SHOMREI HABRITH SYNAGOGUE
2320 Hampden Boulevard
Shomrei Habrith Synagogue celebrated its centennial
during 1988, Israel's 40th anniversary year. The orthodox congregation was
issued its charter on October 20,1888. Even before the charter, orthodox
Jews worshipped in a room at 11th and Elm Streets, then at 750 Penn Street
and at Eighth and Elm Streets.
In 1893 the congregation constructed its synagogue at 533 N. Eighth Street.
That building was replaced by a new one in 1913. The location is now the
home of the North Eighth Street Church of God. The current synagogue, at
2320 Hampden Boulevard, was built in 1960 and dedicated in 1962. In 1979,
less than 20 years after the building was occupied, the congregation proudly
observed the burning of their mortgage. Half of the synagogue's budget is
raised through weekly bingo games operated and staffed by the members of
the congregation.
Shomrei Habrith, whose name means "Keeper of the Covenant,""
has collected donations for the purchase of 2,000 trees in Israel. This
contribution was recognized in recent rededication services by Mark Grossman
of the Jewish National Fund.
Yosef Lipsker is the current rabbi. Dr. Kenneth Sodomsky is presently the synagogue's president. Throughout
the year, the congregation held a series of special events to commemorate
its centennial year.
Return to
Jewish Sites of Interest