Society Hill Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Society Hill Synagogue |
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The synagogue in 2013
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Unaffiliated |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | |
| Leadership |
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| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 418 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Architecture | |
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| Architectural type | Church |
| Date established | 1967 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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| Direction of façade | North |
The Society Hill Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship located in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is an independent congregation, meaning it is not officially connected to a larger Jewish movement.
Today, the synagogue is home to about 300 families. It offers many activities, including services for Shabbat and holidays. There's also a playschool for young children and a Hebrew school for older students. The synagogue provides adult education, social events, and programs that bring different generations together. It also focuses on helping the community through social action projects.
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A Look at the Synagogue's History
The Society Hill Synagogue building, located at 418 Spruce Street, has a long and interesting past. It was first built in 1829 as a church. Later, it became a synagogue, and it continues to be one today. The building is part of the Society Hill Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
From Church to Synagogue
The building was originally designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter in 1829. It was built for the Spruce Street Baptist Church. Walter was also involved with the church as a clerk and Sunday school superintendent. In 1851, the church building was made larger. Walter also added a new front part with small domes on the sides. More additions were made to the back of the building in 1871 and 1877.
The Spruce Street Baptist Church moved to a new location in 1908. It is still an active church today in Newtown Square.
The Great Roumanian Shul
In 1910, the building was sold and bought by the Roumanian American Congregation. This group was a merger of two smaller congregations. The synagogue became well-known as the Great Roumanian Shul. It served many Eastern European Jewish families in Philadelphia. It was a central place for the city's Roumanian Jewish community.
After World War II, the Society Hill neighborhood changed. Many Jewish families moved to the suburbs. The synagogue's membership decreased, and the building began to show its age.
The Modern Society Hill Synagogue
In the 1960s, new Jewish families moved into the Society Hill area. They were looking for a place to worship. This new group bought the historic building in 1967.
Restoration work on the building started in 1968. Architect Henry J. Magaziner led this project. The restoration cost $300,000. It included fixing the original 1829 building and adding modern features like air-conditioning. A new social area and kitchen were also added. At that time, the synagogue had about 100 member families.
More work was done in 1971. The building is recognized as a Philadelphia City Landmark. It is also listed on state and national lists of historic places. In 1985, architect James A. Oleg Kruhly designed a new part for the building. In 2005, the synagogue completed over $80,000 worth of interior work. This included adding a permanent Beit Midrash, which is a study hall.
In 2007, the synagogue bought the building next door to add more classrooms. Between 2007 and 2019, the synagogue raised over $4 million. This money was used to buy the neighboring building and make big improvements. Construction began in 2020 and finished in 2021.
In June 2021, the synagogue opened its new Paula Kline Learning Center. This three-story center is connected to the historic synagogue building. The new construction expanded the Social Hall and renovated the Beit Midrash. It also added six new classrooms and a large private courtyard. An elevator and restrooms that meet accessibility standards were also installed.
The Society Hill Synagogue is an independent congregation. Its services combine traditions from different Jewish movements. The synagogue welcomes all kinds of people. This includes interfaith couples, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and people with different abilities.
Ivan Caine was the Rabbi from the synagogue's start in 1967 until 2001. Cantor Alan Cohn served the synagogue from 1974 to 2000. Avi Winokur was the Rabbi from 2001 to 2020. Nathan Kamesar became the Associate Rabbi in 2018 and then the main Rabbi in July 2020. Jessi Roemer has been the Cantor since 2018.
Today, the congregation has over 300 families. Its Playschool has almost 70 children, and its Hebrew School has over 80 children.
See also
