Ahavas Sholem Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ahavas Sholem Synagogue |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation |
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| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | |
| Ownership | Thomas Hill Chapel Church of Christ |
| Status |
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| Location | |
| Location | 30 White Street, New Haven, Connecticut |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Connecticut
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Date established | 1912 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1928 |
| Materials | Masonry; limestone |
The Ahavas Sholem Synagogue is a historic building in New Haven, Connecticut. It is located at 30 White Street. People once called it The White Street Shul. Today, it is known as the Thomas Hill Chapel.
This building was built in 1928. It was originally a synagogue for an Orthodox Jewish community. This community started in 1912. The building shows off a special style called Neoclassical. It has many fancy details.
In 1995, the synagogue was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical places in the United States. Now, the building is used by a Christian church called Thomas Chapel, which is part of the Church of Christ.
Contents
About the Building
The former Ahavas Sholem Synagogue is on the west side of White Street. This is a small street in New Haven's The Hill neighborhood. The building has two stories and is made of gold-colored brick. It also has special white stone, called limestone, for decoration.
Its Unique Look
The front of the building, called the façade, is very beautiful. It has a Neoclassical style. The first floor is covered in limestone. This stone also goes around the arched windows on the second floor.
Above the main entrance, there is a special sign. It tells the name of the original Jewish community. It also shows the year the building was finished, using the Hebrew calendar. Some of the old windows still have the Star of David carved into them. This symbol is also seen in a round shape at the top of the roof.
A Bit of History
The Jewish community that built this synagogue started in 1912. They followed Orthodox Jewish traditions. This meant they needed to walk to their religious services on the Sabbath. Because of this, many smaller communities like this one were formed.
The synagogue building was completed in 1928. The community used it for many years. However, in the 1960s, most of its members moved away. After that, a Christian church, the Thomas Hill Chapel Church of Christ, began using the building.
Becoming a Historic Place
The Ahavas Sholem Synagogue is one of fifteen synagogues in Connecticut that are now on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings were added to the list in 1995 and 1996. This was part of a big effort to recognize many important synagogues in the state.
See also
Images for kids
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Ahavas Sholem Synagogue, detail of façade. Inscription reads:
"Congregation Ahavas Sholem
Ashkenazi tradition
Founded in 5672 (1911–12).
One of the founders and treasurer was Joseph Lurie"
