"Beth Aaron Sisterhood Plans Gala Chanukah Affair"
The Jewish Encyclopedia
of Western Pennsylvania
A project of the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center
The Beth Aaron Sisterhood of Chofetz Chaim Congregation was organized in 1931, six years after the congregation obtained its charter. [1]Hollander, Lois “Beth Aaron Sisterhood Plans Gala Chanukah Affair,” Jewish Criterion [Pittsburgh, Pa.], December 11, 1936, p. 16 At its inception, the group was comprised of thirteen members, organized under the leadership of Mrs. William Feldman. According to an article published in the Jewish Criterion, the name Beth Aaron was chosen by members as a tribute to Chofetz Chaim’s Rabbi Aaron Mordechai Ashinsky upon his return to Pittsburgh from Detroit.[2]Hollander, Lois “Beth Aaron Sisterhood Plans Gala Chanukah Affair,” Jewish Criterion [Pittsburgh, Pa.], December 11, 1936, p. 16
The Beth Aaron Sisterhood contributed to the synagogue’s finances, maintenance, and are attributed with spearheading any improvement causes. The group is known to have replaced the building’s draps as well as fundraise for a new social hall. The women of Beth Aaron Sisterhood were also in charge of their congregations’ religious school and often allowed children who couldn’t afford it to attend free of charge. They were also responsible for the congregations’ social activities, along with the Men’s Club, often serving as hostesses for both theirs and Men’s Clubs’ events.
