Shandon in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Tree of Life Synagogue
October 2018
1. Tree of Life Synagogue Marker
Inscription.
Tree of Life Synagogue. . In 1896 members of 18 Jewish families assembled to worship at the Independent Fire Company’s station overlooking Sidney Park. Organized as Etz Chayim (Tree of Life), this group’s members embraced Judaism’s Reform branch or liberal movement. In 1907, members moved into the first temple built in Columbia since the Civil War. Located at 1320 Lady St., the synagogue was paid for by funds raised by local Jewish citizens. To meet the needs of their growing congregation, Tree of Life members began making plans for a new synagogue in 1950. Following a design by Columbia firm LBC&W, M.B. Kahn Construction erected a modern temple in 1952. The highly-touted, contemporary building was a unique addition to the Shandon neighborhood. The Reform congregation worshipped here until 1986, when members relocated to a new synagogue in Forest Acres.
In 1896 members of 18 Jewish families assembled to worship at the Independent Fire Company’s station overlooking Sidney Park. Organized as Etz Chayim (Tree of Life), this group’s members embraced Judaism’s Reform branch or liberal movement. In 1907, members moved into the first temple built in Columbia since the Civil War. Located at 1320 Lady St., the synagogue was paid for by funds raised by local Jewish citizens. To meet the needs of their growing congregation, Tree of Life members began making plans for a new synagogue in 1950. Following a design by Columbia firm LBC&W, M.B. Kahn Construction erected a modern temple in 1952. The highly-touted, contemporary building was a unique addition to the Shandon neighborhood. The Reform congregation worshipped here until 1986, when members relocated to a new synagogue in Forest Acres.
Erected 2016 by Historic Columbia, Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative, and Jewish Historical Society of SC. (Marker Number 40-192.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 33° 59.46′ N, 81° 0.371′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Shandon. Marker is at the intersection of Woodrow Street
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and Heyward Street, on the right when traveling north on Woodrow Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Woodrow Street, Columbia SC 29205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2018. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
