Temple Beth-El (Corsicana, Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple Beth-El |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Former Temple Beth-El, now community center
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism (former) |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status |
|
| Ownership | City of Corsicana |
| Status | Closed; restored and repurposed |
| Location | |
| Location | 208 South Fifteenth Street, Corsicana, Texas |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Texas
|
|
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style |
|
| Date established | 1871 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1898 |
| Specifications | |
| Dome(s) | Two |
| Materials | Clapboard |
Temple Beth-El is a historic building in Corsicana, Texas. It used to be a synagogue, which is a Jewish house of worship. The building is located at 208 South 15th Street.
It was a synagogue for people who followed Reform Judaism. This is a branch of Judaism that adapts traditions to modern life. The building was used as a synagogue from 1898 to 1980.
The building has a special look called Moorish Revival architecture. This style uses designs inspired by buildings from North Africa and Spain. Since 1990, the building has been used as a community center for the city.
Contents
Historic Status of Temple Beth-El
Temple Beth-El is recognized as an important historical site. In 1981, it became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. This means it's a building that tells an important story about Texas history.
On February 3, 1987, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Temple Beth-El is also one of two State Antiquities Landmarks in Navarro County.
History of the Jewish Community in Corsicana
The Jewish community in Corsicana started a group in 1871. At first, they met in each other's homes. They saved money to build their own synagogue.
Building the Synagogue
The synagogue building was finished in 1898. It was built for a Reform Jewish group. The building is made of wood and has a special design. It features unique keyhole windows on the front doors. It also has two octagonal towers with onion domes on top. These domes look like onions and are common in Moorish Revival style.
Early Leaders and Members
Julius Magil was one of the first rabbis (religious leaders) at the new synagogue. He was born in 1870 in a place called Mitau, which is now part of Latvia. He studied at universities in Switzerland and also studied medicine. He earned a Ph.D. in 1898.
In 1900, many of the people who attended Temple Beth-El were immigrants. About 66% of the members were from other countries. More than half of these immigrants came from places like Poland, Russia, or Hungary. About 19% were from Germany, and another 19% were from France.
It was interesting that Temple Beth-El was a Reform synagogue. This is because many Jewish people from Eastern Europe often followed Orthodox Judaism, which is a more traditional form. But at Temple Beth-El, many Eastern European members chose Reform Judaism.
Rabbi Ernest Joseph was the spiritual leader of Temple Beth-El from 1968 to 1980.
Changes Over Time
In 1980, Temple Beth-El stopped being a regular synagogue. However, a local rabbi still leads a Jewish service there once a month. Around 1990, the building was given to the City of Corsicana. The city now uses it as a community center for everyone.
The building has been carefully looked after. In 2010, the beautiful stained glass windows were repaired. In 2013, the front of the building (called the façade) and its domes were also restored. This helps keep the historic building looking its best.
See also
