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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Keokuk in Lee County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains) |
First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa
B'nai Israel Congregation
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By Jerry Klinger, circa 2006 | |
| | | 1. B'nai Israel Congregation Marker | | Site of the first permanent Jewish house of worship in Iowa. | | |
Inscription. Jews have been part of the social, economic and cultural life of Iowa since the early 19th century. It was not until 1855 that the Jewish population in Keokuk grew large enough to establish a religious community, Congregation B’nai Israel ( Children of Israel). The congregation initially rented space for religious worship at the corner of Main and 7th streets. Through the combined efforts of both Jews and Christians alike, funds were raised and a permanent synagogue was constructed at 8th and Blondeau Streets in 1877. The building was sold, in 1938, to the Keokuk Gospel Center to continue as a house of faith until 1957 when it was torn down.
Congregation B’nai Israel, in Keokuk, affirmed the American principle of freedom of religion and assembly.
Erected 2006 by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, City of Keokuk, Iowa Jewish Historical Society.
Location. 40° 23.881′ N, 91° 23.033′ W. Marker is in Keokuk, Iowa, in Lee County. Marker is on 7th and Blondeau. Click for map. Marker is located directly across the street from the County Courthouse and administrative office. Marker is in this post office area: Keokuk IA 52632, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, as the crow flies| | | | 
By Jerry Klinger, circa 2006 | |
| | | 2. B'nai Israel Congregation Marker | | |
. National Association for Music Education (a few steps from this marker); The Estes House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Illinois (approx. 1.7 miles away in Illinois); Thy Wondrous Story, Illinois (approx. 3.6 miles away in Illinois); Nauvoo, Illinois (approx. 9.8 miles away in Illinois); Nauvoo House (approx. 9.8 miles away in Illinois); Bidamon Stable (approx. 9.9 miles away in Illinois); The Homestead (approx. 9.9 miles away in Illinois). Click for a list of all markers in Keokuk.
Regarding First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa. In the 1880's, Keokuk, Iowa was home to the largest Jewish community in the mid-west.
Also see . . . The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation is a non-profit, volunteer organization. The purpose of the Society is to identify and recognize sites of American Jewish Historical interest. The Society sponsors and promotes programs of local and national historic interest. Cooperating with local Historical Societies, Communities, Churches and Synagogues, the Society encourages dialogue and interactive recognition of the commonality of the American Experience. (Submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. | | | | 
By Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012 | |
| | | 3. First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa Marker | | |
Jewish American, Keokuk, B'Nai Israel, synagogue |
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By Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012 | |
| | | 4. First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa Marker | | |
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Credits. This page originally submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. This page has been viewed 877 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on May 16, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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