History of the Jews in Brazos County, Texas facts for kids

Jewish settlement in Brazos County, Texas, started in 1865. This article tells the story of the Jewish communities and people who live in Brazos County and are part of Texas A&M University.

Temple Freda: A Historic Synagogue

One of the first Jewish places of worship, called a synagogue or temple, in Brazos County is Temple Freda. It was built in 1912. This special building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1983. This means it's an important historical site in the United States.

Temple Freda is one of the three oldest religious buildings in Brazos County. It was named after Ethel Freda Kaczer (1860–1912). She was the wife of the leader of the Jewish community when the temple was built. It is very special for a Jewish place of worship to be named after a woman.

Texas A&M Hillel: Supporting Jewish Students

Texas A&M Hillel is the oldest Hillel Foundation group in the United States. Hillel organizations help Jewish college students connect with their faith and community. This group started in 1920. This was three years before the national Hillel Foundation began at the University of Illinois.

Texas A&M Hillel first began as the TAMC Menorah Club. It was started in 1916 by Jacob Joseph Taubenhaus. He and his wife Esther officially founded the "TAMC Hillel Club" in 1920. They received help from Rabbi David Lefkowitz. In 1958, Texas A&M Hillel opened its own building. This gave students a dedicated place to gather. Rabbi Peter Tarlow was the leader of Texas A&M Hillel from 1983 to 2013.

Chabad of Brazos Valley: A Community Center

Chabad of Brazos Valley is also known as the Chabad Center of Texas A&M. This center was founded on July 10, 2007. Chabad centers are places where Jewish people can learn, pray, and celebrate together. They often serve as a home away from home for students and families.

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