This is a photo of “Lil” Schilansky; a descendant of one of four Jewish Families in Thomas in 1886. She was one of eleven children of Mr. and Mrs. Barney Schilansky. Siblings include Bessie, Celia, Frank, Haskell, Leona, Molly, Phillip, Sadie, Isaac and Joseph. At the time of the Schilansky Family coming to Thomas there were three other Jews and their families residing in Thomas. The names of the other families were Moses Lamp, Harry Shatz and George Shatz. The religious services of the small Jewish community were held at the home of Barney. He had a special room fitted for that purpose and his home was the repository of the Sefar Torah of the Thomas congregation. The Torah was probably procured in whole or part by Barney. The where about of the Torah from this Jewish congregations unknown. Abraham Shinedling wrote a three-volume book concerning West Virginia Jewry and most of the information was taken from those volumes. Ideas, comments, ideas, or photos to share contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.
