In 1948, Shaarey Tphiloh was facing a new challenge: a Conservative synagogue, Temple Beth El, opened a year before.
It relaxed some Orthodox traditions to better appeal to an American audience and lifestyle.
For instance, in the new Temple Beth El, men and women could worship side-by-side.
At Shaarey Tphiloh, women sat in the balcony, while men were on the main floor.
The Sisterhood's membership tea does not reflect those challenges.
