temple
b'nai israel
Home to Natchez's Historic Jewish Congregation
Temple B'nai Israel needs your support. Donate to our GoFundMe today.
|
|
|
What's new at Temple B'nai Israel?
The story of Jewish life in Natchez, Mississippi, is a tale of matzoh balls and magnolias, the Civil War and synagogues, King Cotton and merchant life Under-The-Hill. It began in the early 1840s when the first Jewish immigrants were drawn by economic opportunity to the Mississippi frontier. It continues today with the Temple B’nai Israel congregation.
The temple, built in 1905, houses the oldest Jewish congregation in Mississippi. Its stained glass windows and ark of Italian marble make this synagogue one of the loveliest and most historic in the region.
The temple, built in 1905, houses the oldest Jewish congregation in Mississippi. Its stained glass windows and ark of Italian marble make this synagogue one of the loveliest and most historic in the region.
|
|
|
In 2019, we completed construction of a wheelchair access ramp to the historic sanctuary and restored and stabilized the roof and the historic dome. This first phase of construction marks the beginning of a multimillion-dollar restoration and renovation project that will enhance accessibility, restore the historic structure, and preserve the building in perpetuity.
In 2020, we began the process of replacing the outdated electrical system and installing a fire suppression system with support from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History's Community Heritage Preservation Grant program. Once the restoration is complete, the building will be consistently open as an event space, community arts hub, and museum telling the story of Jewish life in Natchez. Temple B'nai Israel is one of the Mississippi Heritage Trust's Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Mississippi. |
|
|
|
|
