MACHOL, MICHAELIS (13 Nov. 1845-26 Aug. 1912) advanced moderate Reform Judaism in Cleveland as rabbi of ANSHE CHESED (1876-1906); during his tenure, the temple, then Eagle Street Synagogue, instituted occasional English sermons, installed an organ and moved to uncovered heads. However, Machol demonstrated personal Conservative leanings in sermons and published articles, e.g., deploring the destruction of "every ceremony." He was born in Germany, one of 4 children of Zadek and Esther Machol. After graduating from the Theological Seminary of Breslau, Germany, and obtaining a doctorate from the university in the same city (both in 1869), he traveled to America. He settled first in Leavenworth, KS, and then became rabbi at Kehillath Anshe Maariv, Chicago, IL. As rabbi of Anshe Chesed, he oversaw the congregation's growth in the 1880s and the building of a new temple (1886). Active in advocating for the Jewish community, Machol joined other rabbis and lay leaders in protesting the 1901 decision of the board of the CLEVELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS to begin each school day with the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the 23rd Psalm. Anshe Chesed designated Machol rabbi emeritus in 1907.
In Sept. 1871 Machol married Minnie Rosenthal; they had 5 children: Jacob, Henry, Bernhard, Gertrude, and Ernest. Machol belonged to the MASONS. He died in Denver, Colorado and funeral services were held in Cleveland.
Anshe Chesed Congregation Records, WRHS.