The First Synagogue in Dallas
During the early 1870s, the Jewish women of Dallas formed the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Association, which raised money for a synagogue.
These women convinced the Jewish men of the community to form a congregation, as often happened.
Temple Emanu-El of Dallas was founded in 1873 and chartered in 1875.
The original officers were: David Goslin, president; Philip Sanger, vice president; Emanuel Tillman, treasurer; H. Regensburger, secretary; and Alexander Sanger, August Israelsky, and Henry Loeb trustees.
The first building was located at Commerce and Church (now Field) Streets in downtown Dallas.
One year after the formation of the congregation, the new building for Temple Emanu-El was consecrated by Rev. Dr. Aron Suhler.
The Original Temple Emanuel of Dallas, #WS7098
The following quotation comes from The Jewish Times of New York City, June 16, 1876:
“The Byzantine style building has a frontage of sixty-three feet and a depth of fifty-nine feet. Inside there are four rows of pews, ten pews in each row, each pew seating four people. There are two rows of windows, the glass of which will be stain with soft colors. The windows are hung and swivel on a pivot to allow controlled ventilation. Behind the raised pulpit is the ark, an apartment let into the wall with sliding doors in front – all draped by a heavy crimson curtain. The arch above the holy place has an inscription in Hebrew – ‘Hear the Voice of My Meditations, My King and My God, for Thee I Pray.’ Surmounting this arch are the marble tablets on which are inscribed the Ten Commandments. The whole interior is beautiful. In the center of the ceiling hangs a magnificent chandelier of thirty-two burners. A handsome pipe organ furnishes the music, and is presided over by Professor Bauer, who also directs the singers. Upstairs is the lodge room of the I.O.B.B. (International Order of B’nai B’rith), well fitted for the purpose intended. The cupolas, which are to complete the building, will be erected at once. When finished, the appearance of the temple with be one of magnificence, superior to anything yet built in Dallas.”
Source
- “First Synagogue in Dallas, 1874,” Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly 10/2.
Note: We are looking for a list of the officers of the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Association and the founding members of Temple Emanu-El of Dallas.