Shearith Israel Synagogue (Columbus, Ga.) Records
Collection
Identifier: Mss 092
Scope and Contents
The social historian interested in the growth and development of both secular and spiritual Jewish life in the South will find this collection of special interest. All material is arranged in alphabetical order by subject and chronologically within each folder.
Dates
- 1915 - 1997
Creator
- Shearith Israel Synagogue (Columbus, Ga.) (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
Shearith Israel Synagogue was founded in 1892 in Columbus, Georgia, by approximately fifteen Jewish families of Eastern European origin. For the first twenty years, members of the synagogue congregated in various vacant buildings, rooms and member’s homes. In 1913, Shearith Israel moved to its first permanent home with the building of a synagogue structure in downtown Columbus on First Avenue and 7th Street. Throughout the 1900s, the synagogue grew from the original fifteen founders to the current membership of over 100 families. The 1950s marked a time of considerable growth for Shearith Israel. The arrival of Rabbi Kassel Abelson in 1952 coincided with the congregation’s move to a larger and more modern building. At this time, the congregation also became affiliated with United Synagogue of America and became active in the Conservative movement. As a result, Shearith Israel’s United Synagogue Youth (USY) chapter became extremely active within the congregation and the entire southeast region. The sisterhood also gained momentum with assistance and guidance from the Women’s League of Conservative Judaism. Throughout the ensuing decades, Shearith Israel continued to evolve and develop from its humble beginning in 1892. Over the years, the synagogue has retained an important presence as a conservative Jewish congregation despite its location in a predominantly non-Jewish southern environment.
Extent
1.6 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Shearith Israel Synagogue was founded in 1892 in Columbus, Georgia, by approximately fifteen Jewish families of Eastern European origin. Over the years, the synagogue has retained an important presence as a conservative Jewish congregation despite its location in a predominantly non-Jewish southern environment. The collection consists of correspondence, minutes, financial records, bulletins, newsletters, and membership records.
Arrangement
All material is arranged in alphabetical order and chronologically within each folder.
Physical Location
The Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History, The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
Separated Materials
Audio and video material removed to visual arts collection and oversized material removed to oversized collection.
- Columbus (Ga.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Congregation Shearith Israel. Sisterhood (Atlanta, Ga.) Subject Source: Local sources
- Conservative Judaism Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Jewish preaching Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Jews -- Georgia -- Columbus Subject Source: Local sources
- Rabbis -- United States Subject Source: Local sources
- United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Creator
- Shearith Israel Synagogue (Columbus, Ga.) (Organization)
- Title
- Shearith Israel Synagogue (Columbus, Ga.) Records, Mss 092
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Sandra Berman
- Date
- September 2000
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Repository
Contact:
1440 Spring St. NW
Atlanta Georgia 30309 United States
678-222-3700
1440 Spring St. NW
Atlanta Georgia 30309 United States
678-222-3700
