BOOK OF REMINISCENCE 1924-2023

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THIS PAGE OF THE BOOK OF REMINISCENCES OF THE HEBREW FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION IS DEDICATED TO

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PRAISED BE THE ONE WHO DEDICATES HIS LIFE TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MANKIND

Rabbi David Tamarkin, son of Rabbi Jacob Tamar- kin, was born in Crimea, Russia, the thirteenth day of June in the year 1906. He comes from an old rab binic lineage, dating back many generations. He had his early training in the place of his birth and came to this country in the early part of 1314, where he received his Jewish education in the Tal mud Torah of Denver, Colorado. In 1919 he entered the preparatory department of the Hebrew Theological College in Chicago, where for 10 years he studied under outstanding orthodox rabbis and educators, and was graduated from that Seminary with high honors in 1929. He was ordained in the traditional manner and received his “Smicha” from the leading orthodox rabbis of this country and Europe. He received his secular knowledge in the high schools and colleges of Chicago, taking a course in Liberal Arts at the Lewis Institute—majoring in Psychology and Sociology. In 1929 Rabbi Tamarkin accepted a call to serve as rabbi of the B’nai Abraham Congregation of Spring- field, Illinois. For almost five years he ministered to that community, introducing late Friday evening services—and organizing a religious school, Sister hood, and completely reorganizing the system of edu cation in the Talmud Torah. He gave a course of lectures to the graduate students of Concordia Col lege—a Lutheran Seminary in Springfield, and also a course in Biblical Hebrew to the graduates who were preparing to enter the ministry. He left Springfield with the plans for remodeling the synagogue and the building of a community cen ter completed—and the greater portion of the funds for this project raised. Both these projects were completed by his successor the year Rabbi Tamarkin left. In 1933 he accepted the pulpit of the Congregation Agudas Achim of San Antonio, Texas. His leader

ship in this community was felt immediately upon his arrival. His achievements in the Congre gation in all its branches of activity—the Talmud Torah—the Hebrew Community Center—the Young People's League—A. Z. A.—Boy Scouts—-Hebrew Free Loan—Hebrew Sheltering Society—past presi dent of B’nai B’rith—is known to all. His work in all Zionist endeavor gained for him the office oi President of the Texas State Zionist Organization. Rabbi Tamarkin has been vice president of the Rabbinical Association of the Hebrew Theological College, vice president of the Southwestern Region of the Union of Traditional Synagogues. He is at present vice president of the Kallah of Texas Rabbis and chairman of the Educational Commission of the Zion'st Organization of Texas. He is a member of the Administrative Council of the Zionist Organization of America, the Uniled Pal estine Appeal, and the Jewish National Fund. During that period Rabbi Tamarkin has created a name for himself, not only as a rabbi, a messenger of God, but also as a friend and true servant of his fellowman. He has gained recognition throughout the State of Texas, not through “Midrosh,” eloquent speeches alone, but also through “Masseh,” worthy acts and good deeds. Our Jewish community has benefited greatly through his treasure of wisdom and knowl edge. Rabbi Tamarkin has taken a great deal of in terest in our Jewish youth, and in their activities, and he is trying to inculcate the true spirit of Judaism in their hearts. He possesses the true knowledge of a rabbi, a leader and teacher of the word of God. He has always implanted in the hearts of the members of his congregation the true ideals and principles of our Jewish people. May the Almighty favor him with a long and happy spiritual life. May he always find favor and grace in the eyes of God and his fellowmen. May the House of David be blessed.

FEBRUARY 16 th

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

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