Lippman, Sarah_1974/12/26, Oral History

Sarah discusses with Rita Spitz Reverend Bernard Lippman, Sarah's Father-in-law, his marriage and children, his Religious Life, and charities. She also discusses Jewish names changed into English names; the country of origin of Bernard Lippman and Dora Lippman; Construction of torah scroll; repair of Torah scroll; charity work of Dora; Hartford Yeshiva; early death of Bernard; Lippman family raising livestock in backyard; Name-changes of immigrants at Ellis Island.

Abstract: Mrs. Lippman spoke about her father-in-law, Reverend Bernard Lippman who was born in Lithuania and came to America in 1888. His second wife, Dora Lippman, was also born in Lithuania and came to America shortly before 1888. Rev. Lippman was a shochet, mohel, and scribe and inscribed the Torah used at Ados Israel and he also conducted Friday night services at several synagogues. Dora Lippman belonged to all the Jewish Charities and was instrumental in organizing the Hartford Yeshiva (now the Hebrew Academy). She was president of that organization as well as the Old Peoples Home. She observed the rituals even to the extent of keeping cows and chickens. She offered housing and food for people who came to Hartford and had no place to stay. At her death, she was the first woman whose funeral was held at Ados Israel, officiated by 6 rabbis. Stories were told of the way her father-in-law as well as other immigrants obtained their names when they went through Ellis Island.