The
Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives
Temple
Beth El, Michigan's first Jewish Congregation,
was founded in 1850 when twelve German immigrant
families drew together in the home of Isaac
and Sarah Cozens to form the Beth El Society.
Temple
Beth El quickly aligned itself with the Reform
Movement in America, and has historically been
one of the leading Reform Congregations in the
United States. Its members have been prominent
in Detroit's commercial, professional, and cultural
life, fighting for numerous social causes, and
have been the founders of various community
organizations, such as the United Jewish Charities
of Detroit. Its Sisterhood, a philanthropic
organization active in human rights and social
causes, is the oldest in Michigan, celebrating
its 100th Anniversary in 2001. Temple Beth El
celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2000.
Temple
Beth El is home to one of the most comprehensive
congregational archives in the nation and the
largest such collection in Michigan. The archives
is named in memory of Dr. Leo M. Franklin, Temple
Beth El's beloved rabbi from 1899-1941 and one
of the leading voices of the Reform Movement nationwide.
The Archives was founded in 1981 using materials
collected by Leo M. Franklin and Irving Katz,
noted Jewish Historian and Temple Executive Secretary
from 1939 until his death in 1979. It was maintained
by congregants Miriam and Aid Kushner until 1997
when the first full-time professional Archivist
was hired. The collections have been administered
since 2000 by Certified Archivist Holly Teasdle,
with the help of Assistant Archivist, Stacie Guzzo,
congregational volunteers and student interns.
The Archives continues to be strengthened by donations
of materials and monetary contributions from individuals
and foundations.
