Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Commonly referred to as "The Jewish Temple" by locals, Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim is a historic Jewish synagogue established in 1859. This temple, the congregation's third, was originally built in 1952 and expanded in 1961. The addition is an excellent example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. It combines abstractionism, which was popular at that time, influences of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the ideas of noted Jewish architects Percival Goodman and Eric Mendelsohn, who believed synagogues should be "temples of light." The sanctuary features floor-to-ceiling art glass panels and a "lantern" structure that allows natural light inside the building.

Images

Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim was founded in 1859. The temple is an excellent example of Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

According to local records, the first Jew to arrive in Alexandria was probably a lawyer named Henry Michael Hyams, who came from New Orleans. More Jews arrived before the Civil War; many were from France, Germany, and Russia. They opened a variety of businesses including stores that sold clothing, dry goods, jewelry, cotton and coffee.

Gemiluth Chassodim's origins begin in 1852 when the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Rapides Parish was founded to establish a Jewish cemetery. The Society gradually became the congregation in 1859. During these years Jewish women formed the Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Society to raise funds to buy property for a temple. They continued these efforts for the next several years and even held a fundraiser ball in 1869. Their efforts paid off as the first temple was built in 1871.

The congregation used the first temple until the second one, a three-story Greek Revival structure with a large dome, was built in 1908. It was used until a fire destroyed it in 1956. By then, Gemiluth Chassodim had grown to over 200 families. Fortunately, the original portion of the present temple was already built in 1952. It included the social hall, kitchen, and classrooms. As noted above, the second part of the temple was built in 1961. The temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Sources

"Alexandria: Historical Overview." Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities. Accessed November 26, 2020. https://www.isjl.org/louisiana-alexandria-encyclopedia.html.

Fricker, Johnathan & Donna. "Gemiluth Chassodim Synagogue." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. January 29, 2014. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/80671235-9c21-4797-9377-e34f59dad99c.

"Our History." Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim. Accessed November 26, 2020. https://www.jewishtemple.org/our-rich-history.

"The Jewish Temple - Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed November 26, 2020. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=124030.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

The Historical Marker Database

Additional Information