Scope and arrangement
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
The Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, one of the oldest and largest communities of Black Hebrews in the United States, was founded in Harlem in 1919, by Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew (1892-1973). Though this congregation traces its origin to the activities of those who came to New York during the first waves of Black migration and immigration, it was in the post World War II years that the community took root. Rabbi Matthew created a number of auxiliary organizations, and today there are seven Black synagogues in the downstate New York area that trace their origins directly to Rabbi Matthew and his congregation. The synagogue is located in Harlem. The Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation records consist of several ledgers, including a photocopy of a record book listing members' names and addresses, births and deaths (1923-1959); and other membership ledgers providing individual financial records, worship, and Hebrew school attendance (1927-1959). The collection ledger lists amounts donated from 1974-1991. The collection also includes correspondence of Rabbi Matthew regarding dedication of the new synagogue in Harlem (1962) and speaking engagements in the Northeast (1968-1970). There is also a notebook listing members of various committees, along with notes about several services held at the synagogue (1948), a golden anniversary program (1966), and news clippings.
Arranged chronologically.
Gift of Rabbi Chaim White, 1996, as part of the Zakor: Israelite History and Archives Project.
Finding aid updated by Lauren Stark. (2021 April 13)
Accessioned by Chandra Buie, August 1996.
Transferred to the Photographs and Prints Division: photographs.
W. A. Matthew collection, Sc MG 609, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture