Temple Israel
Our History
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Temple Israel |
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Our History |
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History |
Columbus, Georgia was founded in 1828 as a planned city, located on the Fall Line to take advantage of the water power the Chattahoochee could supply, and its navigational opportunities. Long before that date there is evidence that Jewish settlers were already established here at trading centers in this territory mostly inhabited by Indian tribes. There are records of Jewish marriages, births, and deaths during the years following the incorporation of the city.
In 1854, only 20 years after the city's founding, 20 Jews banded together to found Temple B'nai Israel, the second oldest congregation in Georgia. The Temple, now known as Temple Israel, has functioned continuously as a house of prayer and served actively in the community. In 1999 its 145th anniversary was celebrated.
Most of the Jewish immigrants were well received here, and they were anxious to show their appreciation for the welcome and acceptance they found here in their new homes. Although there were few slave holders among them, and most did not agree with the practice of slavery, many served loyally in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, along with their fellow "countrymen."
The nature of
the community changed substantially in the aftermath of the war.
However, new waves of Jewish immigrants came here. In 1886 a new,
imposing Temple Israel was built downtown in the vicinity of the "Church
Square," in the "classical' style of the day. The services and
practices became more "Reform," according to the wishes and needs of
the members. This building was replaced in 1958 by our current building
on Wildwood Ave., shown on our Home Page.
In 1875 Temple Israel became a founding member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), the Reform Movement's umbrella organization. In its web site (UAHC.org), UAHC describes Reform Judaism thusly:
Taking root over 125 years ago under the leadership of Isaac Mayer Wise, Reform Judaism is the oldest and largest Jewish movement in North America. The word "Reform" in the name of our movement is a recognition that reform is part of our way of life, as it has been for Jews over the centuries.
Found in the earliest records are references to the women members of the Jewish Community. They performed all the duties expected of them, and so many more, including Herculean money raising efforts to save the Temple buildings during times of financial stress. In addition to bringing aid and comfort to fellow members when in need, they have gone out into the community and provided groundbreaking services not yet provided by the government. Today they continue to serve in many ways, as evidenced by their name of long standing, the Jewish Ladies Aid Society. The JlAS, a founding member of the Women of Reform Judaism, the umbrella organization of the Sisterhoods of Reform Temples, celebrated its 125 anniversary in 1999.
Temple Israel and its members have continued to be active participants in the community and in the needs of the country. During World War I, II, and later conflicts, when the services of our members were needed, they served in many ways. Many joined the armed services, with several paying the ultimate sacrifice. As in the past, our members and auxiliaries have continued to be active participants in the community and in the congregation, keeping our Jewish beliefs and heritage alive.
On the south wall of the Sanctuary, there is a bank of 24 stained glass windows. Five of these are decorative panels depicting themes from "The Prophets," the first, below, being from Isaiah.
"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares their spears into pruning
hooks."
In this window the semi-abstract symbolism indicates the plow, the sword, the spear, the pruning hook, and the fire of conversion.