Mizpah Congregation, one of the country’s oldest Reform Jewish houses of worship, is celebrating its 150th year with a benefit concert performed by the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra conducted by CSO Music Director Emeritus Bob Bernhardt. The concert is Sunday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. and will be held in the sanctuary of the Congregation’s Ochs Memorial Temple, 923 McCallie Ave.
The program will feature selections from “Schindler’s List” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” as well as traditional Jewish-themed music. Soloists for the evening are Holly Mulcahy, violin; Mela Dailey, soprano; and Michael Samis, cello. “We invite the Chattanooga community to join in celebrating this important milestone and to share this wonderful musical afternoon with us,” said Henry Schulson, president of the Mizpah Congregation board of directors.
Mizpah, a Reform Jewish congregation, was founded in 1866. The McCallie Avenue building was given by Adolph S. Ochs, publisher of both the Chattanooga Times and the New York Times, in memory of his parents, Julius & Bertha Ochs. It was dedicated in 1928 and designated a Tennessee Historical Preservation Site in 1979. Many Mizpah congregants, notably Ochs’ granddaughter, Ruth S. Holmberg, have played significant roles in enriching and diversifying the life and culture of Chattanooga.
General sdmission is $75 per person. All donations will benefit education programs and facilities maintenance. Patron tickets bring reserved seats and additional benefits. Purchases may be made by phone at (423) 267-9771 or online at mizpahcongregation.org. For more information about group pricing, call 423-227-1505.
“We are proud of our legacy and the commitment of our congregants both to preserving Reform Judaism and to bettering the lives of all people in our City,” said Herb Cohn, whose family has been Mizpah members for four generations. “We look forward to honoring Mizpah’s 150th anniversary with beautiful music that has been an integral part of our religious and secular lives.”