The Jew may have done less for the world in Art and Science but in these higher things, moral law and religious faithfulness can any other sect compare to them? Charity and fraternal love are more exemplified in the Jew than any other race of mankind. In the support of their religious organizations, they are self-reliant. They never call upon the public assist in meeting their expenses by giving bazaars socials or suppers. They establish and support themselves, various charities and institutional and count it not a hardship, but cheerful duty.

Before the year 1868, this congregation gathered for workship in the second story of the building now occupied by the Lotz brothers shoe store. In that year (1868) they bought the present synagogue from the school trustees. It was built by the Methodists in 1829 but abandoned and sold to the school board later.

The trustees of the congregation at that time were: Henry Hoffstadt, Max Kronenberger, Raphael Sulzer, Aaron Marks, Elias Hilb and Ascher Hoffstadt. On the doorway of the synagogue is this stately inscription that means so much "The House of the Lord."

The changes that have come to Madison have affected this congregation more than any other. Not that they have deserted or proved unfaithful, to the old Mosaic Law. Many have gone to the way of all earth and many have followed the swifter currents of business life that flow elsewhere.

This gathering of the children of Israel is probably conspicious in being the smallest Jewish congregation in the world. The services are conducted by one of the members I.L. Stern without compensation, but for the love of it.

What a transcendent spectacle is their firm adherence to Talmud and its teachings through all the ages, ever looking for the Messiah whom their sacred books foretold.