Old Testament Congregation of Alabama
ROOTED IN COVENANT
PRESERVING TRUTH
our mission
Preserving the Covenant for Generations to Come
The Old Testament Congregation of Alabama exists to preserve, teach, and advocate for Southern biblical history and Hebrew covenant heritage. As custodians of a sacred record and builders of a living covenant community, we are rooted in Scripture, strengthened by tradition, and committed to generational continuity. We stand united under the enduring authority of the Old Testament and the worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — cultivating a valiant congregation dedicated to preserving the biblical legacy of the American South.
the record
The Record is Being Established
Foundational writings, teachings, and preserved documents will be released in phases.
THE HISTORICAL LEGACY
The Historical Legacy
of Southern Hebrew Heritage
The roots of Eufaula’s vibrant Jewish heritage stretch back to the mid-nineteenth century, when resilient pioneers, many of German descent, settled along the Chattahoochee River to build new lives. Deeply committed to establishing a lasting religious foundation, the community consecrated a sacred burial ground, with its earliest recorded burial taking place in 1845. These early settlers quickly became the heartbeat of local commerce and civic life. Visionary merchants like Morris and Abe Beringer opened thriving dry goods and grocery stores, while community pillars like Hugo Schloss dedicated themselves to the city council, the bank board, and the local college. Their cultural and economic impact was so profound that by the late 1800s, Eufaula’s bustling main street would practically shut down in quiet reverence every Yom Kippur.
Following the Civil War, the community formalized its spiritual life by establishing Congregation B'nai Israel. In 1872, the congregation purchased a Greek Revival building at the corner of Livingston and Barbour Streets. Investing considerable expense, they refurbished the building into a beautiful synagogue that was widely celebrated as an "ornament to the city". The congregation was initially led by dedicated lay leaders like local merchant J.K. Sams, and welcomed Rabbi Straus as its first official rabbi in 1874 who who led services in the Hebrew orthodox tradition.
By 1907, the congregation was evolving under the leadership of Silas Stern. As the twentieth century progressed and times changed, the community’s faith proved highly resilient; but as the prosperity and population of the town dwindled, members adapted by continuing their tight-knit worship, high holy day observances, and fellowship in private homes. In 1936, a new era of stewardship began with the arrival of Abe and Jennie Rudderman.
The Ruddermans took on the sacred responsibility of maintaining the historic cemetery and safeguarding the town's Hebrew legacy. Jennie’s passionate dedication culminated in a massive restoration project and a rededication ceremony of the cemetery in 1987, drawing over 125 people to celebrate the community's enduring history. Today, this beautiful covenant is proudly carried forward by the Ruddermans' granddaughter, Sara Hamm.
Through the visionary establishment of the Old Testament Congregation of Alabama, President Sara Hamm, with the support of the Board of Directors, and a growing community of patrons are collectivelyensuring that Hebrew heritage and Southern biblical history are not just remembered, but actively celebrated, protected, and cultivated as a living "Community of Valor" for generations to come.
INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Keepers of the Heritage
Sara Hamm
Founder, Director, and President
As a descendant of the historic Jewish community in Eufaula, she grew up in nearby Clayton, Alabama, where she developed a deep connection to her faith. To attend Hebrew school and services in Columbus, Georgia, she would travel with her grandparents, Abraham and Jennie Rudderman.
Today, Hamm is widely recognized as Eufaula's resident Jewish historian. She is the devoted caretaker of the town's historic Jewish cemetery by the Chattahoochee River, continuing a preservation legacy originally spearheaded by her grandmother. Her steadfast efforts to maintain the fading traditions of her community were highlighted in Roy Hoffman's book Alabama Afternoons: Profiles and Conversations. Demonstrating a profound personal commitment to her faith and family, Hamm routinely drove 45 miles each way to Columbus, Georgia, three days a week to ensure her son, Chad, could attend Hebrew school and Saturday services.
Professionally, Hamm served as the business manager of Reeves Peanut Co., a large wholesale shelling operation in Eufaula. By establishing the Old Testament Congregation of Alabama, she has formalized her lifelong mission to preserve Southern biblical history and cultivate a valiant covenant congregation united under the authority of scripture. Her work ensures that the legacy, historic record, and sacred traditions of her community are protected and remembered for generations to come.
Abraham Summers
Secretary, Treasurer, and the presiding Clergy (Reverend Rabbi)
In his ecclesiastical capacity, Reverend Rabbi Summers provides oversight on theological content, historical interpretations, and religious services, serving as the congregation's authority on the application of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Born into a prominent rabbinical family in Los Angeles, Summers is the grandson of Rabbi Allan Summers, a leading Jewish community leader who spearheaded interdenominational cooperation in post-war California. He is also a descendant of the Czech and Hungarian lineage of Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the Maharal of Prague. Abraham received an intensive theological education at Hebrew preparatory schools, including the Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study. There, he undertook a rigorous dual curriculum emphasizing the Masoretic Texts, Hebrew Philosophy, and the Mussar Movement, requiring strict proficiency in the biblical English, Hebrew, and Aramaic. He subsequently attended the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy, where he graduated cum laude with a Dean's Merit Award, earning degrees in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development.
Summers authored an English Targum on the Book of Deuteronomy. Beyond his biblical leadership, he has also been a guest lecturer on entrepreneurship and finance at Columbia Law School, advised public and private companies, and had a career in the music industry as the lead guitarist, songwriter, and business manager with a nationally touring rock band. Today, Summers brings his unique blend of deep scriptural knowledge and executive business acumen to his leadership roles at the Old Testament Congregation of Alabama, guiding both its spiritual mission and its corporate administration.
C. Yosef Schwarcz
Director of the Old Testament Congregation of Alabama
Rabbi Schwarcz was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is of the Czech and Hungarian lineage of Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the Maharal of Prague. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to intensive theological study, he undertook a rigorous education at prestigious yeshiva biblical seminaries throughout the United States, Canada, and Israel, becoming proficient in biblical English, Hebrew, and Aramaic.
Rabbi Schwarcz is the founder of the Hoshana Foundation, a community care organization that coordinates health and social services to support "whole-person" care by bridging clinical care with community-based services. For over three decades, the Foundation has been dedicated to serving diverse communities, regardless of background or religion, across multiple states including California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Oklahoma. Rabbi Schwarcz brings a wealth of spiritual leadership and experience in community service to his role as a Director of the Old Testament Congregation of Alabama.
People of Valor
Old Testament Congregation
of Alabama
The name Anshe Chayil — People of Valor — speaks to the character of a people defined not by circumstance, but by covenant. It is the standard by which this congregation measures its purpose and its obligations to those who come after.
A Community
of Valor
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