Rockdale Temple: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 39°12′57″N 84°25′47″W / 39.2158333°N 84.4297222°W / 39.2158333; -84.4297222
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{{Short description|Reform Jewish synagogue in Ohio, US}}
{{Mergefrom|K.K. Bene Israel|Talk:Rockdale Temple#Merger proposal|date=July 2008}}
{{Unreferenced|date=December 2007}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{for|similarly named synagogues|B'nai Israel (disambiguation){{!}}B'nai Israel}}
{{Infobox religious building
| name = Rockdale Temple
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| religious_affiliation = [[Reform Judaism]]
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| rite = [[Nusach Ashkenaz]]
| festival = <!-- or |festivals= -->
| organisational_status = [[Synagogue]]<!-- or |organizational_status= -->
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| leadership = {{ubl|Rabbi Meredith Kahan|Rabbi Erin Binder {{small|(Assistant)}}|Rabbi Mark N. Goldman {{small|(Emeritus)}}}}
| bhattaraka =
| patron =
| consecration_year =
| functional_status = Active
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| location = 8501 Ridge Road, [[Amberley Village, Ohio|Amberley Village]], [[Cincinnati, Ohio|Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]]
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| map_type = Ohio
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| established = 1824 {{small|(as a congregation)}}
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| year_completed = {{ubl|1836 {{small|(Sixth and Broadway #1)}}|1852 {{small|(Sixth and Broadway #2)}}|1869 {{small|(Eighth and Mound)}}|1906 {{small|(Rockdale)}}|1969 {{small|(Amberley Village)}}}}
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}}
The '''Rockdale Temple''', formally '''Kahal Kadosh Bene Israel''' (19th-century spelling '''K. K. Benai Israel'''), is
an [[Ashkenazi]] [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] [[Jewish]] congregation and [[synagogue]], located in [[Amberley Village, Ohio|Amberley Village]], a suburb of [[Cincinnati, Ohio|Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]], in the United States. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest Jewish congregation west of the [[Allegheny Mountains]],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JW1oYyHUhKwC&dq=jewish+cincinnati&pg=PA7 |title=Jews of Cincinnati |publisher=Arcadia Publishing | date=May 23, 2007 | accessdate=2013-05-27 |author=Fine, John S. |page=7 |isbn=9780738551067 |via=[[Google Books]] }}</ref> the oldest congregation in Ohio, the second oldest Ashkenazi congregation in the United States and one of the [[oldest synagogues in the United States]].


The '''Rockdale Temple''' is located in [[Amberley Village, Ohio|Amberley Village]], a suburb of [[Cincinnati, Ohio]] and is easily accessible from both I-71 (exit 14) and I-75 (exit 10) via the [[Ohio State Route 126|Ronald Reagan Highway (Cross County)]]. This classical Temple is also known as [[K.K. Bene Israel]], and is the oldest [[Jewish]] congregation west of the [[Allegheny Mountains]] and one of the [[oldest synagogues in the United States]].
The synagogue is easily accessible from both I-71 (exit 14) and I-75 (exit 10) via the [[Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway]].


==History==
Founded by a small group of Jews who had settled in Cincinnati, then a frontier town, the first meeting took place in 1824.
[[File:Allen Temple AME Church print.jpg|thumb|right|1874 engraving of the 1852 building, at that time the Allen Temple AME Church]]
[[File:Temple K.K. Bene Israel in Cincinnati.jpg|thumb|The former Temple K.K. Bene Israel in Cincinnati, designed by Cincinnati architect [[Rudolph Tietig]]]]
The congregation was founded in 1824 in Cincinnati, at the time, a [[frontier town]]. On January 18, 1824, the Congregation Bene Israel was formally organized; those in attendance were Solomon Buckingham, David I. Johnson, [[Joseph Jonas (Cincinnati)|Joseph Jonas]], Samuel Jonas, Jonas Levy, Morris Moses, Phineas Moses, Simeon Moses, Solomon Moses and Morris Symonds. The congregants were primarily [[Spanish and Portuguese Jews]] who had immigrated from [[History of the Jews in England|England]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanjewisharchives.org/aja/FindingAids/Rockdale.htm |title=Congregation Bene Israel (Cincinnati, Ohio) Records<!-- Bot generated title --> |work=American Jewish Archives |date= |access-date= }}</ref> On January 8, 1830, the Ohio General Assembly granted the congregation a charter.


The leaders recognized the need for a synagogue and efforts were made to raise funds for a building. In 1836 the first home at Sixth and Broadway was consecrated. In 1852 another synagogue was built on the same site. As the Jewish community grew and moved to other parts of the city, the congregation also moved, first to Eighth and Mound Streets, then to Rockdale and Harvey Avenues and in 1969, to the present location on Ridge Road in Amberley Village.
The leaders recognized the need for a synagogue and efforts were made to raise funds for a building. In 1836 the first home at Sixth and Broadway was consecrated. In 1852 another synagogue was built on the same site. The 1852 building was sold in 1870 to the [[Allen Temple AME Church (Cincinnati, Ohio)|Allen Temple AME Church]].


On 27 August 1869, the congregation dedicated a magnificent building at Eighth and Mound Streets.<ref>{{cite book |title=Illustrated Cincinnati: A Pictorial Hand-book of the Queen City |author=Kenny, Daniel J. |location=Cincinnati, Ohio |publisher= |year=1875 |page=107 |isbn= }}</ref>
For thirty-one years, readers or cantors conducted services. In 1855, Dr. Max Lilienthal was elected as the first permanent rabbi. Under Dr. Lilienthal’s leadership many reforms were introduced into the previously orthodox service and the congregation was actively involved in the beginnings of the Reform movement. Since that time there have been nine rabbis and Rabbi Sigma Faye Coran now serves the congregation.


In 1906 the congregation moved to the [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] Rockdale Temple, designed by Cincinnati architect [[Rudolph Tietig]] (1877–1958).<ref>{{cite web |author=Langsam, Walter E. |url=http://www.architecturecincy.org/Dictionary/T.html |title=Biographical Dictionary of Architects |publisher=Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati |date= |access-date= }}</ref> The 1906 building no longer exists.
Throughout the long history of the congregation distinguished rabbis have relied on remarkably able and committed lay leadership. Women have contributed notably serving as presidents of the congregation as well as assistant rabbi. Rabbis and members have participated actively in communal activities in the Jewish and general community.


Since 1969, the congregation has worshiped in a new synagogue at 8501 Ridge Road in Amberley Village. [[Dave Brubeck]]'s [[cantata]] ''The Gates of Justice'' (1969) had its first performance at the new Rockdale Temple.<ref>[http://www.naxos.com/mainsite/blurbs_reviews.asp?item_code=8.559414&catNum=559414&filetype=About%20this%20Recording&language=English Dave Brubeck: The Gates of Justice]</ref>
A progressive spirit and recognition of the need for change and growth characterize the goals of the congregation. There is outreach to a diverse membership. In addition to the religious school, the congregation participates in the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. The Sisterhood (Women of Reform Judaism), the Brotherhood, and the youth groups facilitate activities which enhance congregational life. Various adult education programs are offered with many issues addressed in evening classes. The human experience is the constant in the history of K. K. Bene Israel. In 1969, the congregation built a new Synagogue at 8501 Ridge Road in [[Amberley Village, Ohio]].


For thirty-one years readers or cantors conducted services. In 1855, Dr. [[Max Lilienthal]] was elected as the first permanent rabbi. Under Dr. Lilienthal's leadership many reforms were introduced into the previously orthodox service and the congregation was actively involved in the beginnings of the Reform movement.{{cn|date=January 2024}} Since that time there have been nine rabbis; Rabbi Meredith Kahan now serves the congregation.
Rockdale Temple has been at the forefront of Reform Judaism in America and was one of the founding congregations of the [[Union of American Hebrew Congregations]] and the [[Hebrew Union College]]-Jewish Institute of Religion.


[[Raphael Benjamin]] was rabbi of the congregation from 1882 to 1888.<ref name=":42">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mbhtAAAAMAAJ |title=The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia |publisher=The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, Inc. |year=1940 |editor-last=Landman |editor-first=Isaac |editor-link=Isaac Landman |volume=2 |location=New York, N.Y. |page=185 |language=en |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>
During its 182 year history, nine rabbis have been its spiritual leaders. Rabbi Sigma Faye Coran has served the congregation since 2004.


Throughout the long history of the congregation distinguished rabbis have relied on remarkably able and committed{{peacock-inline|date=January 2024}} [[laity|lay]] leadership. Women have contributed notably, serving as presidents of the congregation as well as assistant and senior rabbis. Rabbis and members have participated actively in communal activities in the Jewish and general community.{{cn|date=January 2024}}
Its rabbi, educator, staff, and lay-leaders help to guide and teach congregants to create personally fulfilling expressions of their Judaism. It offers a choice of programming for the needs of its diverse congregation and emphasizes the value of lifelong learning.

==The congregation today==

A progressive spirit and recognition of the need for change and growth characterize the goals of the congregation. There is outreach to a diverse membership. In addition to the religious school, the congregation participates in the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. The Sisterhood (Women of Reform Judaism), the Brotherhood and the youth groups facilitate activities which enhance congregational life. Various adult education programs are offered with many issues addressed in evening classes.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

Rockdale Temple has been at the forefront of Reform Judaism in America and was one of the founding congregations of the [[Union of American Hebrew Congregations]] and the [[Hebrew Union College]]-Jewish Institute of Religion.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

During its <!-- This is good for only one point in time: 182-year --> history, nine rabbis have been its spiritual leaders. Rabbi [[Sigma Faye Coran]] served the congregation from 2004 to 2020.<ref name=ISR>{{cite web|title=Rabbi Sigma "Sissy" Faye Coran: Rabbi, teacher, mother, wife|author=Francus, Yoseff|url=https://www.americanisraelite.com/news/local_news/article_915c5944-946c-11ea-9ba6-c313a78237ed.html|date=May 14, 2020|accessdate=May 15, 2020|work=American Israelite}}</ref>

Its rabbi, educator, staff and lay-leaders help to guide and teach congregants to create personally fulfilling expressions of their Judaism.{{peacock-inline|date=January 2024}} It offers a choice of programming for the needs of its diverse congregation and emphasizes the value of lifelong learning.

==See also==
{{stack|{{portal|Judaism|Ohio}}}}
* [[History of the Jews in Cincinnati]]
* [[Oldest synagogues in the United States]]

==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.rockdaletemple.org/ K.K. Bene Israel Official Site]
* {{oweb|http://www.rockdaletemple.org/}}
*[http://www.cincinnatimemory.org/gsdl/collect/greaterc/archives/HASH7116/d0f773f8.dir/ocp000088pccpc.jpg Rockdale Temple, circa 1910]
*[http://www.cincinnatimemory.org/gsdl/collect/greaterc/archives/HASH7116/d0f773f8.dir/ocp000088pccpc.jpg Rockdale Temple, circa 1910]
*[http://www.rockdaletemple.org/aboutus/history/ History]
*[http://www.americanjewisharchives.org/aja/collections/catalog06.html Records, 1884-1967]
*[http://www.cincinnatimemory.org/gsdl/collect/greaterc/archives/HASH605d/774354bd.dir/ocp000091pcpfb.jpg Rockdale Temple]


{{coord missing|United States}}
{{Synagogues in the United States}}


[[Category:Synagogues in Cincinnati, Ohio]]
[[Category:1824 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Reform synagogues]]
[[Category:20th-century synagogues in the United States]]
[[Category:English-American culture in Ohio]]
[[Category:English-Jewish culture in the United States]]
[[Category:Founding members of the Union for Reform Judaism]]
[[Category:Jewish organizations established in 1824]]
[[Category:Portuguese-Jewish culture in the United States]]
[[Category:Reform synagogues in Ohio]]
[[Category:Sephardi Jewish culture in the United States]]
[[Category:Sephardi Reform Judaism]]
[[Category:Spanish-American culture in Ohio]]
[[Category:Spanish and Portuguese Jews]]
[[Category:Spanish-Jewish culture in the United States]]
[[Category:Synagogues completed in 1836]]
[[Category:Synagogues completed in 1852]]
[[Category:Synagogues completed in 1869]]
[[Category:Synagogues completed in 1906]]
[[Category:Synagogues completed in 1969]]
[[Category:Synagogues in Cincinnati]]

Latest revision as of 10:31, 26 January 2024

For similarly named synagogues, see B'nai Israel.
Rockdale Temple
Religion
AffiliationReform Judaism
RiteNusach Ashkenaz
Ecclesiastical or organisational statusSynagogue
Leadership
  • Rabbi Meredith Kahan
  • Rabbi Erin Binder (Assistant)
  • Rabbi Mark N. Goldman (Emeritus)
StatusActive
Location
Location8501 Ridge Road, Amberley Village, Cincinnati, Ohio
CountryUnited States
Rockdale Temple is located in Ohio
Rockdale Temple
Location in Ohio
Geographic coordinates39°12′57″N 84°25′47″W / 39.2158333°N 84.4297222°W / 39.2158333; -84.4297222
Architecture
TypeSynagogue architecture
Date established1824 (as a congregation)
Completed
  • 1836 (Sixth and Broadway #1)
  • 1852 (Sixth and Broadway #2)
  • 1869 (Eighth and Mound)
  • 1906 (Rockdale)
  • 1969 (Amberley Village)
Website
rockdaletemple.org

The Rockdale Temple, formally Kahal Kadosh Bene Israel (19th-century spelling K. K. Benai Israel), is an Ashkenazi Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue, located in Amberley Village, a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Allegheny Mountains,[1] the oldest congregation in Ohio, the second oldest Ashkenazi congregation in the United States and one of the oldest synagogues in the United States.

The synagogue is easily accessible from both I-71 (exit 14) and I-75 (exit 10) via the Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway.

History[edit]

1874 engraving of the 1852 building, at that time the Allen Temple AME Church
The former Temple K.K. Bene Israel in Cincinnati, designed by Cincinnati architect Rudolph Tietig

The congregation was founded in 1824 in Cincinnati, at the time, a frontier town. On January 18, 1824, the Congregation Bene Israel was formally organized; those in attendance were Solomon Buckingham, David I. Johnson, Joseph Jonas, Samuel Jonas, Jonas Levy, Morris Moses, Phineas Moses, Simeon Moses, Solomon Moses and Morris Symonds. The congregants were primarily Spanish and Portuguese Jews who had immigrated from England.[2] On January 8, 1830, the Ohio General Assembly granted the congregation a charter.

The leaders recognized the need for a synagogue and efforts were made to raise funds for a building. In 1836 the first home at Sixth and Broadway was consecrated. In 1852 another synagogue was built on the same site. The 1852 building was sold in 1870 to the Allen Temple AME Church.

On 27 August 1869, the congregation dedicated a magnificent building at Eighth and Mound Streets.[3]

In 1906 the congregation moved to the Neoclassical Rockdale Temple, designed by Cincinnati architect Rudolph Tietig (1877–1958).[4] The 1906 building no longer exists.

Since 1969, the congregation has worshiped in a new synagogue at 8501 Ridge Road in Amberley Village. Dave Brubeck's cantata The Gates of Justice (1969) had its first performance at the new Rockdale Temple.[5]

For thirty-one years readers or cantors conducted services. In 1855, Dr. Max Lilienthal was elected as the first permanent rabbi. Under Dr. Lilienthal's leadership many reforms were introduced into the previously orthodox service and the congregation was actively involved in the beginnings of the Reform movement.[citation needed] Since that time there have been nine rabbis; Rabbi Meredith Kahan now serves the congregation.

Raphael Benjamin was rabbi of the congregation from 1882 to 1888.[6]

Throughout the long history of the congregation distinguished rabbis have relied on remarkably able and committed[peacock prose] lay leadership. Women have contributed notably, serving as presidents of the congregation as well as assistant and senior rabbis. Rabbis and members have participated actively in communal activities in the Jewish and general community.[citation needed]

The congregation today[edit]

A progressive spirit and recognition of the need for change and growth characterize the goals of the congregation. There is outreach to a diverse membership. In addition to the religious school, the congregation participates in the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. The Sisterhood (Women of Reform Judaism), the Brotherhood and the youth groups facilitate activities which enhance congregational life. Various adult education programs are offered with many issues addressed in evening classes.[citation needed]

Rockdale Temple has been at the forefront of Reform Judaism in America and was one of the founding congregations of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.[citation needed]

During its history, nine rabbis have been its spiritual leaders. Rabbi Sigma Faye Coran served the congregation from 2004 to 2020.[7]

Its rabbi, educator, staff and lay-leaders help to guide and teach congregants to create personally fulfilling expressions of their Judaism.[peacock prose] It offers a choice of programming for the needs of its diverse congregation and emphasizes the value of lifelong learning.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Fine, John S. (May 23, 2007). Jews of Cincinnati. Arcadia Publishing. p. 7. ISBN 9780738551067. Retrieved May 27, 2013 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Congregation Bene Israel (Cincinnati, Ohio) Records". American Jewish Archives.
  3. ^ Kenny, Daniel J. (1875). Illustrated Cincinnati: A Pictorial Hand-book of the Queen City. Cincinnati, Ohio. p. 107.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ Langsam, Walter E. "Biographical Dictionary of Architects". Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati.
  5. ^ Dave Brubeck: The Gates of Justice
  6. ^ Landman, Isaac, ed. (1940). The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia. Vol. 2. New York, N.Y.: The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, Inc. p. 185 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Francus, Yoseff (May 14, 2020). "Rabbi Sigma "Sissy" Faye Coran: Rabbi, teacher, mother, wife". American Israelite. Retrieved May 15, 2020.

External links[edit]

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