In 2016 an eBay search on "Abba Hillel Silver" found a treasure: a 10" long playing record created in 1954. Written and spoken by Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, "What is Judaism" is a good sample of his teaching mode. There are no examples here of Silver at his most eloquent moments when he could inspire an audience and bring large crowds to their feet.

To the left is the story from the front page of the May 14, 1954 Jewish Independent that announces that the record is available for sale to benefit the beautification of Ansel Road.

The beautification project was The Temple's response to urban decay that had reached the western edge of its property. Some old buildings on the west side of Ansel Road were bought and demolished. In their place was created a well landscaped area that would protect The Temple and enhance its setting. In the summer of 1954 the trustees of The Temple named the area "Silver Park".

Arnold Berger    7/27/18
 

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From the May 5, 1954 Plain Dealer
Rita and Oscar Bergman tell how the project began.