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Ahavas Sholem Synagogue facts for kids

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Ahavas Sholem Synagogue
Ahavas Sholem1.jpg
Religion
Affiliation
Rite Nusach Ashkenaz
Ecclesiastical or organisational status
Ownership Thomas Hill Chapel Church of Christ
Status
  • Closed (as a synagogue);
  • Repurposed (as a chapel)
Location
Location 30 White Street, New Haven, Connecticut
Country United States
Ahavas Sholem Synagogue is located in Connecticut
Ahavas Sholem Synagogue
Location in Connecticut
Architecture
Architectural type Synagogue
Architectural style Neoclassical
Date established 1912 (as a congregation)
Completed 1928 (1928)
Materials Masonry; limestone

The Ahavas Sholem Synagogue is a special old building in New Haven, Connecticut. People used to call it The White Street Shul. Today, it's known as the Thomas Hill Chapel.

This building was finished in 1928. It was first built for a Jewish group called an Orthodox congregation. They started their group in 1912. The building has a beautiful and fancy style called Neoclassical.

In 1995, this synagogue was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site. Now, the building is used by a Christian church called Thomas Chapel.

About the Building

The former Ahavas Sholem Synagogue is located on White Street. This is a short street in a neighborhood called The Hill in New Haven. The building is made of gold-colored brick. It has special trim made of limestone.

Architectural Style

The building has a very nice Neoclassical look. The front of the building, called the façade, is especially pretty. The first floor has limestone, which continues around the arched windows on the second floor.

Above the main entrance, there's a sign. It tells the name of the original Jewish group. It also shows the year the building was finished, using the Hebrew calendar. Some of the original windows have the Star of David carved into them. This symbol also appears in a rounded shape at the top of the roof.

History of the Synagogue

A Jewish group, or congregation, started in this area in 1912. They followed Orthodox traditions. This meant they needed to walk to their religious services on the Sabbath. Because of this, many small congregations like this one were formed.

The building itself was built in 1928. The Jewish congregation used it for many years. However, in the 1960s, most of its members moved away. The building then became home to a Christian church. This church is called the Thomas Hill Chapel Church of Christ.

National Recognition

In 1995, the Ahavas Sholem Synagogue was recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened as part of a special project. This project listed fifteen important synagogues in Connecticut.

See also

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