Maine's Jewish Heritage: Images of America

According to historian Benjamin Band, Maine's Jewish Heritage, the first record of a Jewish person in Maine concerns Susman Abrams, a tanner who resided in Union until his death at age 87 in 1830. Historical records beginning in 1849, also tell of a small Bangor community that organized a synagogue and purchased a burial ground. But it was not until the late 19th century that Jewish communities grew large enough to esablish multiple synagogues, Hebrew schools for boys, kosher butcher shops, and Jewish bakeries. Eventually there were Jewish charitable societies, community centers, and social clubs across the state. The Jewish community contributes to Maine society in every possible capacity, free from the barriers of social or religious discrimination. This book honors the accomplishments of Maine's Jewish residents.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Authors: Abraham J. Peck and Jean M. Peck. Paperback,128 pages.