Historic Congregation B'nai Abraham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Historic Congregation B’nai Abraham |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership |
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| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 523-527 Lombard Street, Society Hill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147 |
| Country | United States |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles W. Bolton & Sons |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Byzantine Revival |
| General contractor | Saml. Lashner & Co. |
| Date established | 1874 (as a congregation) |
| Groundbreaking | 1909 |
| Completed | 1910 |
| Construction cost | $28,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | South |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
Historic Congregation B’nai Abraham, also known as B’nai Abraham Chabad, is an Orthodox Jewish place of worship called a synagogue. It is located in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, USA.
This congregation was started in 1874. The building you see today was finished in 1910. People can attend services here daily, on the Shabbat (Sabbath), and on Jewish holidays. B'nai Abraham also has a Jewish Preschool and is home to Lubavitch of Center City.
Contents
Early Years: The "Russian Shul" (1874-1891)
B'nai Abraham began in 1874 and was first known as the "Russian shul." This was because many of its first members were Jewish immigrants from Russia. Over time, it was called by several names, including B’nai Abraham Anshe Russa and Congregation B’nai Abraham.
Rabbi Israel M. Sacks became the first official rabbi of the congregation around 1881.
In the 1880s, many Jewish people moved to Philadelphia from Russia and Eastern Europe. They settled in the city's Jewish quarter, and B'nai Abraham grew. In 1885, the congregation bought a building at 521 Lombard Street for $3,000. This building had been built in 1820 by a church. Important rabbis from other Philadelphia congregations attended the dedication of the synagogue building in 1885.
Rabbi Bernard Levinthal's Leadership (1891-1953)
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In 1889, Rabbi Eliazar Kleinberg became the congregation's rabbi. He served for two years. In September 1891, his son-in-law, Rabbi Bernard L. Levinthal, took over. Rabbi Levinthal led the congregation for a very long time, until he passed away on September 23, 1952.
By 1900, B'nai Abraham had 225 members.
Building the New Synagogue
In 1909, B'nai Abraham decided to build a new synagogue. They hired Samuel Lashner & Co. as the contractor. The new building cost $28,000. It was designed by architect Charles W. Bolton & Co. in the Byzantine Revival style. This style was inspired by old Byzantine architecture.
The architects looked at the Pike Street Synagogue in New York City for ideas. Demolition of the old building started on May 10, 1909. The new, beautiful building was officially opened in April 1910.
In July 1926, lightning struck the building. This caused a fire that damaged the property, costing $75,000 to repair. Luckily, all twenty-three Torah scrolls inside the synagogue were saved from the fire.
B'nai Abraham Today (1954-Present)
After Rabbi Levinthal passed away, Rabbi H. Zvi Gottesman became the part-time rabbi in 1954.
In the 1960s and 1970s, fewer Jewish people lived in the Society Hill area. By 1974, B'nai Abraham identified as a Conservative congregation.
Rabbi Ezekiel Musleah, who was from Kolkata, served as rabbi from 1979 to 1982.
Rabbi Yochonon Goldman became the congregation's rabbi in 2000. He continues to serve the community today.
In 2011, the congregation had 75 members.
Today, Congregation B'nai Abraham at 523-527 Lombard Street is the oldest synagogue in Philadelphia that was built as a synagogue and is still used as one.
The Philadelphia Historical Commission recognized Congregation B'nai Abraham as a historic place on December 31, 1984.
See also
