Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Israel |
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Hebrew: קאנגרעגיישאן שבטי ישורון עזרת ישראל
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The synagogue in 2012
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Unaffiliated, yet Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Lay led |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 2015 S 4th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Philadelphia
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Synagogue |
| Date established |
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| Completed | 1909 |
| Capacity | 80 worshippers |
Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Israel is a Jewish community and synagogue in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located in the Pennsport neighborhood. The congregation moved to its current building in 1909. It is the oldest synagogue building and community that has been active without stopping in South Philadelphia.
The services are led by regular members of the community. They follow the Ashkenazi tradition. The synagogue also hosts cultural events and offers tours for the public.
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A Look at the Congregation's History
The congregation first started in 1876 on Bainbridge Street. It officially became "Shivtei Yeshurun" in 1892. Between 1881 and 1924, many Jewish people from Eastern Europe moved to Philadelphia. This caused the Jewish community to grow.
The congregation moved to its current home at 2015 South 4th Street in 1909. This is near 4th Street and Snyder Avenue. Skilled people from the community helped redesign the inside of the synagogue. It became a busy place for services and community gatherings.
Max Karafin came to Philadelphia from Odessa in the 1920s. He served as the cantor, leading the singing during services. His wife, Baila Karafin, helped start the Ladies Auxiliary in the 1930s. This group supported community members who needed help during the Great Depression.
After World War II, many families moved out of South Philadelphia to the suburbs. To stay strong, Shivtei Yeshuron joined with other synagogues. In 1961, it combined with Mishkan Israel and Raim Ahuvim. In 1968, it merged with Heisner and Congregation Ezras Israel. This created Shivtei Yeshurun - Heisner Ezras Israel. Later, it welcomed members from six other synagogues that closed between 1970 and 1983.
Rabbi Wilner led High Holiday services from the 1970s until 2005. Rabbi Yadidya Dagovitz led Sabbath services from the 1980s until his passing in 2004. He also joined Rabbi Wilner for the High Holidays. The congregation was one of two active synagogues in South Philadelphia until 2019. Today, the congregation meets for Sabbath services on the first Saturday of each month. They also hold High Holiday services and host speakers, music, and community events.
The Synagogue Building
The building where the congregation meets was built between 1886 and 1895. It was first a store with apartments on the upper floors. There was also a horse stable in the back. When the congregation moved in, many members were skilled workers. They were tinworkers, carpenters, and electricians. They did a lot of work to change the building.
They built the ark, a special cabinet for the Torah scrolls, on the east wall. It was dedicated in 1916. They also added columns to the front entrance. These columns make the building stand out from other homes and stores on the street. The walls and ceilings inside the main prayer area are made of tin. City maps show that the building changed from a store to a synagogue between 1914 and 1919.
In 2007, a wall of the old stable building collapsed. This put the whole building, including the synagogue, in danger. The city said the property was unsafe. The synagogue risked losing its building if it didn't fix it. The leaders of the synagogue, with help from architect Joel Spivak, raised money. They started to repair the building.
James F. Kenney, who was a Councilman at the time, grew up in the neighborhood. He offered to help save this historic community site. The congregation was able to reopen for High Holiday services in 2008. The renovations were fully finished in 2009.
Bringing the Synagogue Back to Life
The renovations from 2007 to 2009 helped the congregation keep its building. It also helped make the synagogue a special place for both the Jewish and wider Philadelphia communities.
In 2010, the synagogue raised money to repair its main Torah scroll. This is a very important scroll used during services.
The synagogue hosted a Hanukkah party in December 2011. In January 2012, it held an arts event called "Studio Aggada: New Ideas Lab."
In June 2013, Shivtei Yeshuron was part of the Hidden City Philadelphia Festival. This festival showed off its history in South Philadelphia. It also highlighted its importance as one of the last synagogues built before World War I. The synagogue hosted a machine knitting workshop. It also became a concert space for "Radical Jewish Music: A Concert Series." This series featured music by composer John Zorn. The film Punk Jews was also shown. A Sunday morning speaker series was presented as well.
Jeffrey Stanley put on a play in the synagogue's old 1890s basement during the 2013 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The Andy Statman Trio performed a concert at Shivtei Yeshuron in March 2014. Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron also held a talk in April 2014 to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.
In 2018, the congregation built a Sukkah, a temporary hut used during the Sukkot holiday. They welcomed the wider Philadelphia community to use it.
The Name of the Congregation
The English spelling of the congregation's name has changed over time. In 2019, the congregation calls itself Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Israel. In 1901, an old book called the American Jewish Year Book listed it as Shifte Yeshurun Anshe Philadelphia. A 1954 directory for Philadelphia called the synagogue Shivtai Jeshurun.
See also
- Jewish Quarter of Philadelphia
- History of the Jews in Philadelphia
Images for kids
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The synagogue in 2012
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Synagogue interior in 2014
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Synagogue exterior in 2016
