Chicago's Forgotten Synagogues

Book excerpt: The disappearing history of Chicagos Jewish past can be found in the religious architecture of its stately synagogues and communal buildings. Whether modest or majestic, wood or stone, the buildings reflected their members views on faith and their commitment to the neighborhoods where they lived in a time when individuals and the community were inseparable from their neighborhood synagogues, temples, and shuls. From Chicagos oldest Jewish congregation, Kehilath Anshe Maariv Temple (Pilgrim Baptist), to Ohave Sholom (St. Basils Greek Orthodox), to Kehilath Anshe Maarivs last independent building (Operation Push), come and explore Chicagos forgotten synagogues and communal buildings. Nearly 150 years of Chicago history unfolds in Chicagos Forgotten Synagogues as the photographs and accompanying stories tell of the synagogues past greatness and their present and uncertain future.