Ahavath Beth Israel (Boise, Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ahavath Beth Israel |
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Ahavath Beth Israel synagogue, in 2010
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Daniel B. Fink |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 11 North Latah Street, Boise, Idaho 83706 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Idaho
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Chestney & Schroeder |
| Architectural type | Synagogue architecture |
| Architectural style |
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| General contractor | Judkins & Co. |
| Date established | 1986 (merged congregation)
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| Groundbreaking | 1895 |
| Completed |
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| Construction cost | $3,159 |
| Materials | Wood, shingles |
Ahavath Beth Israel is a Jewish place of worship, also known as a synagogue, located in Boise, Idaho. Its name comes from Hebrew and means "Love of the House of Israel." This synagogue follows the Reform tradition, which is a modern form of Judaism.
The building used by Ahavath Beth Israel was built in 1896. It is one of the oldest synagogues in the western United States that has been used continuously. The congregation is part of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Contents
History of Ahavath Beth Israel
Early Jewish Settlers in Boise
Jewish people first arrived in Boise, Idaho, in the 1860s. Many of them were involved in mining. Over time, more Jewish families settled in the area.
Forming the First Congregation
In 1895, the first Jewish group in Boise was officially formed. It was called Congregation Beth Israel, which means "House of Israel." Most of its members came from Germany and Central Europe. They practiced Reform Judaism, which is a more modern way of Jewish worship.
An important early leader of this congregation was Moses Alexander. He later became the mayor of Boise and even the governor of Idaho.
The Original Building
The building for Congregation Beth Israel was finished in 1896. It was carefully restored in 1982 to keep its original look.
A New Congregation Forms
Later, in 1912, another Jewish group started in Boise. This group was called Congregation Ahavath Israel, meaning "Love of Israel." Its members were Orthodox Jews who had moved from Eastern Europe. Orthodox Judaism follows traditional Jewish laws very strictly.
This new congregation built its own synagogue in 1947. It was located at the corner of 27th and Bannock Streets.
Two Become One
In 1986, the two congregations, Beth Israel and Ahavath Israel, decided to join together. They formed one new congregation called Ahavath Beth Israel. This brought together both Reform and Orthodox traditions.
The Synagogue Building
Architectural Style
The synagogue building, built in 1896, has a unique look. It combines two popular architectural styles from that time. The outside of the building mainly shows the Rundbogenstil style, which means "round arch style" in German. This style uses rounded arches in its design.
You can also see elements of Moorish Revival style. This style was inspired by the architecture of ancient Islamic buildings. For example, the tall windows next to the large rose window are shaped like Horseshoe arches. These are arches that curve inward at the bottom, like a horseshoe.
Inside the Synagogue
The Moorish Revival details continue inside the building. The ceiling is shaped like a barrel-vault, which looks like the inside of a cut barrel. This ceiling is supported by more horseshoe arches. The original architect even described the building as having a "modern Moorish style."
A Historic Landmark
In 1972, the Ahavath Beth Israel synagogue was recognized as an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
Moving the Building
In 2003, something very unusual happened. The entire synagogue building was moved from its first location on State Street to its current spot on Latah Street. Moving a whole building is a big and careful process!
During the move, workers found old papers. These papers showed that famous people and companies helped pay for the original building. These included Marshall Field, who founded a large department store, and Levi Strauss & Co., the company known for making jeans.
