Anshe Sfard

Anshe Sfard is a synagogue in the Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.

The congregation was founded by Hasidic Jews from Lithuania.[1] The congregation today is Modern Orthodox.[2] It is located in the historic building at 2230 Carondelet Street. Anshe Sfard's historic 1925 building features a barrel-vaulted ceiling ribbed with beams studded with electric light bulbs, a decorative feature common at the time, it was inspired by the great excitement over the newly invented incandescent bulb. The Rundbogenstil exterior is brick, with triple arched Neo-Byzantine doors.[3][4]

After Hurricane Katrina, Anshe Sfard was damaged. It did not reopen until 2006. The synagogue's Torah scrolls were rescued during Hurricane Katrina.[5]

The congregation, located a short walk from downtown hotels in the beautiful Garden District, welcomes tourists and business travelers to attend services.[6]

References

  1. ^ Lachoff, Irwin; Kahn, Catherine C. The Jewish community of New Orleans, Arcadia Publishing, 2005, p. 8.
  2. ^ Anshe Sfard website. Accessed March 7, 2010.
  3. ^ Israelowitz, Oscar. Synagogues of the United States, 1992, p. 88.
  4. ^ History of Orthodox Congregations in New Orleans, Goldring / Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life website. Accessed March 7, 2010.
  5. ^ Wiemer, Liza M. "Milwaukee native helps Louisiana Jews survive and endure hurricane's aftermath", The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, October 14, 2005.
  6. ^ Sheldon, Betsy. The Jewish Travel Guide, Hunter Publishing, 2001, p. 221.

External links