This afternoon - on the eve of 2018 - the remaining members of Temple Hadar Israel said goodbye to their congregation, which was founded (originally as Temple Tifereth Israel) almost 125 years ago. As the economy changed across the rust belt, the town's population dwindled, and most Jews moved away.
A few years ago, Sam Bernstine asked his fellow congregants, "Do you want a dignified end? Or do you want the last person alive to have to shut out the lights?" The group responded with thoughtful planning and responsible disbursement of their assets - with the help of Jewish Community Legacy Project.
Today's respectful and soulful burial - for the few items they could not manage to give away - was their final act as a group.
A few years ago, Sam Bernstine asked his fellow congregants, "Do you want a dignified end? Or do you want the last person alive to have to shut out the lights?" The group responded with thoughtful planning and responsible disbursement of their assets - with the help of Jewish Community Legacy Project.
Today's respectful and soulful burial - for the few items they could not manage to give away - was their final act as a group.