, Kalman, Kirchenbaum, Leif, Levin, Lot, Malikoff, Meirson, Rottenberg, Rubin, Ruskin, Shane, Shulman, Stone, and Strayger. Now the lot lot family I will tell you lived in the basement of Anche Shulman. We have this wonderful oral history by the Mr. Lot when he was a child just coming over and what it was like to live in downtown. It was its own little culture. There was a kosher butcher. People raised chickens in the backyard. Everyone took care of one another. And they kept the stores open seven days a week because they had to. So 1899, the town of Nourishel and the village of Nourishel, there were two separate entities combined and were incorporated as the city. I always make note that the stone wall you see as you drive into city hall, between city hall and the law enforcement building, that marked the division. Very important, Stonewall. Let's not lose it. Okay, I'm sorry. No more, no more. All right, all right. So as Newer Show rolled into the 20th century, the farming communities started growing and leaves and bounds. By 1900, the newly incorporated city posted a population of 13,000. There were about 100 Jewish families. But then that figure would double in the next decade. Many of the new immigrants ended their journeys from Europe and Russia in New Rochelle seeking freedom from oppression and poverty. So during the ten years of cities evolving Jewish communities, so the foundation for its original three synagogues. And I'm just going to show you a few examples. So you see the little card on the top. Charles Kirschembaum, who worked as a stevedor on the boats downtown, won a lottery back late 1800s, $1,000. And with it, he bought that little, the card and horse and actually was a truck. It was a moving van. And that grew into Neptune moving company. Some of you recall when Neptune had its place on way, Manavano, it was a huge corporation all started from a stevedor. Downtown was thriving, And as I said. And even though Mercantower reports from the 1860s to 80s showed a number of Jewish shopkeepers, pillars and tradesmen in Neuroshel would have a huge, huge boost at the turn of the century. And as I said, all these buildings were shops on the bottom and living quarters, living over the store above. Next. Benjamin Cohen had a established out clothing store, Israel B Cohen, and his three sons moved their clothing store from a mariner to New Rochelle two years later in 1901. Still there? In 1900, 1900, Juni Pynals, William Conne founded the Palischus store, and Philip Ruskin was manufacturing fine cigars. I bring up Judy's name, she's seated right here, because she told me once about how she got shoes at the next Palischus store that he did, and they would x-ray her feet before they fit her. Next, Sam Wolf had a glacier window store, that's his family next to them, and he was also next part of the Huguenot Hook and Ladder Company. You see a store over to the right, and even though the fire department was primarily Irish, he snuck in and did his part as well. Next, Leamence would come later, the well-known children's clothing store at the corner of church in Maine. Next. So this is a picture of premium point. It was not only new Americans that were coming, new immigrants to New Rochelle. There were also wealthy Manhattanites coming out to have second homes to get out of the city, the crime, the dirt, enjoy the nature, the rolling hills, the waterfront of Westchester. And a number of these were Jewish, but not all Westchester communities would welcome Jewish families, no matter how big their bank account. One neighborhood that did, and very early on, was premium point in Newerichelle. And this is a picture of premium point being laid out. Now you see all the little numbers, those are the lots. And then you see this sweeping thing down at the bottom. That part is actually town of Maronic. And a number of the people I'm going to tell you about lived there, but their address was Neuroshel because they got their money at the security gate. It's still there. And this neighborhood included, next, Reverend, the rear admiral, Louis Joseph Thaw, who took top ranks in the Navy during World War I, would buy a home, and actually he died there, and the same home you saw before that was Seattle of her Islan. And Mr. Littower, the glove king, also very, very wealthy and a congressman from 1898 to 1907 also made his second home out on premium point. Later Charles Rebson, who started a Revlon and William Black, who actually, original name was William Strauss, would become the founder of Chocful of Nuts. There were many, many more. And believe me, I'm not going to go too far with naming names because I'll get into trouble if I forget anybody. Okay. So here's an article in the New York Pioneer about two different factions coming together to decide to start the first brick and mortar synagogue. Next which would be Anche Showlim. 1904 it had its first building is still there at 13 Bonafoy Place by 1911. There was a woman's auxiliary next immense club by 1932, a boys club. And by World War II, the congregation was so large, it can no longer accommodate the great numbers. And they would meet different places. Now, meanwhile, in 1905, Benjamin Sterns, then President of Anche Shalom was joined by a handful of other members of the synagogue informing a reformed Jewish congregation. Stern's led the first services here at Lamden's Hall at that time called Beckman and Company and a student group had rented a room above the old post office on Huguenot and Bridge Streets and then engaged a rabbi. This is Germania Hall. This was swapped Germania Hall, but go on next. And this was the inside of Lampton Hall. And it was over this shop that they had. Temple Israel had its first services in that building that's still there. Next, and then they moved in 1908 to hand in hand tea brews, start of Temple Israel pictured here. They bought the former Trinity Lutheran Church that was on Bank Street, a little street that no longer exists between church and division. The first members, excuse me, no, the structure was renovated with funds donated by Henry Morgan Thou, Felix Warburg, William E. and C. Oliver Islan. Remember I told you, they had the Jewish background. Firdrica Adler, Madeline Klingenstein, Harry Meyer, and Daniel P. Hayes, same family. On April 23rd, 1909, Rabbi Spear dedicated Temple Israel in a feast of eloquence. And this new synagogue would serve the reform congregation for almost 20 years. Next. That same year 15 men representing 50 Jewish families of the conservative leaning as described in the Bethel story established the city's first Jewish school. Excuse me, next to that was the dedication and that was the people who first dedicated. OK. Now, this is the same year that the first Jewish school is incorporated by Benjamin Cohen, Max Goldstein, Bedstein, Sidonstein, Max Kalmonson, Kamalsen, Samuel Mushkin, Maxwell James, and the others. And so the Hebrew Institute opened March 3rd, 1909. And then in 1909, the plans Norschopianneer report that there's talk about erecting a quote, asylum for aged Russian Hebrews and a hospital for the confirmed that there's talk about erecting a quote asylum for aged Russian Hebrews and a hospital for the infirmed. That is the start of what would become United Home for aged Hebrews. They bought this house, which had been the underhill house on Palom Road, and it was an Austrian Jewish group that funded the first operation of the United Home. 1917, the Young Men's Hebrew Institute was dedicated on Lincoln Avenue, and this building still stands today and is now one of our block churches. So interestingly, during the World War I, we had an army base right off the shores of Neuroshal, Fort Slokom. And during World War I, it served as the largest recruiting depot east of the Mississippi. Hundreds of thousands of recruits from Maine, New Hampshire. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, came into New Rochelle, took a ferry over to be processed and be shipped off to war. And it was here on Fort Slokum on David Zeiland next that the U.S. Army's first Jewish services were held. Interestingly, Ford Slokum would later serve as a chaplain's school, and they would have one building for all the training of the chaplains, and they would roll in the different things needed for each of the services. So, in came the crucifix, and now went the crucifixix and then enrolled another thing. And that's how they were all trained to cover all the bases. OK. Now, this time we're talking 1912. We're in the teens. We're one coming up. And this is when the second rail came through Newer Shell. And it would also have a huge impact because it would lead to the formation of new neighborhoods in the north end. This was the New York Westchester Boston Rail, which only lasts 25 years because they spent a whole lot of money constructing it and the stations, and it never went to the heart of New York York and it never went to Boston. So it failed. But it was huge. This is a picture of the Quaker Ridge Station, which is actually behind the Stratton Fire Station on Pinebrook Boulevard. You see that area is so open. It gives you an idea of just how open it was. The station is still there, private residents. Next, and the Waikigil station, not there, but you still, if you walk down by the former Minute Man press, down to the parking lot, you're walking the same steps that the commuters walked. And this is a mushrooming time. Buildings are going up, the teens, and then there's a pause during the war, and then the 20s, boom, explode, and between 1900 and 1930, the city's population quadrupled to 54. All kinds of schools had to be built. Roosevelt was in the 20s. Next, a new junior high school, Isaac Young, Barnard, Webster, and of course the high school in 1926, the Central High School. There was such an explosion. No expense spared. They hired the best architects, Starradin, Vamvlack, not only design beortmans in Manhattan, and they also designed Isaac Yonge and Barnard and Jefferson. Next. And of course we had the first skyscraper in Westchester at 17 stories high, the K-Building, home of birthplace of mighty mouse. Again, I digress. And the downtown would continue to thrive and continue to have primarily Jewish business owners. Next. I believe there were 42 shoe stores downtown. Yeah, and Tom McCann was just one next. And they were all along. You see Leonard Towners on the sign. Leonard Tallahun, Leonard Towner, Towners was started by Leonard Italianom, who was Jewish. Go figure. And he started in a little store just on the corner, big sign little store, and then would eventually take it over, there's the Boston Spa and all these other businesses. Next, and the fabulous Palais Shoe Store. No expense spared in the 20s. That's why we have this great art deco. They wanted wealthy people to come and put down their money and boy did they. And Bob Khan, who started that other little Palis Shustor built this over a million dollars he spent. Like in 1931, I mean, this is depression time and put in those X-ray machines. Beautiful. So it was really thriving and you can see it was two ways. It was two ways up until 1951. Next. Now slowly as the population started moving a little further north, Beachmont was developed in forests, then pain heights, it slowly creeping up all the residential parks that it started the lovely little neighborhoods down south. We're gradually waking up. And so did the population and so did its houses of worship. So Temple Israel was dedicated on Webster Avenue, November 1928. And on 1927, the 200-plus member families of the Hebrew Institute dedicated their new school on Union Avenue, and of course, this would later become Bethel. And Anshosholam continued to meet at Bonafoy but was growing bigger and bigger and they would have to have all kinds of help, particularly on high holy days next, again using Germania Hall, owned by a German, and would be using Germania Hall to have their high holy days. Interestingly in 1933, there was a resolution passed by our city council and it was for the victims of religious persecution in Germany, whereas it is the fundamental principle of Americanism that no man will be deprived of life, liberty, or property because of his religious opinions or beliefs. The resolution continues all the way down, saying it's been called to our attention of this council. By numerous of our fellow citizens in Newer Shelf, the the Jewish faith be it resolved that the council hereby petitions the United States government to forward to the German government its strongest public or monstrance against the continuance of religious persecution and violence or unfair discrimination. So then we enter World War four. In the 40s, again, Fort Slokum. This is pictures from Fort Slokum is pressed into service as a point of embarkation. And this, again, will forever change Norse shall. First, the Depression brought a halt to development in the war. And the whole north end, this is a Quaker Ridge Road further north is still all farmland, however, after the war, development can continue. And this is the Gernsey Catalon board acres to show you just what kind of farms there were. Corn was still growing in abundance, but it had been leveled, it had been deforested, it was ready for the fast needed housing for the GI's coming back from the war using that GI bill to put down money for mortgage. And typical post-World War II construction, this happens to be the inspiration for the Dick Van Dyke show. And then I-95 came in and cut its way through the heart of downtown and the automobile would take hold throughout America and of course in Neuroshow as well, opening up the Northern Main Street would become one way, still two ways here in 1951. Next, next. We just got a picture of the former Bloomingdale's by the way, the first suburban Bloomingdale's in the country and they chose Neuroshow because it had such good parking. We also had the first Arnold Constable, suburban Arnold Constable. So, post-World War II, we had two big migration patterns. One Mexican, thanks to Antonio Valencia. I won't go into this story now, but this happened in 1954 and led to a very unique and important cluster migration from Michoucan, Mexico to Nurechelle. And it was Mr. Valencia, who became friends with former mayor, Mayor Vergara, who brought many people and made sure that they learned English, that they got schooling jobs and housing. The other big migration pattern that occurred were African Americans, not like the first great migration which was from the deep south to the urban areas, but this was mainly from the burrows to suburbia. And many chose Newer shell, particularly those middle class and upper middle class, a great number involved with theater in the arts, such as Ozzy Davis and Ruby D and Pearl Premus, the great dancer, cultural anthropologist, and a number of civil rights activists like Whitney Young. So by the 60s, Westchester had done another huge jump in population, and Nourishell topped at at 77,000 the estimates for that period of time in Norshell, 14% black, 85% Caucasian or white. It was also estimated that Norshell was 45% Catholic and 30% Jewish. Now, I'm showing this map. This is just one part of an atlas. And over in the right you see one neighborhood and that's Rochelle Park Rochelle Heights and where the lake is that's Glenwood Lake, you see Glenwood Lake in French Ridge. It was a study done by Council of Unity on housing in Rochelle, the pinpointed two neighborhoods that were particularly forward in integrating. And those were the two new neighborhoods. Rochelle Park, Rochelle Heights, and Glenwood Lake. Glenwood Lake was particularly had a concerted effort by its residents to welcome black families. Both of these neighborhoods were predominantly Jewish. And we hear in oral histories over and over and over how after World War II, when these neighborhoods were developing that there were concerted efforts by the Jewish residents of the neighborhoods to welcome African-American families. And this is just from the housing committee of the Council of Unity report talking about the three neighborhoods, Rochelle Heights Rochelle Park, which I call one, because it's the district and the French rich area, which they also included as gun wood lake. Rabbi Wolin, I were going to do a study on this, but we never got to it. Then in 1964, Nerochelle has its first Jewish mayor, Mayor Ruskin. Next. And by this time, Anche Showham has outgrown its building, its lovely, more-ish design building on Bonafoy place and is constructed by 1963 its current home. Though it's home, and I always say we recycle our houses of worship, is still standing as the Christian Vineyard Fellowship. And then in 1962, Temple Israel dedicated its new synagogue of Pinebrook Boulevard. Again, all the populations moving further north and so are the houses of worship. It was a struggle. It was difficult for the congregation to leave its Webster Avenue home, but they needed the expansion and expand they did. did so only the synagogue, but the community center and all of the ancillary facility that you see here at the school room next. And it was in 1972 that they had their goodbye ceremony at Webster Avenue. Now this picture, this is an area view of the Quaker Ridge shopping area. If you can see the building, the little building on the bottom, I don't have a laser and I'm not going to march up those steps, is the drive-in bank which was one of the first in the country. And then there's a big mansion over here. That mansion belonged to James West, the first executive director of the Boy Scouts of America. And then you see how the New York Wishes are Boston went through. This is before ACME, before AMP, before all those things. And this was James West House that was purchased by Bethel Synagogue to create next their building. It would take 20 years and Stanley Beckin was one of the initiators, one of the four runners in the construction of, they started with the community center and in 1971 the Synagogue was dedicated and enlarged. Then the Council of Young Israel announced that the first young Israel in Westchester would be located in this house at 255 Col. Neavonu on the border of Glenwood Lake neighborhood. And by 67, they had purchased the second Methodist Church in New Rochelle. I mean, that was not number one, but number two. It was the second building for the Methodist Church. And that had been outgrown by that congregation and the current United Methodist Church on North Avenue was completed. No, pack up, pack up. So Young Israel moved in to 1228 North Avenue, September 1967. OK, now you can go. Now I'm showing this picture. This is Arman Bartos. He was a graduate of Norshaw High School. I believe 1926. He was an architect, and he was the architect of the Shrine of the Book and West Jerusalem. And he was also the architect next of, no, where is it? The mid, did we skip it? The Midwestchester, where to go? Well, you're just going to take my word. The Midwestchester JCC Jewish Community Center, which I think is amazing. In 1978, 1978, Young Israel Scarstow, which is actually a nourishel. If you were all thinking, seven synagogues, seven, yeah. It's actually a nourishel. That opened. And soon after, I told you it was gonna go quickly. Oh, no, we first have to talk. In our timeline, 1979, very important. Reverend Vernon Shannon, the Minister of St. Catherine's African Methodist Piscopal Zion Church and Rabbi, a meal wall of temple Israel formed the coalition for mutual respect. There used to be a section about this on the White House website. It's now archived. And the picture on the right is the plaque they were responsible for marking the 25th anniversary of the first desegregation case in the North, which was the Taylor versus the Nourishell Board of Ed case. The other 1980, Magan David, also Scar's Dillil dros but a nourishel, a subpartic congregation meets in this house at 1225 Weaver Street. And of course United Hebrew started from that one Queen Anne Victorian shingle house and now it takes up two blocks with all kinds of skilled nursing, subacute care, assisted living, senior housing, a real community anchor for us. So going along the timeline, April 6, 2008, young Israel of Nourishel had grown, the Methodist Church, and had constructed this building, their new building, their new home at 1149 North Avenue. So as I mentioned before, it's very dangerous to talk about certain individuals. And particularly for this, because when Stanley Backen and I started a list of prominent individuals of the Jewish faith who may nourish other home, it went on and on and on. So I'm going to be safe and just show you the ones that have been recognized in the Walk of Fame and then one other. So here's our Walk of Fame next to the Neuroshow Public Library in Ruby D Park and next. And we have in this walk of fame Don Hewitt, the executive producer and creator of 60 Minutes who got his start as the editor of the Daniel Webster School newspaper. And of course Carl Reiner, you saw his house before. You'll see it again at Blanny Crest Road. And interestingly, the story he wrote, which became the Dick Van Dyke show, was first the Karl Reiner show, but CBS thought, we don't think it's gonna fly in Peoria. And he agreed that he was to New York, Jewish, and they needed somebody with a little more liveliness. And Dick Viendike had just made his debut on Broadway and brought down the house. So it became the Dick Viendike show. And some of you might have been at the present when we gave an honorary name to Bonnie Crest, Dick Viendike Way. And we skyped in Carl Reiner, and it was a thrill of being city historian to speak to him. Now here's a picture of four guys, Sheldon Harnick, Joseph Stein, the green lights on, Joseph Stein, Jerry Bach, and Jerome Robbins. They're all around a piano at this house on Elizabeth and what they're singing are tunes from Fiddler on the roof. It was in this house on Elizabeth the Jerry Bach and Joe Stein and Sheldon Harnock Created Fiddler on the roof Jerome Robin sat in and said you've got to get Bob Fossi involved You've got to have Bob Fossy do the choreography. And the legend goes, legend, that they were having trouble. Jerry Bock and Joe Stein making it seem like it should as a Russian shuttle, shuttle. And I'm not as good with the pronunciation. And so they were told to go to one of the rabbis in Nourishel, which they did, and that rabbis sent them to Queens. Another was E.L. Doctro, who wrote ragtime from the attic window you see in his home on Broadview Avenue. And here are just some of his many, many books. And of course, Jan Pears, Robert Merrill, are two opera stars. Whoops, back, back. Jan Pears was very involved. Both were members of Bethel. And Madame Alexander, some of you might not know, but if you're, you were a little girl back in the 60s or the 70s, you remember a blue box, a little roses on it, and you got a Madame Alexander doll. They were the best. They were thematic. I collected little women. I collected all the countries. I almost brought a prop of one of my boxes. And it was Madame Alexander, who was the president of this incredible company. And her husband worked for her, and she designed them. Two mathematicians of international renown don't ask me what they discovered I look at it, and I go, whoa. But Richard Karant, who headed up the Karant's studio, escaped Nazi Germany as to Mr. Friedrichs, his sons, two of his sons still live in Nurechelle. They were all part of the Karant Institute, along with two other very notable mathematicians and they're honored in the walk of fame as well. And Cindy O'Soozik doesn't have her sign yet, but it's made and we hope to have an induction. Of course, the amazing, amazing author who's written so much and has such a passion for Neuroshel. One of her pieces appeared in the travel section of the New York Times back in the 80s, I think. And all the celebrities who were talking about the Amalfi coast and Morocco and here and here. Her favorite place to travel to Davenport Park. And her many, many books, of course. And we'll leave with Ben Ference, who is not yet in the walk of fame, but will be as we continue to honor ours. Of course, two years ago he was the last surviving prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials, Dine in 2023 at the age of 104 and still very active. Many of you knew him and loved him. A a prolific writer, prolific champion for peace and justice, just an amazing individual, who found his way as a soldier fighting in the war, seeing the atrocities and then dedicating his life to making sure they didn't happen again. So there are so many more because there are so many people that Jewish faith who have given their time, their talent, their skill, their wisdom, their passion, their philanthropy, to making Newer Shout what it is today. And I think Paul Warhead is a perfect example. So thank you. I feel like we are all so much more fulfilled having watched that presentation. Thank you. It's my honor to invite back up our deputy city manager and I would ask all the city council members and mayor to join us as well for a dedication of the proclamation for Paul Warhead and then Paul can you come up as well. I think Ms. Barbara and the way that she does really highlighted so much succinctly, but impossible to really, we could be her all night probably, talking about your contributions, you, your lovely wife and your family, but honestly it's an honor to stand here and recognize you as a long time resident of New Michelle who's contributed significantly to our community alongside his lovely wife, raising three children, Josh Alley and Natalie, all proud graduates of New Michelle High School, and now a grandfather to three beautiful young grandchildren. You operated Devinshire Tire in Auto Centres, a family-owned business started by your father, Nathan Warhit, and since your retirement in 2010, you remained actively engaged in public service, including current roles as a treasurer of congregation on J. Shalom, president of the Giving Circle of lower Westchester, which supports local soup kitchens and food pantries throughout the region. You've held numerous leadership positions throughout the Jewish and broader New-Rishaut community. You've served as a member of the New-Rishaut school board, contributed to the lighthouse for the blind and continue to serve the youth of our community as a Westchester County varsity baseball umpire. You are doing a lot. Now you do your almost herba, mayor and on behalf of a very grateful city council and city to hear right honor you on the occasion of Jewish American Heritage Day with deep appreciation for your enduring contributions to our city and beyond. Thank you, Paul. Honest. Thank you, Paul. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, but we're sorry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Hold on. Thank you all for coming to celebrate Jewish heritage month. That's really what it's about. If you're curious as to how one is honored at an event like this, two things. You've got to marry the right person and you have to be dumb enough to pick up your phone when Matt Stern calls because the six people that he called previously all went to voicemail. And when I picked it up, Matt said he wants me to keep my comments to 35 minutes. Oh, three to five minutes. Okay. Last thing before I wrap up with some quick remarks, you can live in a place in, there's no shell, but you can live in any place and really appreciate it and enjoy it, nice place to live, but until you spend time with the city historian and you really, you're part of a continuum of great history. In this case, it's Jewish history. We have a lot of other history, and Barbara knows it all. And she's as great as ever, and we're lucky to have her. No applause. No, no. As we already did the applause for Barbara, now it's about me. Now Barbara continues to be great. And when Matt invited me to speak for three to five minutes, I decided if I'm going to stand in front of a microphone, which many of you know I'm not afraid to do, I'm going to talk about something that's meaningful to me. So I'm going to talk about tribalism. OK. First, we start with the pale blue dot, which is how you view earth from outer space. And when you look at the pale blue dot, you realize that it is inhabited by one tribe of earthlings. And we are all on this dot traveling through space together with the same mission, the same goal, the same needs. If you want to get into more depth about that, you can watch the movie Independence Day. That's the pale blue dot. When you zoom in closer, you see international borders. And you have countries very exciting. We all love watching the Olympics to feel pride in your country and your country and your country, men and women brings great joy and pride. So, national borders, international borders are a good thing. It's also the cause of world wars. We've been trying to kill each other since the beginning of time. And borders, those imaginary things have a lot to do with it. So that's the pros and the con of international tribalism. Then you have state tribalism. The sports rivalry of New York versus Boston, what is more fun than that? We paid Boston and we should. And we should. They're bad. They're evil. They are the other. And it's cute and it's funny. But state rivalries led to the Civil War. Less than 100 years after this country was formed, we fought to the death over what we thought was a worthwhile cause, and it was. But that state rivalry could be good, could be bad. Then you have city rivalry, city tribalism, New Rochelle playing Ma'Marineck in basketball. We got to get those guys. This is Newro, Gohugunhats. That's a beautiful thing. We like to have pride in our community. Now we zoom in closer, where we're within the borders of New Rochelle. And we're feeling very good about it today, because we're all New Rochelleians, even though though the parking is not as good as it used to be. No. Barbara gave you the signal. No. And Newer Shel is doing a lot of great things in downtown. So thank you for that. We're all Newer Shelians. We're all Huguenots. And we love being who we are and part of this great city. But when you dig a little deeper, there is tribalism within New Rochelle. And I happen to know a little bit about it, because Alyssa and I have lived in three zip codes in New Rochelle. When we first moved, we moved to the North end by the Golden Horse Show, 10583. And Alyssa would tell people we lived in Scarcedale, and I would be honest and tell them we live in New Rochelle. Then we moved a little further down to Trener, 108, 04, New Row, and now we live in 108,05, all the way in the south end. And before we moved to the south end this we never went to the south end. It's the south end. Ah! That's them. I mean our tribe was the north end. And that's a problem. It creates mistrust. Why do the people in the south need all? We're paying all the taxes in the North, why does the South end get this? And why do they live this? It creates mistrust and extraordinary problems for a city that should be rowing in the same direction. Now we're here today to celebrate Jewish heritage month, yet another tribe to which I belong. And I think it's great. Tribalism within religion can be wonderful. I am proud to be a Jew. And I'm proud to be a newer shell Jew. And I think that being part of that tribe is wonderful. But I have to remember that there are other wonderful tribes right here in Rochelle. And throughout history, and to this day, there is mistrust and miscommunication between and among those tribes. And it leads to badwill, ill will. And it leads to obstacles in the way of our progress as a greater community. So I will leave you with this. It is my hope and prayer that we all continue to have pride and enjoy our tribalism and do good with focusing on the aspects of your tribe that you are most proud of. But please don't forget about the other tribes of Newer Shell and beyond. We are all Huguenots and we should all be striving to make Newer Shell the best that it can be. Thank you for this honor and have a wonderful day. It wouldn't be a conversation with Paul Warhead without a lot of humor and the truth. So I appreciate it Paul. That wraps up our program for the evening. Please stick around, enjoy some light refreshments and thank you for coming out again. you.