KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue-Chicago, IL - Illinois Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Marker reads:

Chicago Landmark

K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Temple
Alfred Alschuler, architect
1924

This building, based on Byzantine precedents, houses the oldest Jewish congregation in Chicago. The first Jewish settlers in the city organized Kehilath Anshe Maariv in 1847. Isaiah Israel has its roots in the city's second congregation, founded in 1852. In 1971, the two merged to form K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Temple.

Dedicated a Chicago Landmark on June 9, 1977
by the City Council of Chicago
Michael A. Bilandic, Mayor

Commission on Chicago
Historical and Architectural Landmarks

More information:

Built in 1924, the Byzantine-inspired building was designed by Alfred S Alschuler and named an official Chicago landmark in 1977. It is in the historic Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago and is across the street from the Obama family's Chicago home.

From their website:

"Established in 1847, Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv (KAM) is the oldest synagogue in Illinois. Although KAM began as an Orthodox congregation, our members began to reform their practice almost from the beginning. In 1852, conflict over issues of Reform and traditional observances led to the creation of a new congregation, B'nai Sholom. In 1874, KAM became a founding member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now known as the Union for Reform Judaism.

"Isaiah Temple was organized in 1895, with Temple Israel following in 1896. Finally, in 1906 Temple Israel merged with Congregation B'nai Sholom, and relocated to the South Side. In 1924, Isaiah Temple dedicated they're brand new Hyde Park Building, and a month later merged with B'nai Sholom Temple Israel, taking the name Temple Isaiah Israel. In 1971, KAM and Temple Isaiah Israel merged, and took our current name."

(visit link)

County: Cook Historical Society: Chicago Dedication Date: June 9, 1977 Location: Greenwood & 51st in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago Website: Not listed

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