The Jewish Genealogy Society of Colorado
Annual Meeting
Featuring presentations on The fascinating history of Temple Aaron of Trinidad and Temple Israel of Leadville
Two of the oldest synagogues of Colorado.
Join Marty Dubin, descendent of one of the original founders of Temple Aaron and William A.Korn President of the Temple Israel Foundation
Sunday June 2nd 2024
Temple Emanuel In-person only
51 Grape Street Denver
2 PM to 4 PM
Afternoon Tea
No Charge but everyone must register
Guests welcome
https://jgsco.org/event-5687503
The Temple Aaron is among the oldest synagogues in the state of Colorado and, in December 2023, was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Temple Aaron is one of 16 sites across the country to receive NHL designation this year. NHLs are some of the nation’s most historically important buildings and sites, and are chosen for their historical, archeological, architectural, and cultural significance.In fact, when the town incorporated in 1876, its first mayor, Sam Jaffa, was Jewish. The local Jewish community founded Congregation Aaron (named after Sam’s father) in 1883. Six years later in 1889, for the princely sum of approximately $12,000, the congregation built the magnificent red brick structure that still graces 407 South Maple Street today- Temple Aaron. It is one of less than two dozen original structures that have continuously been synagogues since the 19th century in the United States, and the second oldest such structure west of the Mississippi River. https://www.templeaaron.org
Temple Israel of Leadville. The town of Leadville personified the classic Western American boomtown from the 1870s through WWI and into the 20th century. Populated by characters now routinely associated with the Old West. Newly arrived Jewish immigrants also journeyed up the mountains to taste opportunities formerly denied under their oppressive countries of origin. These pioneering Jews, who reflected all strata of society in their adopted land — whether as merchants, tradesmen, mine owners, or laborers — made new lives for themselves, their families, and contributed to America’s growing preeminence. By 1893, Leadville had two synagogue buildings. Reform Jews built the first one in 1884, while the Orthodox Jews converted in late 1892 a former church into an Orthodox Synagogue. http://www.jewishleadville.org
