First Congregation Sons of Israel

 First Congregation Sons of Israel

April 7th, 2022

Acording to the their website, the "First Congregation Sons of Israel is the oldest Synagogue in “The Nation’s Oldest City”, St. Augustine, Florida. Located in the beautiful historic district at 161 Cordova Street... who believe  "that it is incumbent upon the Jewish people to shape Judaism in every generation by grappling with traditional values and ideas within a contemporary context."

Source Link: Website

                                                                        

                                                                        Interior Images:

This first image shows up close and personal, the detail behind the antique stained glass windows located in the temple. Originally, these windows were located in a different place of worship, however when that place was torn down, the artwork was brought to the First Congregation Sons of Israel to continue its legacy. 

This image shows the Torah books all lined up. the Torah (also known as the Pentateuch or five Books of Moses) is a sacred reading in the Jewish faith and similar to a bible is read during services. 

Exterior Images:

this first image shows the stained glass mosaic that was made in front of the building with extra pieces of the windows.

this image shows the amazing detail on the building, including the lion above the address.

In Conversation:

Website

This temple, located in Rochester NY is quite the excentric design. Similar to the First Congregation Sons of Israel, they are all about bringing people together and educating people on the history and importance of the jewish faith. 

Website

While there aren't many Jewish memorials in America, this one shows George Washington, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, an American Jew who played a key role in the Revolutionary War. This monument entitled, The Three Patriots highlights the importance of judaism in American History.

Literary In Conversation:

Craig Santos Perez - Habitat Threshold

who age who change who language who pain who play who pray who save

This line in Perezs' poem entitles "We Aren't the Only Species" shows the importance of coming together. Something that not only the First Congregation Sons of Israel, but the entire Jewish faith holds dearly. The lines "who language" and "who pray" are especially important, because they show that no matter who you are or where you are from, that you communicate with others.

Creative Component:

Website 

Although the two doors no longer line up, this before and after, shows how the First Congregation Sons of Israel changed after the flood damage, and introduction of the stained glass windows.