1900) The first Jewish family settled in Lewiston in the mid 19th century. While a synagogue was not built in the area before the turn of the century, early settlers to the area secured a hall in Lewiston to serve as a synagogue. Beth Abraham synagogue was founded in 1898, and Beth Jacob congregation established a cemetery by 1899. Several Jewish families moved to what became known as New Auburn, just across the Androscoggin River, making travel to the Lewiston congregation more difficult. Later immigrant period (1900 – 1920) By 1902, Beth Abraham Synagogue held services and Hebrew School in a rented building on Second Street, establishing the first synagogue in the Lewiston and Auburn area. That same year, the Beth Abraham Cemetery Association was formed. Across the river in Lewiston, Beth Jacob leased a hall in 1904 to hold services for their 40 members. By 1907, the congregation was formally organized as Congregation Beth Jacob, and formally incorporated in 1914. By 1909, both a Young Men’s Hebrew Association (YMHA) and Hebrew Aid Society were established, the YMHA even boasting a championship basketball team in 1912. In 1917, Beth Abraham had outgrown its space, and purchased what had been known as the Union Musical Society Building. However, just six months later, the building was destroyed in a fire. End of WWI to end of WWII (1920 – 1945) The area’s mills continued to develop and prosper. Ways of earning a living diversified. Those who had begun as peddlers were beginning to find greater opportunities in areas such as carbonated beverage manufacturing, shoe manufacturing and furniture sales. Meat markets and grocery stores grew in number, and with the advent of the automobile came the businesses associated with its sales and upkeep. In addition, the area’s second generation of Jews entered into the professional fields. Many became teachers while others entered law and medical schools. By 1925, Beth Jacob Synagogue’s construction was complete, and Beth Abraham was rebuilt following the fire in 1918. However, the number of institutions and organizations among the Jewish population of the area were extremely limited. Most existed as extensions of the synagogues which played a great role in the lives of Jews of both cities, filling social, educational and community needs. As both synagogues were largely in debt due to the construction and maintenance of their buildings, it was upon the Jews of the community – especially