Adams Street Shul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adams Street Shul |
|
|---|---|
The Adams Street Shul
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Rite | Nusach Sefard |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Ahron Benmergui |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 168 Adams Street, Village of Nonantum, Newton, Massachusetts 02458 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Massachusetts
|
|
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Date established | 1911 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1912 |
| Materials | Brick |
The Adams Street Shul, also known as the Congregation Agudas Achim Anshei Sfard, is a special Jewish synagogue in Newton, USA. It follows a type of Judaism called Modern Orthodox Judaism. This means it combines traditional Jewish laws with modern life.
The synagogue is located at 168 Adams Street in the area of Nonantum. It was built in 1912 for a Jewish community that started in 1911. This makes it the oldest Jewish congregation in Newton that still uses its original building.
The building's unique style, called Romanesque Revival, is very old. Because of its history and design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1990. This list recognizes important historical places in the United States.
Contents
What does the Adams Street Shul look like?
The Adams Street Shul is a single-story building made of brick. It has three main sections on the front. On each side of the main entrance, there are two tall windows with rounded tops. The main door also has a rounded top, just like the windows.
Above the entrance, there is a round window called an oculus. Inside this window, you can see a Star of David, which is an important Jewish symbol.
When was the Adams Street Shul built?
The synagogue was built in 1912. The Jewish community that uses it was formed a year earlier, in 1911. For many years, until 1937, it was the only synagogue in Newton.
Many people from the community helped build the synagogue. They were skilled workers and gave their time and effort. In 1924, important parts of the inside were added. These included the Torah ark and the bema.
What is a Torah ark and a bema?
- A Torah ark is a special cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept. The Torah contains the most important Jewish texts.
- A bema is a raised platform in the synagogue. This is where the Torah is read during services.
These parts were made by a skilled craftsman from Jewish-Ukraine. The inside of the synagogue has not changed much since it was built. Many families have been members for several generations. This shows how important the synagogue is to the community.
See also
