Temple Israel
Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Temple Israel. An organized Jewish community has existed in Paducah since 1864, when Paducah Chevra Yeshurun Burial Society was chartered. The first Jewish house of worship in Paducah was established in 1871, located on the east side of South Fifth between Clark and Adams. In 1873, the Paducah Jewish congregation became charter member, Union of American Hebrew Congregations. See over. (Reverse) Temple Israel - In 1893 a new structure was built on the southeast corner of Seventh and Broadway and incorporated as Temple Israel. That temple served as home for the congregation until May, 1963 when Temple Israel on southeast corner of Madison and Joe Clifton Drive was dedicated. Temple Israel Cem. is located on Lone Oak Highway. See over. Presented by Temple.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
An organized Jewish community has lived in Paducah since 1864, when a burial society was chartered; the first house of worship followed in 1871. In 1873 the congregation became a charter member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, and in 1893 it built and incorporated as Temple Israel. The congregation later dedicated a new temple in 1963, carrying a continuous religious life across a full century.
Why it matters
Temple Israel testifies to the deep roots of Jewish immigrant communities in small Southern river towns, and to their part in the founding of American Reform Judaism.
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Themes & tags
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