The Jewish Community in NY Southern Tier is dated all the way back to mid 19th Century. Congregation Kol Ami (2011) brings together the rich history of Elmira’s former Jewish communities: Temple B’nai Israel and Congregation Shomray Hadath.

 

By 1878 Temple B’nai Israel at No. 110 High Street in Elmira, NY; had 26 members with Rabbi Jacob Stahl officiating.

 

By 1891 Congregation  Shomeray Hodath, at 158 and 160 Orchard Street in Elmira NY had 35 members with Rabbi  Isaac Perkowitz officiating.

 

In the early 20th Century Elmira had grown so much that we had THREE places of worship, serving orthodox, conservative, and reform members:

• Children of Israel, 110 High St. Rev. Jacob Marcus, Rabbi.

• Sullivan Street Synagogue, Congregation Talmud Torah, 124 Sullivan. Rev. Moses Yudleman, Rabbi.

• Orchard Street Synagogue, Congregation Shomar Haddath, 158 and 160 Orchard. Rev. Barney Levine, Rabbi.

 

 

 

To find out more about the Jewish communities of the region