Temple B'nai Sholom (Huntsville, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple B'nai Sholom |
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The synagogue building, in 2009
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi P.J. Schwartz |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 103 Lincoln Street SE, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Huntsville, Alabama
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | R.H. Hunt |
| Architectural type | Synagogue architecture |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Date established | 1876 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1899 |
Temple B'nai Sholom is a special Jewish place of worship, also known as a synagogue. Its name means "Children of Peace" in Hebrew. You can find it in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. This congregation, or group of people who worship together, started on July 30, 1876. The building you see today was officially opened on November 26, 1899. It's actually the oldest synagogue building in Alabama that has been used continuously since it was built!
Contents
History of Temple B'nai Sholom
Early Years and Growth
When the congregation first started in 1876, they rented a room at the Masonic Lodge. They worked hard to get it ready for the High Holidays, which are important Jewish festivals.
For many years, from the 1890s until 1913, the congregation had full-time rabbis. A rabbi is a Jewish religious leader. Then, for 50 years, they didn't have a resident rabbi. But since 1963, they have always had a full-time rabbi leading their community.
New Residents and Revitalization
In the 1950s, many new people moved to Huntsville. These new residents often worked with NASA and the space program. Others were part of the Army commands located in Huntsville. This brought a lot of new members to Temple B'nai Sholom. Their arrival helped the congregation grow and become more active.
The Synagogue Building
The synagogue building is made of brick. It was designed by an architect named R.H. Hunt. The style of the building is called Romanesque Revival. It was built between 1898 and 1899.
This historic building is very important. It was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on July 29, 1977. It is also part of the Old Town Historic District in Huntsville. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since July 18, 1978. The building was also updated and fixed up in 1994.
Jewish Heritage Center
In 2017, Temple B'nai Sholom opened something special called the Jewish Heritage Center. This center has a permanent exhibit. It tells the story of the Jewish community in Huntsville. It also shows how much they have helped Huntsville's culture and civic life. You can even take tours of the museum to learn more!
See also
- List of the oldest synagogues in the United States
External links
