Discover the inspiring roots, resilient founders, and evolving spirit of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. From humble beginnings to a thriving progressive community, read our story.
In 1911, Samuel Cronig became the first Jewish person to set foot on Martha’s Vineyard. Samuel’s journey and resilience are similar to so many of our ancestors. At the age of 15, Samuel was given the ultimatum of converting to the Russian Orthodox Church or death. Samuel refused to surrender his faith, so he left his school, got a job, and saved every kopek so he could emigrate just two years later.
Samuel left the land of his ancestors and set out for the Golden Medinah (golden land). He landed in Ellis Island, where he was met by relatives, some of whom may not have been related by blood, but at this time, many immigrants were very generous to all newcomers. Samuel originally traveled to New York, but found it overwhelming. He decided to find somewhere more peaceful to make his home.
He went to New Bedford, where he had connections in the community. Following the Panic of 1907, most people experienced financial hardships. Samuel realized he needed secure work. When he saw an ad offering work on the Daggett Farm on Martha’s Vineyard, he took the opportunity with determination. Years later, he and his brothers Ed, Tebby, and Henry were able to open their own market. Their legacy is felt all over Martha’s Vineyard.
Just a few years later, in 1915, Judel and Eunice Brickman arrived in Martha’s Vineyard from New York, becoming the first Jewish couple and family on the Island. They had two children when they arrived, and later two more were born on the Vineyard. The Brickmans had grown up together in the Soviet Union. Hidden in a wagon of hay by a friendly village farmer, Judel and his best friend escaped the cossacks at 16, escaping to Sweden and then traveling to New York City. Later, Judel married that same friend’s sister, Eunice.
Once in New York City, the Brickmans heard from a cousin in Boston about a job opportunity on Martha’s Vineyard. As an expert shoemaker, Judel opened a workshop. Due to the needs of the island at the time, his workshop quickly expanded from just a shoe repair shop to a men’s department store. The Brickman’s first daughter, Ida, became the “boss” as she spoke excellent English. Their store is still open today in Vineyard Haven.
The Brickmans were one of the original six Jewish families on the island. In 1916, Dorothy Brickman was born, becoming the first Jewish girl born on the Island. Dorothy was able to recall their traditional upbringing, personal relationships, and the growth of the community in a historical documentary created by the MV Museum. Dorothy called the MVHC “a fulfillment of the dream that this little band of six families had when they came to America. To be able to have a life here, to be assimilated into a community, and above all to be the best citizens this country ever had.”
Before the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center had a dedicated building, we were founded within the homes of the devoted members. With just six original families, there were not enough Jewish men on the island for an Orthodox service. These families formed a close community, traveling together to services off-the-island for high holy days.
Once the community reached ten men, they purchased a Torah and began holding services in the Cronig family home. There were continued discussions and dreams for a dedicated space to worship. In 1937, the community began to raise funds for the center. Finally, in 1939, Henry Cronig heard of a large colonial home for sale. Through determination, passion and unity, the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center was incorporated.
In 1940, the original center was completed, and for over half a century, this center served as the heart of Jewish Life on the Island. Now a private home, the original building still carries echoes of songs and stories. In 1995, the ground breaking for our new center was held. Our beautiful home represents how far the Jewish community has come since Cronig’s arrival in 1911.
Gayle Stiller is the granddaughter of Samuel Cronig. Gayle is an active member of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center today and continues to honor her family’s history and legacy. For Gayle, being able to share her grandfather’s legacy and be a part of MVHC means everything to her. “I’m so very proud of what my grandfather, Samuel, did in coming here and maintaining his Jewish faith and in growing and preserving it with the establishment of the MVHC. With other family members and the other founding families, they built a lasting legacy. Literally built it, by buying the original Hebrew Center building and moving it to where the current building now stands,” Gayle said.
Today, Gayle is a vital leader and member of MVHC. Gayle is involved with the Tzedakah committee, the Board of Trustees, the Cemetery committee, and the Program committee. Gayle shares that she loves the energy, passion, and respect within the community. “I love that we’re growing and thriving. I love that we have a rabbi who is brilliant and who is dedicated to the MVHC community, and to the Island,” Gayle said. Through her membership and involvement, Gayle continues to honor her family’s history and support the future of MVHC.
For over 80 years, the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center has been the heart of Jewish life, spirituality, culture and learning on the island. Today, MVHC is a welcoming, progressive and inclusive congregation rooted in our long tradition. The MVHC strives to apply values of justice, as described by the Prophets, to local and global issues. The heart of our community, Rabbi Caryn Broitman, has been with MVHC since 2003,
At MVHC, you will find:
We regularly host educators, speakers, and spiritual leaders to enrich our understanding of world issues, community matters, spiritual growth, and scripture interpretation. MVHC is a place to learn, grow, and belong.
