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 synagogue in Philadelphia. It is located in the Society Hill neighborhood of Center City. The Jewish community formed in 1874, and the synagogue building was finished in 1910.
People can attend daily, weekly (Shabbat), and holiday services here. The synagogue also has a Jewish Preschool and is home to Lubavitch of Center City.
Contents
The Early Years: The Russian Shul (1874-1891)
B'nai Abraham started in 1874. It was first known as the "Russian shul." This was because many of its members were Jewish immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe. They settled in Philadelphia's Jewish quarter.
In 1881, Rabbi Israel M. Sacks became the first official rabbi of the congregation.
By 1885, the congregation bought a building at 521 Lombard Street. This building was originally a church. Important rabbis from other Philadelphia congregations attended the dedication of the synagogue.
Rabbi Bernard Leventhal's Time (1891-1953)
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In 1891, Rabbi Bernard L. Levinthal became the new rabbi. He served the congregation for a very long time, until 1952.
By 1900, B'nai Abraham had 225 members. The congregation decided to build a new, larger synagogue.
The new building was designed by Charles W. Bolton & Co. It was built in the Byzantine Revival style. This style often features domes and arches. Construction began in 1909, and the new building was ready in April 1910.
In 1926, lightning struck the building. This caused a fire, but thankfully, all twenty-three of the synagogue's important Torah scrolls were saved.
B'nai Abraham Today (1954-Present)
After Rabbi Levinthal, Rabbi H. Zvi Gottesman took over in 1954.
Over time, the number of Jewish people living in the Society Hill area changed. By 1974, B'nai Abraham identified as a Conservative congregation.
From 1979 to 1982, Rabbi Ezekiel Musleah, who came from Kolkata, served as rabbi.
In 2000, Rabbi Yochonon Goldman became the congregation's rabbi. He continues to lead the community today.
Today, Congregation B'nai Abraham is special. It is the oldest synagogue in Philadelphia that was built as a synagogue and is still used as one.
The Philadelphia Historical Commission recognized its importance. They added B'nai Abraham to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1984.
See also
