When Selma had a much larger Jewish population, Temple Mishkan Israel regularly served as the place of worship. Built in 1899, the synagogue is primarily used for special services now.
The Jewish presence began growing here in the 1830s. Many came from Western Europe, some to work in early industrialist Phillip John Weaver's 11 businesses or to begin businesses themselves. Others came as merchants, traveling the Alabama River from Mobile to Selma. Through World War II, downtown Selma was dominated by Jewish businesses: Rothschild's, Kayser's, Teppers, Bendersky's, Eagle's, Boston Bargain, Barton's, Adler Furniture, Siegel Automobile, Bloch Brothers Hardware, Schuster Hardware, Hohenberg Cotton Company, Kahn Brick, Lewis Cigar, American Candy.
They were civic-minded as well. Selma has had three Jewish mayors, several city council presidents, chamber of commerce presidents and others. During World War II, refugees from Europe were sponsored by local people.
6 comments:
ce temple est magnifique, la couleur des murs, son architecture, bravo
this temple is splendid, the color of the walls, its architecture, cheer
Thanks for comment on my post (nelson) today. It was very nice to have your comment.
A huge imposing structure which is quite beautiful,too.
I like this photograph. The colors are so warm.
Abraham Lincoln
who do I contact for the Temple to be used? I would like to use it for a wedding. Not a full Jewish ceremony, but one where God would be present with two people in love and their family. I observe the Sabbath and can think of no other place to be joined in matrimony.
I grew up there from age 18. I was married there in 80's and my son had his Bar Mitzvah there in 2007. It was beautiful but the poor building is in bad need of repair. The interior is falling apart. I know it is on a historic saving site to help with repairs.
It is a sight to behold. I am honored and privileged to have experienced the ruach there.
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