Alabama’s oldest synagogue prepares for High Holy Days [VIDEO]

Were you aware that Alabama’s oldest synagogue is here in Huntsville? This year marks the 150th anniversary of Temple B’nai Shalom, and Rabbi P.J. Schwartz says it not only has made the year itself special, but has placed an even greater significance to the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approaching in the coming days.

The rich history and contributions of Huntsville’s Jewish population to the city can be seen just about anywhere you look in the Huntsville community. And Schwartz says this is one reason Temple B’nai Shalom has persevered through 150 years.

How Huntsville’s Jewish community has helped shape the city

Temple B’nai Shalom’s congregation formed in 1976 in the aftermath of the Civil War—the first Jewish congregation established in Alabama—and has grown since then to become a major element in the history of Huntsville.

“When you go to a museum, the symphony, the ballet, a sporting event, all over the city you likely have a reminder of what the Jewish community has contributed to Huntsville.”

_{Rabbi P.J. Schwartz}

Schwartz is not exaggerating. Huntsville City Schools teams play home football games at Milton Frank Stadium (named for Temple B’nai Shalom congregant Milton Frank), we have buildings, schools and roads named for TBS congregants Oscar Goldsmith and Isaac Schiffman; congregant Manya Marcus helped found the Huntsville Community Ballet; and Alvin Dreger, a prominent Huntsville musician and TBS congregant, co-founded the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

These ventures were not only launched by past members of the Jewish community in Huntsville, but they have also been nourished and maintained by current members.

Schwartz also points to the TBS congregation’s contribution to the Huntsville business, healthcare and technology history. One of the congregation’s founders, Morris Bernstein, operated a watch and jewelry business on Eustis Street, and helped found both Temple B’nai Sholom and the local B’nai B’rith chapter.

Robert Herstein, Abraham Newman and Bernard Wise were all original congregants and operated dry goods businesses in Huntsville for decades. The Huntsville business community today includes a bevy of TBS congregation members.

“We are proud of Huntsville, and proud that our congregation has had such an integral role in its establishment and growth. The Jewish community has invested itself in the growth of Huntsville, and the city has invested in us.”

_{Rabbi P.J. Schwartz}

The building itself is part of Huntsville history. The TBS building’s architect is same architect who designed the original Huntsville High School, R.H. Hunt. Situated on the corner of Lincoln Street and Clinton Avenue, the building is a fixture among the city’s historic buildings downtown.

Celebrating the High Holy Days at Temple B’nai Shalom

We are approaching the most sacred time in the Jewish faith at the end of the month. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and is celebrated over the course of two days, which begins the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, called the Days of Awe or the Ten Days of Repentance.

Yom Kippur is Judaism’s holiest day, and is a time for self-reflection, making amends with others and asking for forgiveness.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, with morning, youth and family services following on Saturday, September 12. Here’s the schedule of services:

• Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: Friday, September 11: 8-9PM
• Rosh Hashanah Morning Service: Saturday, September 12: 10-11AM
• Rosh Hashanah Youth Service: Saturday, September 12: 11AM-12PM
• Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service: Saturday, September 12: 2-3PM

Yom Kippur is observed from sundown to sundown on September 20–21. The service schedule is as follows:

• Yom Kippur Main Programming: Scheduled throughout the day on Monday, September 21: 9AM.
• Neilah & Concluding Service: Monday, September 21: 5:45PM to 7PM.
• Yom Kippur Break-Fast: A community gathering to break the fast follows immediately after the concluding service: 7PM to 8PM