Congregation Rodeph Shalom (Philadelphia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation Rodeph Shalom |
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Hebrew: רודף שלום
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Rodeph Shalom Synagogue in 2010
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership |
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| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Philadelphia
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| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
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| Date established | 1795 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Materials | Granite, synthetics, limestone |
Congregation Rodeph Shalom (which means "Pursuer of Peace" in Hebrew) is a very old and important Reform Jewish synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was started in 1795. This makes it the oldest Ashkenazic (meaning from Central or Eastern Europe) synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
Rodeph Shalom is famous for its role in the Reform movement in America. It has also influenced Jewish communities around the world. The synagogue building itself is special. It was built in 1927 with a mix of Byzantine and Moorish Revival styles, plus Art Deco details. It is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Contents
How Rodeph Shalom Began
Starting as a Small Group
The synagogue started informally in 1795. It was a minyan, which is a group of ten Jewish adults needed for public prayer. These first members were Jewish people from Germany, Holland, and Poland.
In 1802, Rodeph Shalom officially adopted its first rules. By 1812, it became the first synagogue in Pennsylvania to get a special legal charter. This meant it was officially recognized.
Early Days and Language
For many years, the synagogue's records were kept in Yiddish (until 1810) and then in German (until 1830). It was mainly known as a place for new immigrants until about 1840.
Rodeph Shalom was different from another local synagogue, Congregation Mikveh Israel. It offered membership at lower prices, or even for free if someone was struggling. The synagogue also helped people in need. For example, rabbis could give up to five dollars to sick or poor members.
First Buildings and Leaders
For its first 70 years, the congregation met in different places around Philadelphia. They finally built their first own building in 1866. It was a Moorish Revival style building on North Broad Street. It was designed by a famous Philadelphia architect named Frank Furness.
At first, regular members led the services. The first official leader of services, or baal tefilla, was Mayer Ullmann. Later, in 1818, Abraham Levy helped lead Sabbath and holiday services. The first formally paid leader, or hazzan, was Rabbi Jacob Lippman. He had to work a second job selling clothes to make enough money.
Becoming a Reform Synagogue
New Ideas in Judaism
In the early 1800s, new ideas began to change Jewish life in America. In 1829, Rabbi Isaac Leeser started giving sermons in English. He wanted Jewish groups to work together. This led to the start of the Reform movement.
Leeser also started the first Jewish Sunday school in 1838. He also created a monthly magazine called The Occident and American Jewish Advocate.
Welcoming New Rabbis
In 1853, Rodeph Shalom was the first synagogue in Philadelphia to hire a new kind of Jewish leader. This was Rabbi Bernard L. Illoway, who had a university degree. He worked as a rabbi, preacher, and Sunday school principal.
Later, in 1866, Rodeph Shalom invited Rabbi Marcus Jastrow to lead their congregation. Rabbi Jastrow was known for his brave actions against the government in Poland.
Jastrow helped create a short-lived rabbinical school called Maimonides College. He taught subjects like philosophy, history, and the Talmud. He also became famous nationally. He edited the Jewish Publication Society's Holy Scriptures and wrote an important dictionary for the Aramaic language.
Changes Under Jastrow
With Rabbi Jastrow's thoughtful sermons, more people joined Rodeph Shalom. In 1869, the synagogue built its first dedicated building in the Moorish style.
Jastrow also started making changes that moved the congregation closer to Reform Judaism. He added a mixed choir (men and women singing together) and an organ. He also removed the separate women's gallery in the synagogue.
The Reform Movement Grows
However, the Reform movement was growing quickly across the country. By 1892, some felt Jastrow was too traditional, and he left. The Pittsburgh Platform of 1885 had set out eight main ideas for Reform Judaism. These ideas included:
- Rejecting old Jewish laws like dietary rules and special clothing.
- Accepting modern science.
- Focusing on teaching good morals.
- Defining Judaism as a religion, not a nationality.
- Rejecting Zionism (the idea of a Jewish state).
- Believing in kindness and understanding among all faiths.
- Working for social justice.
Leaders of Reform Judaism
Henry Berkowitz's Influence
In 1892, Rabbi Henry Berkowitz became the new leader. He was Philadelphia's first American-born rabbi. He started a library at Rodeph Shalom and began publishing his sermons in English. He also made learning German optional at the religious school.
Berkowitz helped create the Jewish Chautauqua Society in 1893. This group helped spread knowledge about Jewish history and taught non-Jews about Judaism. In 1894, he introduced the new Union Prayer Book to the congregation.
Rabbi Berkowitz was also very active in the community. He helped create playgrounds for children in poor neighborhoods. He spoke out against the idea of creating a Jewish state in Palestine. During World War I, he raised money for war victims and visited soldiers.
Louis Wolsey and the New Building
After Berkowitz passed away in 1924, Rabbi Louis Wolsey joined Rodeph Shalom in 1925. He was known for his powerful speeches. Wolsey quickly moved the religious school to the main synagogue building.
In 1928, the congregation needed a bigger space. Under Wolsey's leadership, they built the beautiful synagogue that stands today. It has a magnificent Moorish Revival style. The inside, including its unique star-burst skylights, stained glass windows, and special doors for the Aron Kodesh, was designed by D'Ascenzo Studio.
Like Berkowitz, Wolsey was a leader in the Anti-Zionism movement within Reform Judaism. He also worked for social causes outside the synagogue. He created the Mount Vernon Center for underprivileged children and a Well Baby Clinic to help young mothers. In 1937, he helped improve Pennsylvania's criminal justice system.
Modern Times at Rodeph Shalom
Rabbi David H. Wice's Era
Rabbi David H. Wice led Rodeph Shalom from 1947 to 1981. During his time, the congregation grew a lot and saw many social changes. He made synagogue services more meaningful and connected Judaism to people's daily lives.
As many Jewish families moved to the suburbs, Rabbi Wice created a "Suburban Center" in Elkins Park. This was a spiritual home for those living outside the city. Rabbi Wice also became president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (1973–80). He helped guide the international Reform movement during a time of big changes. It was during his leadership that the movement's main office moved to Jerusalem, showing the importance of Israel in Progressive Jewish life.
Rabbi Richard S. Steinbrink
Rabbi Richard S. Steinbrink became the senior rabbi from 1981 to 1988. He brought back some traditional rituals that were usually only seen in more conservative Jewish services. For example, he wore a black robe and a tallis (prayer shawl) on the bimah (the platform where services are led).
Rabbi Steinbrink also focused on important public issues. These included nuclear arms control, hunger, and problems in public education. He encouraged the congregation to use Jewish values to think about the world and work for positive change.
Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs
Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs was the senior rabbi from 1988 to 1998. Before coming to Rodeph Shalom, he had served as a rabbi in several other cities and even as a US Army chaplain.
Rodeph Shalom Today
Rabbi William I. Kuhn
William I. Kuhn became the senior rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in 1998. He had been an assistant and associate rabbi there since 1994. Rabbi Kuhn has encouraged all members to volunteer their time to help their community.
Rabbi Kuhn grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. His family had founded their synagogue there in the 1860s. He continued their tradition of leadership, especially by helping to create a homeless shelter at his childhood Temple.
Before becoming a rabbi, he worked in business. He was a vice-president of a family-owned retail business and later started his own real estate investment company. He was also active in community affairs in Nashville.
In Philadelphia, Rabbi Kuhn is involved with many Jewish and community organizations. He also served on Mayor John Street's committee and the Human Relations Commission for the City of Philadelphia.
Restoring the Synagogue
In 2003–04, under Rabbi Kuhn's guidance, Rodeph Shalom completed a major restoration of its main sanctuary. The entire building was updated with new electrical wiring, air conditioning, and heating systems. The lighting fixtures were cleaned, the ceiling was painted, and the wallpaper, carpeting, and seats were replaced.
In 2008, Barack Obama spoke in the synagogue during his campaign for president.
Current Leadership
In 2017, Rabbi Jill L. Maderer became the Senior Rabbi of Rodeph Shalom.
See also
