Israel Solomon
Israel Solomon, #WS 13/1881
Values Codes I – E – L – P
Born in London in 1811, Israel Solomon married there and, in 1833, left for Australia, a country with which his shipping merchant father was doing business.
The family remained in Sydney until 1849, when the California Gold Rush drew Israel to San Francisco.
Israel Solomon had the foresight to bring along a disassembled house that was re-erected at Montgomery and Pacific streets.
Community
Israel Solomon was one of the organizers of Congregation Sherith Israel, the pioneer Polish-rite synagogue of the city.
At its founding in April 1851, Solomon was elected as a trustee and served as such until October, when he was elected president.
Solomon was a major influence in the affairs of Sherith Israel, heading the Congregation from 1851 to 1855 and again from 1857 to 1866.
He was also the “First Reader,” meaning that he led significant portions of the religious services.
Israel Solomon was characterized as an ardent Jew who took an active interest in all Jewish affairs.
He made a number of trips back to Australia, and eventually his parents came to San Francisco to join him in the 1860’s.
By that time, Israel Solomon was in business as an insurance agent.
Family
Israel Solomon and his wife Sarah (née Phillip) had twelve children: eleven daughters and one son.
Israel Solomon died in 1883 and was survived by six of his children.
Source
- Norton B. Stern, “Israel Solomon,” Western States Jewish History 41/2.
