Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Ohavi Zedek Synagogue is Vermont's oldest and largest synagogue. It is an open, diverse, and vibrant congregation welcoming all people regardless of background. Its community numbers over 300 families who espouse Conservative, Reform, Reconstruction, or Renewal Judaism. The congregation was founded in 1885 by Lithuanian immigrants. At that time, only 18 families were members.
Images
Ohavi Zedek Synagogue was founded in 1885. This temple was built in 1952.
View of the sanctuary.
The old temple building, home to Congregation Ahavath Gerim.
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The congregation's first temple, which is still standing and as such is the oldest synagogue building in the state, was built in 1885. It was remodeled and later expanded in 1928. It's architecture is a combination of Gothic and American architecture. Perhaps its most unique features is a women's gallery called a "bimah". Given its importance to Burlington's Jewish history, the synagogue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The congregation built its current temple in 1952, at which point some members, who wanted to stay, founded a new congregation called Ahavath Gerim. This congregation remains at the temple.
Sources
"About Ohavi Zedek Synagogue." Ohavi Zedek Synagogue. Accessed March 7, 2017. http://ohavizedek.org/about.
Axtell, John. "Old Ohavi Zedek Synagogue." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. January 31, 1978. https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NRHP/Text/78000233.pdf.
Axtell, John. "Old Ohavi Zedek Synagogue." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. January 31, 1978. https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NRHP/Text/78000233.pdf.