B'er Chayim Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids B'er Chayim Temple |
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The synagogue, in 2008
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Mark J. Perman |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Union and South Centre Streets, Cumberland, Maryland |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Maryland
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Synagogue architecture |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| General contractor | John B. Walton |
| Date established | 1853 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1866 |
B'er Chayim Temple is a special Jewish place of worship, also known as a synagogue. It is located in Cumberland, Maryland, in the United States. The name "B'er Chayim" comes from Hebrew and means "Well of Life." This name is a way to say that the Torah, which is a very important Jewish text, is like water – essential for life. This synagogue follows the Reform Judaism tradition. As of 2008, about 72 families were members of B'er Chayim.
This temple is very old! It is the oldest synagogue building in Maryland that has been used continuously as a synagogue. It is also the sixth oldest synagogue building still in use in the entire United States.
Contents
Who Leads the Temple?
The people who lead B'er Chayim Temple help guide the community and its services.
Meet the Rabbi
Since July 2016, Rabbi Mark J. Perman has been the rabbi at B'er Chayim. A rabbi is a Jewish religious leader. Rabbi Perman grew up in New York City. He studied at several colleges, including Hebrew Union College. He became a cantor (a singer who leads prayers) in 1997. Later, he became a rabbi in 2013. Before coming to B'er Chayim, he worked as a cantor in Houston.
Temple President
Lee Schwartz serves as the president of B'er Chayim. The president helps manage the synagogue's activities and community.
What Happens at B'er Chayim?
B'er Chayim Temple holds regular services and special events throughout the year.
Weekly Services
Shabbat services are held every Friday evening. Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest and spiritual enrichment.
Special Holidays
The synagogue celebrates many important Jewish holidays. These include Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), and Chanukah (the Festival of Lights).
Learning About Torah
People can also join Torah study sessions. These sessions are held twice a month. They are a chance to learn more about the Torah and Jewish teachings.
A Look at History
B'er Chayim Temple has a long and interesting history in Cumberland.
Early Days
The first Jewish person recorded living in Cumberland was in 1816. By 1853, twelve Jewish families lived in the city. In that year, the B'er Chayim congregation officially started. When the temple was first built, the congregation followed Orthodox Judaism. Today, it is a Reform congregation.
Building the Temple
Between 1865 and 1867, the congregation built its synagogue. It is a two-story building with a Greek Revival style. It is located at the corner of South Centre and Union Streets. The building cost about $7,427 to build. Local builder John B. Walton constructed it.
When the temple first opened, prayers and sermons were often spoken in German, not Hebrew.
Joining Together
In 1996, another synagogue in Cumberland, Beth Jacob Synagogue, joined with B'er Chayim Temple.
Recent Renovations
In 2011, the synagogue underwent a big renovation. Workers fixed the brickwork and restored the iron gates outside. They also improved the inside of the building. A very important change was making the synagogue accessible for wheelchairs. The building officially reopened on August 17, 2014. A special ceremony to rededicate the synagogue took place on November 7, 2014. The Cumberland Historic Preservation Board even gave B'er Chayim an award for its excellent restoration work.
See also
- 1866 in architecture
- List of oldest synagogues in the United States
- History of the Jews in Maryland
