Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
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The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is one of the oldest Jewish houses of worship in Washington, D.C. In addition to hosting religious services for different Jewish denominations, the synagogue hosts many lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions for the general public.
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[edit] History
The building was constructed by the Adas Israel congregation and dedicated on January 8, 1908 near what was then the main commercial district in town and the center of the Jewish community in Washington. In 1951 the congregation moved to a new building on Connecticut Avenue and sold its building on the corner of 6th and I Streets NW to Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church. The church in turn moved to Hyattsville, Maryland 50 years later. Three local Jewish developers decided to acquire the historic building to preserve it as a synagogue. The main impetus for the restoration came real estate developer Shelton Zuckerman, who contacted Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who in turn contacted Douglas Jemal. Working from wedding photos from 1949, the building was returned to its original design and decor. It was rededicated and opened to the public on April 22, 2004.
On September 14, 2005, President George W. Bush visited the synagogue, his first visit to a Jewish house of worship in the United States since taking office.
[edit] Architecture
Architect Louis Levi designed the building in a combination of Moorish, Romanesque, and Byzantine styles.
[edit] Torahs
The synagogue has three restored Torah scrolls that survived the Holocaust, including one of just thirteen to survive from Wegrow, Poland.
[edit] External links
