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Temple K. K. Beth
Elohim
CHARLESTON
Charleston has had a Jewish congregation since
1750. There was a parochial school for the children, and a
cemetery was soon acquired. In 1784 the congregation
founded the Hebrew Benevolent Society. By the beginning of the
nineteenth century the congregation had become the "largest,
the most cultured, and the wealthiest Jewish community in
America."
When the wooden structure of 1750 proved
inadequate, the home of Jacob Tobias housed the congregation
for seven years. A handsome new building was erected in 1794.
It was here that in 1824 Isaac Harby and others organized
themselves into the "Reformed Society of Israelites'', thereby
designating Charleston as the "Cradle of Reformed Judaism.
"
In 1838 the synagogue was destroyed by fire, but a
new building (the present one) was erected and was dedicated
on March 21, 1841, and has been a house of worship for the
congregation since that date.
The present tabernacle
was designed by David Lopez, and is a fine example of the
Athenian style in architecture. It was among the first
synagogues to install an organ.
The history of K. K.
Beth Elohim Synagogue includes the names of men and women who
have contributed much to the patriotic, industrial, and
cultural life of the city and nation. At least thirty-four
soldiers of the Revolution were furnished by this
congregation, including Captain Abram Sexius, Lieutenants
David Nunez Cardozo, Abram Alexander, and several other
officers.
BY
HAZEL CROWSON SELLERS
South Carolina Churches
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