Welcome to Temple Israel

Long before Columbus was incorporated in 1828, Jewish settlers were already living and trading along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Although no documents record the exact arrival of the first Jewish families, early records of births, deaths, and marriages clearly predate the founding of our congregation.

A Jewish section of Linwood Cemetery also confirms this early presence. Among the earliest known burials is Nathan Backer in 1852.

By 1854—only twenty-six years after Columbus became a city—twenty Jewish families established Temple B’nai Israel, the second-oldest Jewish congregation in Georgia (after Savannah).

Much of the early written history was lost when a fire swept through the 1907 Temple building. What we know today has been pieced together from the memoirs of longtime members, local newspaper accounts, and the invaluable minutes of the Jewish Ladies Aid Society (JLAS).

Around 1850, records show only one Jewish family in Columbus—the Dessaus: Moses H., born in Germany, and his English-born wife Rebecca. Rebecca Dessau later became the first president of the JLAS in 1874.

Originally, the “Jewish Society” met in private homes. In 1856, the congregation established its first sanctuary and school at the corner of what are now 10th Street and 5th Avenue. Rabbi Louis Weis served during this period. Soon after, the congregation purchased a house at 10th Street and 4th Avenue (now Veterans Parkway), on the site where Ruth Anne’s Restaurant later stood. The building was furnished as a synagogue and seated about 100 worshipers.

The early religious school was remarkably advanced for its era. Reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Columbus Jewry, students learned in Hebrew, German, and English. It is believed the school offered both religious and secular instruction.

The year 1956 marked a major turning point. In January, bids were opened for a new Temple building on Wildwood Avenue—our current home. That February, the JLAS, led by President Mrs. Jean Kent, recommended that the immediate past president of the JLAS be considered for a Temple Board position—an important early step toward women’s leadership in synagogue governance. JLAS furnished the new Temple’s kitchen and continues that tradition to this day. At Rabbi Alfred Goodman’s suggestion, the congregation also donated a Jewish Encyclopedia to the Columbus Public Library.

Groundbreaking for the new Temple was held on March 24, 1957, with Rabbi Goodman, Congregation President Albert Wise, and Mrs. Kent presiding. Three months later, the cornerstone was dedicated for future generations.

On March 7, 1958, the last worship service was held at the original downtown Temple at Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street. After 99 years in one location, relocating to Wildwood Avenue was an emotional transition. The old building had long echoed with the joys, sorrows, and milestones of generations. As we moved into our second century, our community carried those memories with pride.

Temple Israel has remained firmly rooted in the mainstream of Reform Judaism. Worship has evolved over the decades—from full choirs to today’s beautiful Hebrew melodies led by a single voice, accompanied by piano or guitar. While styles change, the Temple continues to serve as the spiritual center of Jewish life in Columbus.

Our congregation has been blessed with strong leadership from its earliest days, a tradition that continues today. For more than 170 years, Jewish families have called Columbus home, building a vibrant community grounded in faith, learning, and service.

As Columbus continues to grow, we look forward—with G-d’s help—to welcoming new generations who will meet the challenges and embrace the blessings of Jewish life at Temple Israel.