| Ahavath Beth Israel | |
|---|---|
 Ahavath Beth Israel synagogue, in 2010 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Daniel B. Fink |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 11 North Latah Street,Boise,Idaho 83706 |
| Country | United States |
  Location inIdaho | |
| Coordinates | 43°36′19″N116°13′48″W / 43.60528°N 116.23000°W /43.60528; -116.23000 |
| Architecture | |
| Architects | Chestney & Schroeder |
| Type | Synagogue architecture |
| Style | |
| General contractor | Judkins & Co. |
| Established | 1986(merged congregation)
|
| Groundbreaking | 1895 |
| Completed |
|
| Construction cost | $3,159 |
| Materials | Wood, shingles |
| Website | |
| cabi-boise | |
Ahavath Beth Israel | |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000432 |
| Added to NRHP | November 3, 1972 |
Ahavath Beth Israel, officiallyCongregation Ahavath Beth Israel (transliterated fromHebrew as "Love of the House of Israel"), is aReformJewish congregation andsynagogue, located at 11 North Latah Street, inBoise,Idaho, in the United States. Its 1896 building is amongst theoldest synagogues in continuous use west of theMississippi River.[1] The congregation is affiliated with theUnion for Reform Judaism.[2]
Boise's first Jews were present in the mining camps in the 1860s, but it was not until 1895 thatCongregation Beth Israel (Hebrew for "House of Israel") was formed. Most of the congregants were fromGermany[3] andCentral Europe and the synagogue followed the Reform tradition.[4]Moses Alexander, mayor of Boise and governor of Idaho, was an early leader of the congregation.
The building was erected in 1896, and given a careful restoration in 1982.[5]
Congregation Ahavath Israel (Hebrew for "Love of Israel") was founded in 1912 byOrthodox immigrants from Eastern Europe.[4] The congregation erected a building at the corner of 27th and Bannock Streets in 1947. The two congregations merged in 1986 to become Ahavath Beth Israel.[5]
A personal memoir/history of Congregation Ahavath Israel was written by one of its member leaders, the late Mr. Joel Stone; a copy of this book is obtainable through the congregation's lending library. A more comprehensive history of Ahavath Beth Israel (which focuses more on Beth Israel's history) was alsoprivately published for limited release by a former member, and is likewise available through the congregation.[citation needed]
The synagogue's wood-shingled 1896 building blends two architecture styles popular with turn-of-the-century Jewish congregations. The exterior is mainly the popularRundbogenstil style, though the tall windows flanking the large, rose window are in the form ofHorseshoe arches. ThisMoorish Revival detail continues on the inside, where thebarrel-vaulted ceiling is supported by horseshoe arches. The architect described the building as designed in a modern Moorish style.[6]
In 1972 the synagogue was added to theNational Register of Historic Places. In 2003 the building wasmoved from its original location on State Street to its current location on Latah Street. During the move documentation was discovered showing the original construction was partially financed byMarshall Field andLevi Strauss & Co.[7]
Media related toAhavath Beth Israel (Boise, Idaho) at Wikimedia Commons
