[23K] Congregation Anshei Israel 5550 E. 5th Tucson, Arizona (520) 745-5550 FAX (520) 745-9058 Visit Congregation Anshei Israel's homepage. A Brief History of Congregation Anshei Israel Congregation Anshei Israel was founded in 1930. Origionally located in a small building near downtown Tucson, the congregation generated strong Jewish community interests. By the 1940s, Anshei Israel moved to a larger building near the University of Arizona campus. Two images of the synagogue interior -- (1) [21K] (2) [21K] -- from the 1940's, show the the altar and pews. The stained glass window [24K] of the Star of David [20K] or as it is more commonly known, Magen David is a six pointed star that symbolizes identification with the Jewish people, is prominently seen. Rabbi Marcus Breger served as the first rabbi for Congregation Anshei Israel from 1939-1970. As you will note in these three images -- (1) [19K] (2) [18K], (3) [23K] -- Rabbi Breger is present with his some congregation members. Under Rabbi Breger's early guidance, Congregation Anshei Israel helped develop a small Hebrew school [17K], known as Congregation Anshei Israel School, which was started by Cantor Maurice Falkow.. The Congregation continues to offer limited Hebrew education courses for children. Congregation Anshei Israel's second Rabbi is Arthur Oleisky. Under Rabbi Oleisky guidance, the congregation offers a variety of Adult Education programs for its members. The Congregation is involved in local non-Jewish community affairs and views opportunities of increasing Jewish education as central to its mission. Cantor Menachem Mendel Lipschultz [11K] Tucson Suboichet Cantor, 1935-36. A note indicates that Cantor Lipschultz was 40 years of age when the photograph was taken.