Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Shaarai Shomayim
First Jewish House of Worship in Alabama - 1846
Photographed By Jerry Klinger
1. Shaarai Shomayim Marker
Jews have been part of Alabama’s economic, social and political life since 1764. It was not until 1841 that Mobile’s small Jewish community grew large enough to organize “Congregation” Shaarai Shomayim (Gates of Heaven). The community dedicated a small building on St. Emanuel St., between Church and Government Sts., December 27, 1846, as the first Jewish house of worship in Alabama. Shaarai Shomayim moved to a larger location on Jackson St., between St. Louis and St. Michael Sts., in 1853. The structure burned in 1856 but was quickly rebuilt through the combined ecumenical efforts of Christians and Jews in 1858.
Shaarai Shomayim, affirmed in Alabama, the American principles of freedom of religion, assembly and the commonality of communities of faith.
Erected 2006 by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1886.
Location. 30° 41.289′ N, 88° 2.959′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. Marker is on Government Street, on the right
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. H. Roger Williams (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barton Academy (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Barton Academy (about 600 feet away); Andrew N. Johnson (about 700 feet away); Old Church Street Cemetery - 1819 (about 700 feet away); Creole Firehouse #1 (about 700 feet away); The Quigley House (about 700 feet away); Dr. Thomas N. Harris (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.
Also see . . .
1. The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. Society website homepage:
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.)
2. Mobile's Jewish community
Photographed By Jerry Klinger, circa 2006
2. Shaarai Shomayim Marker
Additional keywords. Jewish American, Mobile, Alabama, JASHP, Historic Mobile Preservation Society, Synagogue
circa 1853
3. Congregation Shaarai Shomayim
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,382 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
