Israel Samuel Cohen

http://www.jtrails.org.uk/trails/brighton-and-hove/history

Israel Samuel Cohen (also known as Ensele/Ensli ben Samuel Cohen Brighthelmstone) was probably one of the first Jews to settle by 1766. He conducted a typical eclectic variety of trades (he is variously listed as a 'toyman, silversmith, and lodging house keeper), such as were necessary for a Jew to make a living in the provinces. Little is known of his origins, though his wife's family was from Krotoschin in Prussia. It seems other individuals came to join him as well, but not sufficient to turn a small Jewish settlement into a full community.

http://www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads...

The Sussex Jewish Historical Society - Brighton Jewry 250

by Michael Crook

As many of you will know, next year, 2016, will mark 250 years since the first known record of a Jewish resident in Brighton. Israel Samuel Cohen was married at the Great Synagogue in London, and gave his address as 22, East Street, Brighton.

The Sussex Branch of the Jewish Historical Society is preparing a programme of events to commemorate this first record of a Jewish resident in the town and we wanted to let you know in good time what is planned, and how you can get involved.

We have decided to hold a competition for a logo to use on all publicity and publications about the commemoration, and this will be open to all members of the community and to students at the Arts Faculty at the University of Brighton. We will also be running a Junior competition, for children up to age 12. Details are available from Arthur Oppenheimer at tulgy99@ gmail.com. Entries are required by 31st May 2015, and these will be judged by a panel comprising Rochelle Oberman from the Jewish Arts Society, Godfrey Gould, Arthur Oppenheimer and Michael Crook.

We have applied to erect a Blue Plaque at 22 East Street, and are planning for this to take place on 19th or 26th June 2016, followed by an Open Day at Middle Street Synagogue, with civic dignitaries and special guests in attendance. We have also approached the Council with a view to holding an exhibition of 250 years of Brighton Jewry at Brighton or Hove Museums, in conjunction with the new local records office at the Keep.

Finally, we are working on an anthology to bring together a record of the activities and accomplishments of Brighton Jewry over 250 years. This would be about 120 pages, and is intended as a permanent record of the community. So far we have met with an enthusiastic response, and send our thanks to all contributors. Whilst we were hoping for contributions by the end of March, we are able to accept material up to the end of May. We shall be inviting individuals and organisations to support the publication by becoming Subscribers for a donation of £25. In return for this they will receive a copy of the anthology and their names will be recorded in it (likely sale price £10).