Congregation Kodimoh in Springfield. Massachusetts. is proud of its history as a prominent Orthodox synagogue. which has made important contributions to the strength and vitality of the Jewish and general communities. Kodimohs story reflects the common immigrants success story and parallels the growth of the city of Springfield. Kodimoh which means "forward" or "progress" in Hebrew was founded in 1916 by a segment of the Jewish community with a spirit of optimism caught up in the success of the first generation of Jewish immigrants and the boom of Springfield as an important economic urban center. The name further suggests the desire of the founding members for the congregation to fit in to the American way of life. The Jewish community formed in Springfield primarily in the North End section of the city in the mass immigration from Eastem Europe in the last decades of the 19th century and early 20th century. When the first generation of Jewish immigrants prospered and achieved economic success. a segment desired to provide for itself a better standard of living. The move to the beautiful new neighborhood of Forest Park began. and a synagogue was needed. The first meeting of Kodimoh took place in the home of Moses Ehrlich. the first president of the congregation.
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