Baron Hirsch Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baron Hirsch Synagogue |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Ian Lichter |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 400 South Yates Road, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Tennessee
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| Architecture | |
| Date established | c. 1862 – c. 1864 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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The Baron Hirsch Synagogue is a large Modern Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue. It is located in Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States. The congregation started around 1862 to 1864.
In the 1950s, it became the biggest Orthodox Jewish congregation in North America. It still holds this important position today. The synagogue's former building, built in the 1950s, is a cool example of the International Style. This building is part of a special area called the Vollintine Hills Historic District. Many houses in this district were built by members of the synagogue.
Contents
History of Baron Hirsch Synagogue
Early Beginnings (1860s–1910)
The first Jewish community in Memphis grew in a downtown area called the "Pinch District." This area was known for new immigrants settling there.
In the 1860s, a group of Jewish immigrants wanted to follow traditional Orthodox practices. They started praying together in different places. These included rooms above stores, private homes, and a hotel. Rabbi I. Myerowitz was their first spiritual leader from 1891 to 1893.
Around 1890 or 1892, the group officially became the Baron Hirsch Benevolent Society. They named it after Baron Moritz de Hirsch, a famous Jewish helper from France.
In the same year, they bought an old church building. It was at 4th Street and Washington Avenue in the Pinch District. They used it as their synagogue. By 1904, about 85 families were members.
Growing Stronger (1910–1920s)
The Baron Hirsch congregation kept growing. They tore down their old building and built a new, bigger synagogue in 1915. This new building cost about $35,000.
The main prayer area in the new synagogue could hold over 700 people. In 1928, they built the Menorah Institute next to the synagogue. This building had classrooms and space for social events. The Jewish population in Memphis was about 7,000 people by 1920.
Challenges and Support (1930s–1940s)
In the 1930s, many Jewish families in Memphis started moving east. They moved from downtown to new neighborhoods. This meant some members had to travel further to attend synagogue.
The congregation faced some challenges during the Great Depression. But by 1941, Baron Hirsch had 500 member families. Its religious school also had 300 children.
During World War II, the synagogue helped soldiers. They turned part of the Menorah Institute into a USO Center. Soldiers could sleep there and attend dances.
The Big Move and Growth (1950s)
After World War II, the synagogue grew a lot. Rabbi Isadore Goodman led the congregation during this time. By the late 1950s, it had over 1,000 families. The religious school had 500 children.
Because of this huge growth, the congregation needed a new, bigger synagogue. Also, many Jewish families had moved away from the downtown Pinch area.
The new synagogue was built in two stages, from 1950–52 and 1955–57. It was built on a large piece of land. This land used to be a golf course. The new building was in midtown Memphis.
When it was finished in 1957, the main prayer hall was huge. It had 2,200 permanent seats. It could fit 1,000 more people if needed. At that time, it was the largest synagogue in the United States.
The new building cost $1,600,000. It was designed by architect George Awsumb. The building had clean, modern lines and was made of gray limestone. Jack Grue designed the beautiful stained glass windows.
Many new houses were built near the synagogue for its members. These houses were close enough to walk to the synagogue. This created a special area now called the Vollintine Hills Historic District.
The congregation's membership doubled in the new synagogue. It became the largest Orthodox congregation in the United States. This growth showed how strong Orthodox Judaism was in Memphis. It also reflected a national trend in the 1950s. More people were joining churches and synagogues across the country.
Moving East Again
Over time, the neighborhoods around the synagogue changed. More members moved further east into the Memphis suburbs. This meant the congregation needed to find another location. They wanted to be within walking distance for most of their members.
Under Rabbi Rafael G. Grossman, the congregation started to move. Baron Hirsch bought the home of musician Isaac Hayes. They turned the mansion into a smaller satellite campus.
By the mid-1980s, almost all members lived in this new eastern area. So, the entire synagogue decided to move. They bought more land next to the satellite site. A new building project began. The large new synagogue and campus on South Yates Road was finished in 1988.
Baron Hirsch Today
The Baron Hirsch Synagogue is still active and growing. It is a Modern Orthodox Zionist congregation.
Today, Rabbi Ian Lichter is the Senior Rabbi. Cantor Ricky Kampf leads the weekly services.
The synagogue continues to improve its community space. Recently, it added a large outdoor area. This is called the Mendelson Park and Playground. In 2022, the synagogue finished a big project to improve its buildings. They also built the new Memphis Mikvah at Baron Hirsch in 2022.
