KAM Isaiah Israel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KAM Isaiah Israel |
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Hebrew: קהלת אנשי מערב
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KAM synagogue building, in 2021
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi David Young |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 1100 East Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Chicago metropolitan area
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| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Byzantine Revival |
| Date established | 1847 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1924 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Capacity |
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| Dome(s) | Three (1 large; 2 small) |
| Spire(s) | One (reminiscent of a minaret) |
| Designated | June 9, 1977 |
KAM Isaiah Israel is a Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue. It is located in the historic Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. This synagogue is the oldest Jewish congregation in Chicago. It started in 1847 as Kehilath Anshe Ma'arav, which means "Congregation of the Men of the West."
Contents
History of the Congregation
Early Beginnings in Chicago
The congregation Kehilath Anshe Ma'arav was founded on November 3, 1847. Twenty men, many from Bavaria, started it in a dry-goods store. This store was located at 155 East Lake Street in Chicago. At that time, this area was the center of Chicago's small Jewish community.
The new congregation first met above the store. As more people joined, they needed a bigger space. They leased land at Clark and Quincy streets. Construction of a small wooden synagogue began there. This building cost $12,000 and could hold 450 people. It was officially opened on June 13, 1851.
Moving and Rebuilding
After only two years, their land lease ended. The congregation had to move the new building in 1853. It was moved to Adams and Wells Street. This synagogue survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. However, it was later destroyed by the Chicago Fire of 1874.
In 1890, KAM moved into a new temple. This building was designed by famous architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. It was located in Bronzeville. In 1924, the congregation moved again to a private home in Hyde Park. The old synagogue building became the Pilgrim Baptist Church. This church is known as the birthplace of Gospel music. It was recognized as a historic place in 1973. It also became a Chicago Landmark in 1981. Sadly, it was partly destroyed by fire in 2006.
Merging Congregations
In 1971, KAM joined with another Reform Jewish group called Isaiah Israel. This group had built the synagogue that stands today. Together, they became known as KAM Isaiah Israel.
The Current Synagogue Building
The synagogue is in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago. This area is known for its large homes. Famous people like Barack Obama and Muhammad Ali have lived nearby.
The synagogue building was completed in 1924. It was built for the Isaiah Israel congregation. The style of the building is called Byzantine Revival. This style looks similar to old Byzantine buildings.
The main architect was Alfred S. Alschuler. He was inspired by photos of an ancient synagogue in Tiberias, Israel. The building has a tall spire that looks like a minaret. This spire is actually a chimney behind the building, not on top of the main dome. Later additions to the building were designed by John Alschuler, Alfred's son, and Ron Dirsmith. The building was officially named a Chicago Landmark on June 9, 1977.
Notable Members
Many important people have been members of KAM Isaiah Israel. Here are a few:
- Dankmar Adler: A German-born architect and engineer.
- Leon Despres: An author, lawyer, and Chicago city official.
- Solomon Freehof: A rabbi who served the congregation from 1924 to 1934.
- Arthur Goldberg: A politician who was the 9th U.S. Secretary of Labor. He also served as a judge on the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Max Janowski: A German-born composer of Jewish religious music.
- Donald N. Levine: A sociologist and professor at the University of Chicago.
- Abner Mikva: A politician who was a U.S. Representative and a federal judge.
- Martha Nussbaum: A philosopher and professor at the University of Chicago.
- Sara Paretsky: An author known for her detective stories.
- Arnold Jacob Wolf: A rabbi who served the congregation from 1980 to 2000.
See also
- History of the Jews in Chicago
- List of Chicago Landmarks
- Pilgrim Baptist Church
- Other synagogues built in the Neo-Byzantine style:
- Hurva Synagogue, Jerusalem, Israel
- Grand Choral Synagogue, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, Connecticut
