B'er Chayim Temple - Cumberland, Maryland
Posted by: Groundspeak Charter Member BruceS
N 39° 39.047 W 078° 45.634
17S E 692136 N 4391395
Historic Jewish temple in Cumberland, Maryland.
Waymark Code: WMKDPB
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 03/26/2014
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member Tante.Hossi
Views: 4

The B'er Chayim Temple (Hebrew for Well of Life, a metaphor in which Torah is likened to water) in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, was built in 1866 for the local Jewish congregation. Originally Orthodox, it is now Reform. It is one of the oldest congregations in Maryland and its 1865 building is one of the oldest synagogue buildings in the United States.

The first Jewish resident recorded in Cumberland dates to 1816. Twelve families were living in Cumberland, which then had a population of 6,150, in 1853 when congregation B'ere Chayim was incorporated by the state legislature. The congregation was orthodox when the temple was built, although it is now a Reform congregation.

In 1865-67 the congregation built a two-story, Greek revival synagogue building on the corner of South Centre and Union Streets. The facade is ornamented with four pilasters, a handsome pediment, and four very un-Greek Rundbogenstil, or round-arched, windows. The building was constructed by local builder John B. Walton. Prayers and sermons were originally held in German, rather than Hebrew.

- Wikipedia

The temple was restored in 2011 and is in excellent condition.

Status: Active house of prayer

Denomination/Group: Reformed

Address:
Union and S. Centre Sts
Cumberland, Maryland


Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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