the Ruth Lester Playhouse was re-dedicated as a Jewish Synagogue today with members of the Messianic Congregation and representatives of most of the Jefferson area churches present.
The service, which lasted almost 90 minutes, was a first in many aspects for most of the audience.
”It’s a unique thing,” said Rabbi Linda Gutierrez, “to bring life back into the temple after so many years. And a blessing to have the community here with us.”
Last week, in a special service, a Torah was placed in the Ark which was opened two weeks ago after nearly 60 years.
The building was constructed in 1870s by the Mount Sinai Congregation and was a synagogue until the late 1920s. It has been a Catholic School until the 1950s and is currently owned by the Excelsior Foundation and the Jesse Allen Wise Garden Club.
Bethel Temple Fellowship will have weekly services in the building on The Sabbath and is open to all denominations to participate.
The community of Jefferson, and Greater Marion County, have been absolutely awesome towards our congregation! If you read the book about Jews in Jefferson, it tells of a time when all the other churches in town, got a crowd up, to fill up the synagogue to provide a congregation. Well, history repeated itself, nearly 100 years later last Saturday. I thank everyone who came. I am glad to call Marion County, and Jefferson: HOME!