| Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim | |
|---|---|
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Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim |
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| Basic information | |
| Location | 2021 Turner Street Alexandria, Louisiana |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Rite | Ashkenazic |
| Status | Active |
| Leadership | Rabbi: Jonathan L. Cohen President: Marilyn Wellan |
| Website | www.jewishtemple.org |
| Architectural description | |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 350 |
| Materials | Brick |
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim known locally as "The Jewish Temple" is an historic Jewish synagogue located in Alexandria, Louisiana. Founded in 1859 by Jews from the Alsace region of France, it is one of the oldest congregations in Louisiana and one of the original founding members of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now known as the Union for Reform Judaism. As of 2011, the congregation is led by Rabbi Jonathan Cohen.[1]
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Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim was originally established as the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Rapides Parish in 1852 in order to provide a Jewish Cemetery for burials. Eventually, the society evolved into a congregation in 1859.[2] The first President of the Temple was Isaac Levy.
The congregation initially held religious services in various private homes until the first Temple was built at Third and Fisk Streets in 1870. Gemiluth Chassodim became a founding congregation of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations on October 14th, 1873.
In 1908, a magnificent Temple was constructed on Fourth and Fisk Streets. It remained the house of worship until 1952, when the present structure was built at Turner and Beech Streets. Shortly after vacating the previous structure, it caught fire and tragically burned to the ground.
The Temple has been served by 32 presidents and 24 rabbis.
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim remains an active part of the Greater Alexandria community. Its current membership consists of approximately 95 member families with a religious school of 23 students. Its previous two rabbis, Martin Hinchin and Arnold Task served a combined 52 years in their service to the congregation. In 2011, Jonathan Cohen was appointed twenty-fourth rabbi of the congregation.
Below is a listing of the Rabbis who have served the congregation since 1873:[3]