Housed at Congregation Ahavas Sholom - a state and national historic landmark and the oldest continually active synagogue in the City of Newark. The Jewish Museum of New Jersey is dedicated to the portrayal of the rich cultural heritage of New Jersey's Jewish people. Through thematic exhibits and public education programs, the Museum promotes a broader understanding and a mutual respect among people of all backgrounds
|
Our museum in a museum. The congregation of Ahavas Sholom dates back to 1905. A centennial celebration took place in 2005. The synagogue building was constucted in 1921. It has been designated a state and national landmark. The "shul" is also a musuem - one of the best examples of a small orthodox synagogue from the early 20th century. Today, it is Conservative egalitarian with a diverse and enthusiastic membership from Newark and the suburbs. The exterior of the synagogue has been completely restored.
|
The recently restored stained-glass window at the front of the Ahavas Sholom synagogue
|
Congregation Ahavas Sholom's elegant wood-carved Holy Ark is the oldest in the state of New Jersey and one of the fifty oldest in the United States. It dates from 1872 and is a transplant. The ark first graced the majestic nineteenth century synagogue of Congregation Beth-El, later Rodeph Sholom, at Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street. That building was razed in 1926, the ark was stored, and then given to Ahavas Sholom. In 1927 one of Ahavas Sholom’s founders, Leopold Jacobson, an antique dealer and furniture maker, trimmed and installed it in the six-year-old building.
|
A rendering showing what the Sanctuary will look like at Congregation Ahavas Sholom following the restoration of the interior of the synagogue.
|
