Looking back at Hanukkahs past, before looking forward….

Hanukkah 2014 and Chris Risher’s beautiful temple both celebrated the Temple Beth Israel in Meridian.

Temple Beth Israel, 57th Ct. and 15th Ave., Meridian (1964, Chris Risher, Sr.)

For Hanukkah in 2012 we looked at not only some of the historic sacred places across the state, but also at buildings designed by Jewish architects.

Temple Israel [Hebrew Union Temple], Greenville, Washington County. Photo by J. Baughn, MDAH. 12/01/2009. Retrieved 11/30/2012 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

Temple Beth El by joseph a

B’nai Sholom Temple Brookhaven, Lincoln County. Photo by Jennifer Baughn, MDAH, 06-24-2009. Retrieved 11/30/12 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

Temple Gemiluth Chassed, Port Gibson, Claiborne County. Photo by J Baughn, MDAH, 05-10-2009. Retrieved 11/30/12 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

TEMPLE THEATER, Meridian, Lauderdale county, Photo by Jody Cook, MDAH. January, 1979. Retrieved 12/01/12 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

Pinehurst Hotel and Arabian Theater, Laurel, Jones County. Photo by Michael W. Fazio, May\June 1984. Retrieved 12/01/12 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

Gerard Brandon V House 703 N. Union Street Natchez, Adams County. Photo by T. Brown, Historic Natchez Foundation

Adath Israel Synagogue, Cleveland, Bolivar County. Photo by MDAH, 04-08-1990. Retrieved 11/30/12 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

Beth Israel Synagogue, Clarksdale, Coahoma County. Photo by J Baughn, MDAH, 04-30-2009. Retrieved 11/30/12 from Mississippi Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Database.

For 2015 I will add some new favorites, all named Temple B’Nai Israel.

Temple B’Nai Israel, Hattiesburg

Temple B’nai Israel, Hattiesburg.  The congregation was founded in 1915 and this building was built in 1946.  A great stripped classical structure, with a wonderful heavy latticework entryway.  If I was better organized I could share several more photographs of this place.

Temple B’Nai Israel, Tupelo

Temple B’nai Israel, Tupelo.  This building was dedicated on September 1, 1957.

Temple B’Nai Israel, Columbus

Temple B’Nai Israel, Columbus.  Described in the MDAH HRI as a “Brick hexagonal sanctuary encompassed on four sides by one-story brick classrooms. (built) 1960.”   The only one of these three listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was originally listed in the Columbus Central Commercial district as a Intruding structure.  This sacred place was initially passed over because it may have been considered too new to fit in a district when the National Register nomination was being drafted in 1979.  The structure has since been listed as contributing.

Anshe Chesed Congregation, Vicksburg

Malvaney suggested this last synagogue to share. Anshe Chesed of Vicksburg was built c.1970 and designed by the firm of  Godfrey, Bassett, Pitts & Tuminello.  Malvaney described it as a hard building to convey from one photo.  “The raised section under the copper roof is over the sanctuary, and it’s a skylight. There’s also a smaller skylight in the entrance lobby, so it’s a much more friendly building than the exterior indicates.”

Happy Hanukkah Y’All!

Categories: Churches, Columbus, Hattiesburg, Historic Preservation, Lexington, Meridian, Modernism, Recent Past, Tupelo, Vicksburg

Tags: Featured