1970s – Education was a top priority for Rodeph Sholom, which made some first-ever moves by a Reform congregation.
- 1970: Rodeph Sholom Day School, first in U.S. sponsored by a Reform congregation, started as pilot project with kindergarten and 1st grade; Parents Educational Guild founded to represent parents of Nursery and Day Schools; the opera “Tamar and Judah,” with libretto by Rabbi Newman, performed as tribute to his forty years of service.
- 1971: CRS chosen by Channel 13 for live broadcast of “Hear Our Voices,” a tribute to cantorial singing;
- Sisterhood celebrated 80th anniversary.
- 1972: Rabbi Gunter Hirschberg appointed Senior Rabbi upon the death of Rabbi Louis I. Newman;
- Board of Trustees formally approved the Day School, consisting of kindergarten through 6th grade; CRS began family services.
- 1973: Rodeph Sholom Community Chorus founded with Paula Biran as Conductor.
- 1974: Children’s Choir founded by Cantor Ephraim Biran; Nutrition and Health Program initiated with neighboring church, including hot lunches served on the Sabbath for neighborhood senior citizens; Bernice Kaufman appointed Director of the Nursery School.
- 1976: Adult Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah initiated, with 37 men and women completing program; new prayer book, Gates of Prayer, adopted; Ecumenical Thanksgiving service celebrated with Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.
- 1977: Rodeph Sholom Day School moves into new building on West 84th Street adjoining the synagogue; early “Welcome the Sabbath” services and dinners for congregants and school parents initiated.
