Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary

The institution opened in 1931, thanks to his tireless efforts. He encouraged the Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary to expand, for he believed women could play a vital role in the Home’s development. In 1932, the Auxiliary numbered 1300 members. Over the years, the Center and Ladies Auxiliary trained many /andsleit in commu- nal service. ...

... The founders and top officers of the Ladies Auxil- lary were: Ida Aidak, President; Rose Lipman, Trea- surer; and Sophie Cohen, Financial Secretary. They served for more than ten years. The auxiliary organized sub-groups that were active in New York and other cit- ies in America and Canada. It exemplified humanitar- lan work. Fortunately, the present officers and active members of the Ladies Auxiliary continue its hallowed traditions. ...

The Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary helped develop the Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged. Founded in February 1923, the auxiliary invigorated people active in the Center and launched many social and fund- raising events. ...

... The first issue appeared on a ttrial basis in November 1921. Whether succeeding issues were pub- lished depended on the response of l/andsleit in America, which was positive. Afterward, the magazine appeared every three months. In the thirties, it became a monthly. Some of those early issues varied in size and content. Some were scanty, from eight to sixteen pages, and others contained about one hundred pages. The Passover and Rosh Hashanah issues were consistently large and rich in content. Several special issues, con- taining about one hundred pages, honored milestones of the Bialystoker Young Men’s Association, Bialy- stoker Somach Noflim, Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary, Relief Society of Paterson, and Club of Bialystoker Friends, among others. ...

... On Monday, September 16, 1929, the contract to build the Home was signed. One week later, the corner- stone was laid. Bialystoker landsleit all over America contributed in many ways. Several condemned build- ings were demolished along East Broadway to make room for the new structure. Festivities to launch the building campaign were held on September 22, 1929. Thousands of Bialystoker Jews, friends, and official representatives of numerous organizations joined in lay- ing the cornerstone. The building committee estimated the cost of erecting the Home at around $400,000. The Bialystoker Ladies Auxiliary undertook }0 raise $20,000, donating $5,000 right away. ...