Early Jews in Daytona Beach
Jews started moving to the area in 1915 to open merchant businesses on Beach Street, many of them single men. Some of the first people of the Jewish community were Harry Pepper, Jacob Ginsberg, Sam Dobrow, A. Bronstein, Mack Roth, Louis Ossinsky, Sam and Nat Goldman, George Liebman and Morris Miner. Other Jews included A.M. Rosenblat, Harry Drutman, Nathan Roth, William Sussman, Alfred Sherman, Louis Adler, J.B. Kahn, Dr. M.B. Seltzer, Dr. William Levey, Abraham, Jacob and Samuel Weinstein, Irving Sacks, Dr. Stanley Shapiro and C.S. Gould. The occupations of these men also included tailors, jewelers, peddlers, medical professionals and businessmen. Other community members moved to the area after visiting on winter vacation and deciding to stay as permanent residents.Most Jews lived on the mainland.
Harry Pepper
Harry Pepper, originally Harry Pfeffer was born July 7, 1885 in Vienna, Austria and moved to the United States when he was six years old. He lived in Providence, Rhode Island where he met his wife, Bella Berman whom he married in 1910. He had two sons, Milton, born in 1912 and Leonard, born in 1916. They moved to Florida looking for a sunnier climate. The family initially moved to Jacksonville but quickly moved to Daytona Beach. Harry Pepper was involved in the, selling of auto/junk/office supplies. The business was located on Volusia Avenue and they lived above the store. His home quickly became the heart of the Jewish community with the holidays often celebrated there. In 1919, his daughter Florence was born and became the first Jewish girl born in Daytona Beach followed in 1922 by her sister Doris. Additionally, he was also involved in real estate transactions in the community as well as opening the first public swimming pool known as Pepp's Pool. He was a founding member of Temple Israel, serving as the first Vice President and the second President. He also helped establish Mount Sinai Cemetery. Harry Pepper and his family were also early members of Temple Beth El.
Mack Roth
Mack Roth was born December 4, 1894. He moved from New York City in 1920 to start a clothing business and in 1922 established a permanent business on Beach Street called "The Mack Shop." He later had a store called "Princess Shop." He and his wife, Estelle had three children, Marvin, Elaine and Judy. Mack was a founding member of Temple Israel and its first President. He also established Mount Sinai Cemetery with Harry Pepper. He passed away in 1993.
Jacob Ginsburg
Jacob Ginsburg was born in 1878 in Poland. He was one of the first Jewish families to settle in Daytona Beach, arriving in 1920. He was a cousin to Mack Roth. Jacob helped form Temple Israel and became the third President. Jacob had a hat business on Beach Street. His wife, Annie was known for her fundraising efforts assisting Mary McLeod Bethune.He had two sons, Ben and Harry. Ben was killed in action in World War II in 1944.
Sam Dobrow
Sam Dobrow was born in 1889 in New York. He moved to Daytona Beach in 1918 with his wife Bessie to help his brother Abe run his store, Waldorf Men's Shop on Beach Street. He eventually became the owner of a well known Daytona Beach store, Doby's Men's Shop which opened in 1936. He passed away in 1962.