People of the Book - Jewish Arlington, 1900–1940
A Journey from Struggle to Success
In the early 20th century, the Jewish community played a pivotal yet often overlooked role in shaping Arlington's cultural and economic landscape.
The following story is adapted from Jessica Kaplan's article "People of the Book, Jewish Arlington, 1900–1920."
The period spanning from 1900 to 1940, witnessed the establishment of Jewish families in Arlington who, seeking refuge from persecution in Eastern Europe, brought resilience and determination to their new home.
As the specter of pogroms haunted Eastern Europe, Jewish families sought refuge in the United States. While many settled in major cities, some reached Arlington County. In the early 1900s, names like Levy, Bloom, and Sher began to dot the landscape, contributing to the county's emerging identity.
Joseph Bloom, a Jewish tailor from Romania, took a leap of faith by establishing a tailoring business in Arlington. By 1907, he had built a thriving business and a home on Columbia Pike, symbolizing the community's determination to succeed.
The Sher family, hailing from Austria-Hungary, established M. Sher's General Store, a hub for everything from groceries to clothing, along Columbia Pike, marking the emergence of mom-and-pop shops that defined the era.
Columbia Pike became a hub of Jewish entrepreneurial spirit, with Menachem Sher's General Store standing as a testament to the community's resilience. The Sher family's commitment to personalized service and community engagement made them integral to Arlington's life. Despite challenges, including delivering groceries via horse and wagon on unpaved roads, they thrived.
In a complex interplay of history, Jewish entrepreneurs like Max Hyman set up shops in East Arlington, catering to African-American communities. Despite the economic transactional nature of these relationships, Jewish shop owners often treated their Black customers with more courtesy, offering credit and standing apart from prevailing racial norms of the time.
The Wasserman brothers, Albert and George, epitomized the American Dream. Starting as a printer and a cab driver, respectively, they transitioned into successful business owners. George's Service Station, later George's Radio Shop, and Al's Motors became iconic establishments in Clarendon. Their story highlights the diverse paths Jewish immigrants took in pursuit of prosperity.
While success stories like the Wassermans abound, not all Jewish businesses thrived. Abraham Deskin, Isaac Brenner, and others faced challenges, struggling to make ends meet in an unfamiliar environment.
The role of women, often underestimated, emerged as a crucial factor in determining a family business's success. Beyond their businesses, Jewish families like the Wassermans and Katherina Grossberg Cohen actively participated in civic life. Katherine's pioneering work in establishing the Business and Professional Women's Club and her involvement in community-building initiatives showcased the multifaceted contributions of Jewish immigrants to Arlington's growth.
The Jewish community faced challenges in preserving traditions in a predominantly Protestant society. Celebrating the Sabbath and maintaining kosher practices posed dilemmas, revealing the delicate balance immigrants struck between embracing their heritage and adapting to their new surroundings.
Arlington's Jewish legacy, though often overshadowed by broader narratives, is woven into the fabric of the county's history. From fledgling businesses along Columbia Pike to establishing community organizations, the Jewish community's journey in Arlington is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
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