Kahal Kodosh Mikveh Israel
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1782 this congregation built Philadelphia's first synagogue at this site. Established about 1740, it had first worshiped in rented quarters here. The congregation built a larger synagogue 1824, and has been elsewhere in the city since 1860.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Congregation Mikveh Israel traces its roots to about 1740, when Philadelphia's small community of Jewish settlers first gathered to worship in rented rooms. In 1782, in the young republic taking shape after independence, they built the city's first synagogue on this ground. One of the oldest congregations in the nation, it wove Jewish life into the fabric of colonial and early American Philadelphia.
Why it matters
As one of America's earliest Jewish congregations, Mikveh Israel embodies the religious pluralism that took root in Philadelphia and helped define the promise of freedom of worship in the new nation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Betsy Ross Housenearby · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.2 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.2 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio0.2 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.2 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.2 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.1 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.1 mi away
- Elfreth's Alley0.2 mi away
- President's House0.3 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room0.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.1 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.2 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.3 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.3 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels0.3 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.3 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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