Congregation Ahavath Sholom
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Recognized as Fort Worth's first Jewish congregation, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, meaning "Love of Peace", was organized in 1892. William Goldstein served as its first president. The first synagogue, a wooden structure built in 1893 and located at the corner of Hemphill and Jarvis Streets, was relocated to downtown Fort Worth (819 Taylor Street) in 1901. Subsequent growth in the congregation's membership led to the construction of a brick structure at the Taylor site in 1906. An adjoining building, which housed the congregation's Hebrew Institute, was built in 1914. The Institute's Ladies Auxiliary, organized in 1915, sponsored a Sunday school and assisted charity organizations. Mrs. Sam Rosen was its first president. The Institute served as a community center for military personnel during World Wars I and II. The Men's Club, organized in 1944 with Maurice Rabinowtz as president, develops cultural, social, and athletic interests. A new synagogue, erected at the corner of 8th and Myrtle Streets, was dedicated in 1952. A synagogue was constructed at this site in 1980. Although the location of the synagogue has changed, it continues to be the focal point for the religious observances of the congregation. (1993)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1892 as Fort Worth's first Jewish congregation—its name means "Love of Peace"—Ahavath Sholom raised a modest wooden synagogue in 1893 and, as its membership grew, moved and rebuilt repeatedly over the following century. A Hebrew Institute added in 1914 became a community hub, and its facilities served military personnel through both World Wars, while auxiliary and men's groups nurtured charitable and cultural life. Though the synagogue's location has shifted again and again, the congregation has remained the center of the community's religious observance.
Why it matters
The congregation traces the establishment and endurance of Jewish immigrant life in a growing Texas city, from a single wooden shul to a lasting religious and civic institution.
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Related people
- · William Goldstein
- · Mrs. Sam Rosen
- · Maurice Rabinowitz
Themes & tags
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