Utah’s Oldest Continuously Operating Synagogue Reaches 100 Year Milestone | News, sports, jobs

Adam Rubin, special about the standard examiner

Parishioners gather around the Brith Sholem parish synagogue in Ogden on Thursday, September 9, 2021 during a tour to celebrate the parish’s 100th anniversary.

OGDEN – Parishioners and parishioners last week celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Brith Sholem Ward, Utah’s oldest continuously operating synagogue, during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebrations.

The building at 2750 Grant Ave. was established as a sanctuary for worship in 1921 and has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.

The golden milestone was marked by a series of interior and exterior upgrades that were completed throughout the summer. Herb Pressman, a member of the congregation, suggested in the fall of 2019 for the first time that the building be renovated to commemorate the 100th anniversary.

Janice Ward, who sits on the Synagogue’s Board of Trustees, expressed her gratitude for participating in the recent 100th anniversary celebrations.

“Many small synagogues in the country have had to close,” said Ward. “They either had to band together with larger congregations or just band together because the reality of running a small synagogue is difficult.”

Brith Sholem Congregation relies on donations from people affected by the synagogue, as well as membership fees and volunteer work to cover expenses.

The renovations included landscaping and repainting the exterior facade; However, most of the updates were made within the synagogue. The building was decorated with contemporary carpets, the interior walls were repainted and new ceilings were made for the lectern and the Torah mantle.

Adam Rubin, special about the standard examiner

Judi Amsel shows parishioners the new Torah mantle and lectern covers in the synagogue of the Congregation Brith Sholem on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Judi Amsel, the ward treasurer, said the Brith Sholem ward leadership team wanted to make sure the synagogue remains a welcoming place.

“Those who have committed themselves to the synagogue and who have become members of the synagogue have a skin in the game,” said Amsel. “And they are committed to the continued good of our community. … Everyone has their place at the table. “

Also on the occasion of the anniversary, Cara Koolmees, artist and parishioner, was commissioned to create a painting of the building.

Adam Rubin, special about the standard examiner

A painting by Cara Koolmees commemorating the centenary of Utah’s oldest continuously operating synagogue will be on display during a community tour on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Ward pointed to an example of how these communal connections work.

When Holly Andrew, curator of Union Station museums, contacted the Brith Sholem Congregation about a planned exhibition and tour of Jewish history in Ogden, she was not informed of the synagogue’s anniversary celebration.

The parishioners were also unaware of the museum’s exhibition schedule when Andrew contacted them.

Amsel described working with Andrew as “beautiful synchronicity”.

Adam Rubin, special about the standard examiner

Holly Andrew, left, Union Station museum and education curator, explains the Jewish legacy that built 25th Street during a community tour on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

On September 9, a group of parishioners and parishioners went from Union Station to learn about Jewish sites along historic 25th Street and then went to the synagogue where the group was educated about the importance of the celebration.

“My little boy was here tonight and he will remember being in this place. … My goal would be for him to be more open to understanding different lines of thought, “said Andrew, near tears. “We are a community-oriented museum, that makes us proud.”

Amsel stated that these associations are not tied to a number of beliefs or practices. Rather, Judaism in Ogden focuses on creating a range of relationships, be it family, community, or community-oriented.

Adam Rubin, special about the standard examiner

Judi Amsel shows parishioners the new Torah mantle and lectern covers in the synagogue of the Congregation Brith Sholem on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

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