Temple Beth-El (Corsicana, Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple Beth-El |
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Former Temple Beth-El, now community center
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism (former) |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status |
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| Ownership | City of Corsicana |
| Status | Closed; restored and repurposed |
| Location | |
| Location | 208 South Fifteenth Street, Corsicana, Texas |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Texas
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural style |
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| Date established | 1871 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1898 |
| Specifications | |
| Dome(s) | Two |
| Materials | Clapboard |
Temple Beth-El is an old building in Corsicana, Texas. It used to be a synagogue, which is a Jewish place of worship. This synagogue was used by a group called Reform Jews from 1898 to 1980. The building has a special look, called Moorish Revival style. Since 1990, it has been used as a community center for everyone in the city.
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A Special Building: Landmark Status
Temple Beth-El is a very important building. In 1981, it became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. This means it's a special place in Texas history.
Later, on February 3, 1987, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places across the whole United States. Temple Beth-El is also one of two State Antiquities Landmarks in Navarro County.
History of Temple Beth-El
Early Jewish Community
The Jewish community in Corsicana started a group in 1871. At first, they met and worshiped 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 by a group of Reform Jews. The building is made of wood and has a unique design. It features special keyhole windows on the front doors. It also has two round towers with onion domes on top.
People of the Congregation
In 1900, many people in the synagogue were immigrants. Most of them came from places like Poland, Russia, or Hungary. Some members were also from Germany and France.
It was interesting because many Eastern European Jews often followed Orthodox Judaism. But at Temple Beth-El, many members from Eastern Europe, especially Poland, were part of the Reform Jewish group.
Rabbis and Leaders
Julius Magil was one of the first rabbis at the new synagogue. He was born in 1870 in a place that is now part of Latvia. He studied in Switzerland and also had religious training.
Later, Rabbi Ernest Joseph was the spiritual leader of Temple Beth-El. He served the community from 1968 to 1980.
A New Purpose for the Building
In 1980, the Temple Beth-El synagogue closed as a regular place of worship. However, a local rabbi still leads a Jewish service there once a month.
Around 1990, the building was given to the City of Corsicana. Now, the city uses it as a community center for different events.
Restoring the Building
Over the years, the building has been cared for. In 2010, the beautiful stained glass windows were fixed up. In 2013, the front of the building, called the façade, and its unique domes were restored. This helps keep the historic building looking great for everyone to enjoy.
See Also
