Hist
ric Hartfrd Synaggues
Hartford synagogues have had many notable rabbis and cantors through the years. Some became prominent on a state or national level for writing and speaking out on a variety of issues such as racial equality, education, and Zionism while others were known for the quality of their sermons or musical talent. All served their congregations with strength, dignity and an adherence to Jewish beliefs and values.
Rabbi Abraham Nowak
Highlights
- b.1890
- Born: New York City
- Served: Congregation B'nai Israel
- Education: Jewish Theological Seminary, Columbia University
Rabbi Abraham Nowak accepted the call from Hartford's B'nai Israel to be its spiritual leader in 1919. He had previously served as rabbi of Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Louisville, Ky., and Congregation Ohabel Shalom in Boston. While in Boston he was actively involved in the Bureau of Jewish Education and the Federated Jewish Charities.
Rabbi Nowak served B'nai Israel from 1919 to 1922, when he left to assume the pulpit of B'nai Jeshurun in Cleveland. He later went on to become the chaplain of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. During his tenure at B'nai Israel, Rabbi Nowak also briefly served as President of the Hartford Zionist District.