Congregation B’nai Israel, Jackson TN, A Warm and Welcoming Congregation
- May 1
- 3 min read
The warm and welcoming Congregation B’nai Israel was founded in 1885 and is one of the oldest Jewish congregations in Tennessee. It reflects a Jewish presence in Jackson dating back to the 1820s. The synagogue, located at 401 West Grand Street, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
I would like to extend my gratitude to David Cohen of Congregation B’nai Israel for his guidance in the preparation of this article.
Community and Values
The congregation practices Reform Judaism with an emphasis on inclusiveness, openness, and non-judgment. It welcomes individuals and families from all backgrounds and fosters a strong sense of community and friendship. Membership is accessible, with no one excluded for financial reasons. According to Mike Silver, president of the congregation, president of the congregation from 2007 to 2015, they are a like-minded family who give their members an opportunity to worship and communicate with G-d in their own way.
Religious Life and Education
Worship services are conducted in both Hebrew and English. The congregation supports lifelong Jewish learning, especially for children, who are taught the values and teachings of the Torah. Members are encouraged to connect with God in personal and meaningful ways.
Beliefs and Principles
The congregation upholds the central tenets of Judaism—God, Torah, and Israel—and embraces Tikkun Olam, the responsibility to improve the world through ethical behavior, charity, and social action. The Torah serves as the foundation of their religious life.
History
In 1824, James Monroe was serving as the fifth president of the United States. That same year, Jackson, Tennessee was incorporated, and Jewish residents were already living in the area. A new wave of Jewish settlers arrived in the 1840s, many of them immigrants from Germany who came as merchants and traders. In 1867, two years after the Civil War ended, another influx of Jewish settlers came to the region. Among the earliest was Julius Friedlob, who traveled on horseback from Memphis in 1867 to open a dry goods store. By 1872, there were 21 Jewish merchants in Jackson. The town’s growth as a railroad hub encouraged continued Jewish immigration, and in 1885, Congregation B’nai Israel was officially chartered.
Services were initially held in members’ homes or in rented spaces such as Kisber’s Department Store. In 1885, the congregation purchased a lot on North Cumberland Street for $500. In 1897, they traded that property, along with an additional $600, for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church building on College Street, which was subsequently converted into their synagogue.
It was in 1907 that the congregation chose to affiliate with Reform Judaism. It 1924, the congregation started to gather money for a new building to be designed by Memphis architect Carl Heyer. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church building served as the congregation's place of worship until 1941, and this was when the current synagogue building was completed. The first service held in the new building was on Rosh Hashanah Eve, September 12, 1941.
The synagogue’s design reflects both Romanesque and Art Deco influences. Its curves and rectangular forms are characteristic of Art Deco, while the arched doorways, windows, and walls reflect the Romanesque style. One notable feature of the building is its 25 stained-glass windows, each serving as a memorial to a former member of the congregation.
Another distinctive element is the use of pews from the original Cumberland Presbyterian Church building, which were preserved and installed in the synagogue; these pews are approximately 150–170 years old. The synagogue also houses three Torahs dating back to the 1800s, originally from Europe. Classrooms were added to the building in 1962.
The temple was listed on the National register of Historic Places on July 16, 2008.
Congregation B’nai Israel reflects the principles of Reform Judaism while honoring a rich historical legacy. The synagogue’s architecture blends Romanesque and Art Deco influences, featuring striking stained-glass windows and preserving pews from its original structure, which began as a church. This fusion of old and new mirrors the spirit of today’s congregation. Established in 1885, it stands as one of the oldest Jewish congregations in Tennessee.
Contact Information:
Congregation B’nai Israel, 401 West Grand, Jackson, Tennessee 38308
Phone: PO Box 10906, Jackson, Tennessee 38308
Website: congregationbnai-israel.org/
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