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Summary

Beth Israel Synagogue - East A Street

Our town’s early business community had a strong Jewish presence, thanks to the Kaplon, Kolker, Ephraim, and Werntz families. The Beth Israel congregation built the Beth Israel Synagogue on East A Street in 1917. When attendance numbers dwindled, the building was sold and the proceeds donated to charity. From Facebook: Peter Wenner: According to Mary Margrabe's book, Mr. Werntz prepared kosher meats for the Jewish citizens of Brunswick in the basement. Before he died, Mr. Werntz transferred the deed in 1959 to Irv Kolker and Nat Winters, who ran People’s Home and Auto. JoEllen Morsberger Fisher: The building is a Synagogue, home of the Beth Israel Congregation. Built in 1912, by J. P Karns, it was the first in Frederick County. Though used for small fellowship get togethers ( Bar mitzvah, Bat mitzvah, weddings ) the building could not be used for religious services because the Jewish congregation was not large enough (had to be at least 15 men) because of this many traveled as far away as Baltimore to attend a regular service.

When the building was no longer used for religious purposes, it was transferred May 12, 1959, from Himan Wertz to Nathan Winters and Irv Kolker, owners of Peoples Home and Auto and money from the sale of the building was given to charity. PH&A would use the building as rental property. Dr. Pruitt started his practice there as did Dr Shafer, a dentist, Public Health Clinic was located on the lower level, I remember going there. The Red Cross and Dr Kao also used the building at one time. From the mid 70s to early 90s the main floor was used as storage and the lower level was an apartment. From Brunswick 100 yrs of memories