10/19/26
NJHS From the Archives: Ceremonial Scissors
This feature is part of an ongoing series showcasing artifacts from the collection of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. By spotlighting these objects we aim to strengthen our community identity, encourage education and reflection, and ensure that meaningful stories, both large and small, remain part of our collective memory.
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ITEM: Ceremonial scissors used in the opening of Beth Israel Synagogue at 1502 North 52nd Street
DATE: September 23, 1951
When the Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol and B’nai Israel congregations merged to form the United Orthodox Congregation of Omaha in 1944, they did so with the intent to foster true Jewish unity amid worldwide tragedy. Very quickly, it became clear that the best way to merge these two groups was to create a newer, bigger synagogue. In 1946, architect Clarence Kivett was hired to design the structure, and what he produced would end up being the largest Orthodox Jewish structure in the Midwest: Beth Israel.
Ground was broken in 1948, and the building would be officially completed with a formal ceremony taking place on September 23rd, 1951. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Mrs. Emma Milder, then referred to as Mrs. Jacob Milder, in a ceremony honored by Mr. & Mrs. Hymie Milder.
The building would serve the Orthodox community well for the next 50 years before eventually the congregation moved to its current facility at 12604 Pacific Street. The original structure still stands today at 1502 N.
52nd Street and is used as an Apostolic church.
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society works to preserve histories of the Jewish families who settled in Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. We promote the acquisition, cataloging, and use of collected materials
which depict history by: providing educational community programs, exhibits and publications. If you have items with a historical connection to the Nebraska Jewish community that you’d be willing to donate, please contact us at (402) 330-2024.
If you have any stories or memories about this item or the person who it belonged to, we’d love to hear them. Send your information to Toni Heilman at theilman@jewishomaha.org.
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
