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Souvenirs of Community
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The exhibit you are
about
to see features 61 American synagogues from 30 different states. Some
of
these synagogues have been remodeled or demolished since these
postcards
were printed. In image and story, however, these spiritual buildings
remain
in memory.
These buildings all served their communities in a number of ways. Many
synagogue
stories began with the purchase of a cemetery. Oftentimes these plots
of
land dictated where the community built its first, and many times
subsequent,
synagogues. While a formal edifice of communal worship, the American
synagogue
was not only a house of prayer. Many of these synagogues brought
scattered
families together to build strong communities. They are also houses of
learning,
symbols of dedication to the teachings of Torah, and emblematic of
ancient
times and lands. Architectural designs of Spanish, Moorish, classical
and
Byzantine influence emphasized connections to Middle Eastern and
Biblical
ideas. These large, ambitious buildings were constructed deliberately
in
contrast to Gothic style cathedral exteriors. Exemplified by these
postcards,
American synagogues are also landmarks, places for traveling Jews to
attend
worship services, or connect with family and friends.
Some of the following postcards were printed regionally or even locally
to
promote tourism. Inexpensive souvenirs, used both as collectibles and
as
vehicles of communication, these cards portray inspiring sites. Sending
and
receiving postcards keep people connected. As gifts, they can foster
social
relationships and strengthen communities. Synagogues were extremely
popular
subjects for early Jewish postcards.
Many of these cards memorialize buildings and communities that have
moved
on or vanished. If you have any information about a synagogue in the
exhibition,
please email
us.
Copyright ©1999-2004 by the National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, PA