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 an important Jewish synagogue in Huntsville, Alabama. Its name means "Sons of Peace" in Hebrew. This synagogue is a place where Jewish people gather for worship and community events. The congregation started on July 30, 1876. The building you see today opened on November 26, 1899. It is the oldest synagogue building in Alabama that has been used continuously since it was built.
History of Temple B'nai Sholom
When Temple B'nai Sholom first started, it was a small group. They worked hard to get their rented room ready for the High Holidays in 1876.
In 1963, the congregation hired its first full-time rabbi in 50 years. They have had a full-time rabbi ever since.
The synagogue building is made of brick. It was designed by an architect named R.H. Hunt. The building was constructed between 1898 and 1899. It was built in the Romanesque Revival style, which is a type of architecture that looks back to old Roman buildings.
The building is recognized as an important historical site. 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, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since July 18, 1978. The synagogue building was updated and repaired in 1994.
In February 2015, the synagogue held a special "Wedding Week." Many couples were married in the building when same-sex marriages became legal in Alabama. In March 2015, Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar, who worked at Temple B'nai Sholom, was named one of "America's Most Inspiring Rabbis."
In 2017, Temple B'nai Sholom opened the Jewish Heritage Center. This is a special exhibit that shares the history of the Jewish community in Huntsville. It also shows how they have helped Huntsville's culture and community grow. You can take tours of the museum to learn more.
See also
- List of the oldest synagogues in the United States
