Keneseth Israel (Louisville, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Keneseth Israel |
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Keneseth Israel synagogue
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Conservative Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Ben Freed |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 2531 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky |
 Location in Kentucky
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| Administration | United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Joseph & Joseph (1928) |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Date established | 1882 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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Keneseth Israel is a special Jewish place of worship called a synagogue. It is located in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. This synagogue follows a type of Judaism known as Conservative Judaism.
The original building for this congregation was built in Louisville in 1928. It was designed by a team of architects named Joseph & Joseph. This building was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it was recognized as an important historical site. Sadly, the original synagogue building was badly damaged in a fire in 2021. After checking how safe it was, the building had to be taken down.
Contents
History of Keneseth Israel
How the Congregation Started
The Keneseth Israel congregation began a long time ago, in 1882. Back then, it was an Orthodox Jewish group called B'nai Jacob. In 1927, B'nai Jacob joined with another Orthodox group, Beth HaMedrash HaGadol. Together, they formed the congregation known as Keneseth Israel.
Moving to New Homes
In 1928, the new Keneseth Israel congregation had a synagogue built on East Jacob Street in Louisville. Before that, their earliest building was actually a former church. In 1901, when the congregation was still called B'nai Israel, they built a new synagogue on East Jefferson Street. This building had two tall towers with pyramid-shaped roofs. It was decorated with red and white stripes in a style called Moorish Revival, which was popular for synagogues at that time.
For most of its history, Keneseth Israel was an Orthodox synagogue. It was connected with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. However, in 1994, the members of the synagogue voted to join the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. This meant they became a Conservative synagogue.
Who Leads Keneseth Israel?
Today, the Keneseth Israel congregation is led by Rabbi Ben Freed. They also have a Cantor named Sharon Hordes.
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Downtown Louisville, Kentucky
- Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue
